Member Spotlight
This month, we’re proud to spotlight Drake University’s Nursing Program and recognize the powerful impact they are making in preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals across Iowa.
For more than 140 years, Drake University has been a cornerstone of academic excellence in Des Moines. Today, that legacy continues through its innovative Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, designed to meet the growing demand for highly skilled, compassionate nurses in Iowa’s healthcare workforce.
Drake’s nursing students are drawn to the program’s mission of developing leaders, problem‑solvers, patient advocates, and change‑makers. They stay because faculty and clinical partners invest deeply in their success, supporting them through rigorous coursework, hands‑on learning, and meaningful professional development.
Located in the heart of Des Moines, Drake’s ABSN program blends over 600 hours of simulation, laboratory work, and clinical experiences with interdisciplinary education. Students learn in diverse healthcare settings and benefit from strong partnerships with regional systems, including Broadlawns Medical Center, MercyOne, UnityPoint Health, ChildServe, Blank Children’s Hospital, and The Iowa Clinic. These collaborations ensure students gain real‑world experience just minutes from campus.
Drake’s commitment to ethical practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and lifelong learning aligns closely with the values we celebrate across the ILN network. As demand for nurses continues to rise, projected at nearly 191,000 openings annually, Drake graduates are stepping forward ready to lead, innovate, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and communities.
We’re honored to highlight Drake University this month and celebrate its dedication to strengthening Iowa’s healthcare workforce through excellence in nursing education.
01
Community Matters
Pictured: The Drake University Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program and Foster SQUAD’s Operation Santa.
The Drake University Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program proudly partners with Foster SQUAD’s Operation Santa initiative and the Drake men’s and women’s basketball teams to host an annual holiday toy drive. Since the program’s inception, ABSN faculty and students have organized donation drives at home basketball games, collecting gifts that directly support children and families across Iowa. All donations contribute to the Polk County Operation Santa celebration and additional Operation Santa events held statewide, extending the program’s impact well beyond the local community.
Operation Santa, founded by Foster SQUAD, is a growing statewide initiative designed to bring joy and connection to children in foster care and their families. The program creates safe, meaningful holiday experiences where foster, biological, and kinship families can come together, reconnect, and celebrate. What began as a small gathering has expanded into a statewide effort serving thousands of children, fulfilling holiday wish lists and ensuring that Iowa’s most vulnerable children feel valued, loved, and included during the holiday season.
02
College Events
Girls in Science Festival at the Science Center of Iowa
The Girls in Science Festival is a full day of discovery for girls and their families to celebrate the incredible contributions of women in STEM while exploring the ways science impacts our daily lives. This year, Drake ABSN and Occupational Therapy Students collaborated to provide hands-on activities for attendees of the 2026 festival at the Science Center in Iowa.
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Scholarly Advances
Pictured: The Drake Nursing Faculty Team enjoying a celebratory moment.
All Drake Nursing Faculty have been engaged in scholarly work related to improving and expanding nursing education to meet the needs of current practice. One area of faculty focus is improving student clinical experiences, connections, and mentorship as they transition to professional nursing practice. A key component to this project is exploring improved academic and practice partnerships to create a streamlined network of support as individuals transition from nursing student to new graduate entering the workforce.
The zero-entry model of professional nursing practice: Adapting the dedicated education unit model within an academic-practice partnership.
This project was accepted for a Podium Presentation at the Nurse Educators Conference in the Rockies, June 22-26, 2026.
Authors: Dr. Abby Rail, Amanda McGraw, Hannah Crocker, Erin Reagen, and Dr. Katie Scott.
Read their scholarly work here.
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Collaboration is Key
IPE DAY
Hundreds of Des Moines area healthcare students; including Drake CPHS, Grandview University, Des Moines University Continuing Medical Education, Des Moines Area Community College, and Mercy College of Health Sciences students gathered for this annual event full of networking, breakout activities, guest speakers, and other programming.
This event is part of the Des Moines Area Interprofessional Collaborative (DMAIPEC) which allows students to come together and develop skills to prepare them for careers in ethical, patient-centered team based healthcare environments.
Drake is a proud participant in this program.
Additional Recognition
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Click here to read the 2025 Operation Santa Letter!
Pictured: Santa and Griff
Pictured: Operation Santa 2024
Click here to read the Operation Santa Parties!
Pictured: IPE Day
Pictured: The Girls In Science Event
Participants learned about stress and their bodies, how to listen to heartbeats using a stethoscope, take a person's blood pressure, and even had the opportunity to make a cool bracelet to take home. Students were able to interact with children and families from across Iowa at this event while exploring interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork. This activity was nominated for Drake University's Outstanding Educational Award in 2026.
Educator Spotlight:
Amanda McGraw, Assistant Professor of Drake University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences has been highlighted for the Educator Spotlight in College Events.
Amanda McGraw brings a dynamic blend of clinical expertise, academic excellence, and heartfelt mentorship to every learner she serves. Currently an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Drake University, Amanda is known for delivering engaging, evidence-based instruction that strengthens students’ clinical reasoning, confidence, and commitment to compassionate patient care. Through engaging activities, hands-on lab experiences, high-fidelity simulation, and thoughtfully guided clinical practice, she prepares future nurses to transition seamlessly from classroom learning to real-world care.
What truly distinguishes Amanda is her passion for supporting nurses at every stage of their journey. She meets learners exactly where they are—whether first-year students or newly licensed professionals—and helps them translate complex concepts into confident, safe practice. Students and peers alike value her creativity, collaborative spirit, and unwavering advocacy for the next generation of nurses.
Educator Spotlight:
Assistant Professor Dr. Abby Rail of Drake University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences has been recognized as a SPOTLIGHT EDUCATOR in Community Matters.
Dr. Abby Rail is our newest faculty member in the Drake ABSN program, joining the University as Clinical, Lab, and Simulation Coordinator in August 2024 and transitioning to full-time faculty in 2025. What makes Dr. Rail truly stand out is her exceptional ability to translate complex clinical realities into meaningful, high-fidelity simulation experiences. Drawing from her extensive background in pediatric critical care, NICU leadership, and quality improvement, she designs progressive simulation scenarios that challenge students to think critically, respond dynamically, and develop clinical judgment in real time. Her work goes beyond traditional simulation—she creates immersive, evidence-based environments where students must synthesize knowledge, prioritize care, and reflect deeply on their decision-making processes.
Dr. Abby Rail exemplifies the next generation of innovative nurse educators—blending deep clinical expertise, systems-level thinking, and a passion for student-centered learning. As an Assistant Professor at Drake University, she has rapidly distinguished herself as a leader in transforming pre-licensure nursing education through intentional curriculum design, high-impact experiential learning, and a steadfast commitment to equity and community engagement.
Educator Spotlight:
The next SPOTLIGHT EDUCATOR is Hanna Crocker, the Nursing Lab, Simulation, and Clinical Coordinator for Drake University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences. She has been highlighted for her contribution to Collaboration!
Drake University’s ABSN program is proud to highlight Hannah Crocker, ARNP, PMHNP-BC, whose dedication to student success and passion for mental health nursing make her an invaluable member of our faculty team.
In her role as Nursing Lab, Simulation, and Clinical Coordinator, Hannah plays a pivotal role in shaping meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for our students. She is instrumental in designing and implementing innovative simulation activities and skills-based learning opportunities that bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world clinical practice. Through her thoughtful guidance and mentorship, Hannah supports students as they navigate practicum rotations, fostering confidence, clinical judgment, and professional growth. Her commitment ensures that each student feels prepared, supported, and empowered as they transition into practice.
Beyond her work in academia, Hannah actively serves the community as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, bringing compassionate, evidence-based care to individuals across a variety of settings. Her clinical background includes experience in behavioral health urgent care and community-based mental health services, where she has provided timely, patient-centered care to those in need. This real-world expertise enriches her teaching, allowing her to bring current, relevant insights into the learning environment and model the impact nurses can have beyond the bedside.
Hannah’s unique blend of clinical expertise, educational innovation, and genuine compassion embodies the mission of the Drake ABSN program. She is deeply committed to preparing the next generation of nurses—not only as skilled clinicians, but as empathetic leaders who will improve the health and well-being of the communities they serve.
