American Academy of Nursing Names Five Innovative Models of Care as Edge Runners

Nurse-Designed Models to be Awarded at the 2025 Health Policy Conference

June 26, 2025 (Washington, DC)—The American Academy of Nursing (Academy) has selected five innovative models of care to be named as Edge Runners. Edge Runners are nurse-designed, nurse-led models of care that reduce cost, improve health care quality, advance health equity, and enhance consumer satisfaction. A signature initiative of the Academy, the Edge Runners program acknowledges innovative ideas that transform health. Each of these programs highlights nurses’ resourcefulness, leadership, determination, and collaboration in developing new models of providing exceptional care.

“The Academy is thrilled to designate these models of care as Edge Runners. This year’s models represent a range of nursing specialties, from post-care triage to sexual assault telehealth services to dementia support services, as well as the future of the profession through online residency programs and mobile simulation labs,” said Academy President Linda D. Scott, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FADLN, FNAP, FAAN. “Research and innovation are priorities of the Academy, and each Edge Runner model demonstrates how nurses are enhancing care, improving outcomes, and addressing important health challenges.”

HIRAID® Emergency Nursing Framework
Kate Curtis, AO PhD, RN, FAAN Professor, University of Sydney

The HIRAID® (History, Infection risk, Red flags, Assessment, Interventions, Diagnostics and reassessment/communication) Emergency Nursing Framework is an evidence-based tool designed to support emergency nurses in providing consistent, high-quality care post-triage. Developed to address increasing global emergency department (ED) demand and lack of standardized post-triage care, HIRAID® improves patient safety, documentation, communication, and clinical outcomes. It is the only validated emergency nursing framework, helping nurses manage complex, high-pressure environments with structured, continuous assessment and care. One review of 2,211 patients admitted to the ED utilizing HIRAID® resulted in a significant reduction in patient deterioration events and improvement in patient experience. HIRAID® has been implemented into 132 EDs across Australia.

Integrated Memory Care
Carolyn K. Clevenger, DNP, RN, GNP-BC, AGPCNP-BC, FAANP, FGSA, FAAN, Founder and Director, Professor, Emory University

The Integrated Memory Care (IMC) model is a nurse-led, financially sustainable, outpatient dementia care program that provides comprehensive, primary care-based services to individuals with dementia and their caregivers. It integrates medical, social, and caregiver support through an interprofessional team, reducing fragmented care. IMC has served over 3,000 patients and demonstrates reduced hospitalizations and improved caregiver outcomes. With Medicare-recognized payment models and national replication underway, IMC offers scalable, cost-effective dementia care. Early results show a drop in hospital admissions from 6.7% to under 2%, saving an estimated $1.1 million annually for a 550-patient panel.

Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program
Nicole Weathers, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, Program Director, University of Iowa College of Nursing

The Iowa Online Nurse Residency Program (IONRP) is the first fully online transition-to-practice program designed to support new graduate nurses (NGNs), especially in rural and underserved areas. It offers a standardized, evidence-based curriculum adaptable to diverse healthcare settings. Using a hub-and-spoke model, NGNs receive online education, peer support, and practical application guided by organizational leaders and preceptors. Since 2014, IONRP has expanded to 54 organizations across 13 states, improving retention, reducing costs, and empowering nurses. Nearly all participating organizations have experienced positive outcomes, including first year retention rate increases of close to 20% and noticeably improved clinical outcomes after NGN-led residency projects.

Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Telehealth (SAFE-T) System
Sheridan Miyamoto, PhD, RN, SANE-P, FAAN, Associate Professor, Pennsylvania State University Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing; Founder and Director, SAFE-T

The Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Telehealth (SAFE-T) System ensures equitable, trauma-informed care for sexual assault survivors, especially in rural areas lacking access to Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs). SAFE-T connects local providers with expert SANEs via secure telehealth and custom forensic tools, improving evidence collection, survivor support, and legal outcomes. Rooted in sustainability and community partnership, the program prepares local nurses and boosts SANE workforce retention. With a 75% retention rate, 94% patient satisfaction, and significant cost savings, the SAFE-T model effectively addresses healthcare disparities and enhances care quality for underserved populations.

Simulation in Motion – Iowa (SIM-IA)
Cormac T. O’Sullivan, PhD, MSN, CRNA, ARNP, FAANA, Clinical Professor and Program Director, University of Iowa College of Nursing

Simulation in Motion - Iowa (SIM-IA) is a nurse-led mobile simulation-based continuing education program providing hands-on emergency training to rural and critical access healthcare providers, including emergency medical services, nurses, and community members. Using three mobile units, SIM-IA delivers standardized, evidence-based simulations tailored to local needs across Iowa’s 99 counties. In the first three years, SIM-IA has offered over 2,500 hours of free education to 11,000 personnel through 650 simulations, improving emergency care readiness throughout the state.

All Academy Edge Runner profiles are available to view here. Each of these innovative models of care will be recognized at the Academy’s Health Policy Conference, taking place October 16-18, 2025, in Washington, DC.