Certified Nursing Assistant Residency Program; PCT - Oppo

Patient Care Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant Residency Program

We offer a paid 10‑week residency program in partnership with the Delaware Skills Center, Dawn Career Institute, and Christiana Care Health System. The program integrates classroom and clinical components. Upon successful completion of the 6‑week Certified Nursing Assistant Course, candidates take the Delaware State Test for Nurse Aide Certification. After passing, they transition to Christiana Care for approximately 4 weeks of clinical training.

• First 6 weeks: instructor‑led didactic and clinical training with Delaware Skills Center in New Castle, DE or Dawn Career Institute in Newark, DE.
• Following 4 weeks: preceptor‑led clinical training in an acute‑care inpatient setting at either the Newark or Wilmington campus.
• Program starts on Monday, July 6th or Monday, August 17th, 2026.
• Hourly starting rate: $16.50 with full health‑care benefits during training and fully paid tuition.
• Program designed for individuals desiring to become a Certified Nursing Assistant who have not completed a nursing‑assistant course or hold patient‑care experience.

Program Requirements

Full‑time attendance (Monday‑Friday, 6:30 am–4:00 pm) for the first 6 weeks. After residency completion, assignment to Christiana Care unit for one year (or 1,800 hours) with flexible scheduling options.

The Patient Care Technician supports daily‑living activities under RN direction and supervision. Duties include receiving and documenting vital signs, Accu‑checks, bathing, grooming, toileting, feeding, and mobilizing patients to support the organization's patient‑safety goals.

• Demonstrate skills and knowledge for caring patients at various stages of development.
• Perform nursing duties for patient comfort and well‑being.
• Respond to crisis situations and notify RN.
• Conduct finger sticks following laboratory safety policies.
• Operate point‑of‑care instrumentation as defined.
• Provide 1:1 observation for patients experiencing psychiatric crisis or suicidality under physician orders.
• Provide 1:1 observation for patients at risk of safety based on nursing assessment.
• Respond promptly and empathetically to patient needs.
• Communicate with patients, staff, and physicians courteously.
• Complete mandatory in‑service education.
• Adhere to safety rules; report unsafe conditions.
• Perform related duties as required.

High‑school graduate or equivalent. No prior nursing‑assistant coursework or direct patient‑care experience required.

BCLS certification required or acceptance into a Christiana Care‑approved Patient Care Technician training program.

Daily contact with patients, family, visitors, staff, volunteers, and students.

• Ability to stand 8–12 hours, walk, sit, bend, lift, carry, reach, twist, handle, stoop, and climb as required.

Under Nurse Manager guidance; receives direction from RN.

• Frequent exposure to biological elements; occasional exposure to chemical and environmental elements.

• Basic nursing care for the unit’s patient population.
• Knowledge of departmental standards, procedures, and nursing practice guidelines.
• Ability to assess patient needs and provide appropriate care.
• Ability to work quickly and accurately.
• Recognize changes in patient status; take timely action and notify RN.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic math skills.
• Apply safety measures for patients, employees, and self.
• Follow universal precautions continually.
• Exercise judgment, tact, and diplomacy.
• Handle crisis situations under RN direction following CCHS protocol.
• Basic computer proficiency.

• Collaborative, team‑focused environment.
• Full medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Generous paid time off with annual roll‑over and cash‑out options.
• 12‑week paid parental leave after one year of full‑time service.
• Tuition assistance.
• Work‑life perks:  membership, backup care services, retirement planning, financial mentorship, fitness and wellness reimbursement, and discounts on hotels, rental cars, theme parks, shows, sporting events, and movie tickets.

Hourly Pay Range: $16.50 – $16.50.

Christiana Care Health System is an equal‑opportunity employer, firmly committed to prohibiting discrimination and providing a workforce reflective of the community.