Nurse Residency Summer - Neonatal ICU Track

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurse Residency Program

Summer 2027 Cohort | Christiana Care

Final date to receive applications: December 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM

Are you a senior nursing student, recent nursing graduate, or new RN looking to begin your career in neonatal critical care? Christiana Care is now accepting applications for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurse Residency Program
, starting July 19, 2027
.

The Christiana Care Nurse Residency Program is accredited with distinction as a Practice Transition Program by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation in Practice Transition Programs, demonstrating our commitment to excellence in nursing education and professional development.

Why Choose a Nurse Residency Program?

Research shows that nurses who complete a structured, accredited residency program experience:

• Increased clinical competency
• Reduced medical errors
• Lower self-reported stress
• Higher job satisfaction

At Christiana Care, we are dedicated to supporting nurses with less than one year of experience through a specialty-focused residency pathway that promotes professional growth, confidence, and clinical excellence.

Program Overview

The NICU Nurse Residency Program is a comprehensive 26-week program that combines classroom learning, simulation-based training, and preceptor-led clinical experiences within our Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
.

Located in Christiana Care's state-of-the-art Women & Children's Building, the NICU features:

• Private patient rooms with rooming-in capabilities for families
• Innovative Couplet Care rooms that allow mothers to remain close to their babies
• An expanded nursing model that includes care for postpartum mothers through Christiana Care's pioneering Couplet Care Program

Following the initial residency experience, participants continue their professional development through residency sessions during months 8, 10, and 12
.

This program is designed for graduate nurses who are passionate about neonatal critical care and possess strong critical thinking abilities, curiosity, and a commitment to learning.

Residency Curriculum

Participants will benefit from:

• Classroom and simulation-based education
• Peer support and mentorship
• Preceptor-guided clinical experiences
• Evidence-based practice training
• Critical thinking development
• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Professional Development
• Quality and patient safety education

Employment Commitment

Prior to the program start date, participants must:

• Successfully pass the NCLEX
• Obtain Delaware RN licensure or Compact State RN licensure

Upon hire, nurse residents will sign a commitment agreement requiring:

• Two years of employment with Christiana Care
• A minimum of 15 months on the original unit of hire

Individuals who do not fulfill this commitment may be subject up to a $10,000 repayment obligation
.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must:

• Graduate from an accredited nursing program before June 2027 (BSN preferred)
• Hold or obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Have less than 12 months of RN experience by the program start date
• Hold a Delaware RN license or Compact State RN license before the start date
• Be willing and able to work all shifts, including:
  • Days
  • Evenings
  • Nights
  • Weekends
  • Holidays

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents with your application:

Required Documents

• Cover letter expressing your interest in the Neonatal ICU Nurse Residency Program
  • Please address your letter to Madison Valerio
• Current resume
• Unofficial nursing school transcript

Additional Required Assessments

If it's determined that you meet the minimum qualifications will receive separate emails from third-party vendors and additional instruction on how to complete the following:

Skill Survey Clinical References

• Two clinical instructors are required to be entered
• References are not needed at the time of application submission but must be entered in enough time for your instructors to respond prior to Final date to receive applications
• Qualified candidates will receive instructions to submit contact information for clinical instructors

Hey Milo Audio Interview Questions

• Completion of audio interview question is required

• Instructions will be provided via email after qualification review

Both the Skill Survey and Hey Milo assessments must be completed before a candidate can be considered for interviews.

What to Expect After Applying and Timeline

Qualified candidates will receive communication from the Talent Acquisition Team regarding required next steps, including:

• Hey Milo…