Nurse Residency Summer 2027: Critical Care Pathway

ChristianaCare•Newark, DE

28d

About The Position

ChristianaCare is recruiting new graduate nurses for its Critical Care Pathway Nurse Residency Track, with the Summer 2027 cohort beginning July 19, 2027. The accredited residency is designed to support nurses with less than one year of experience as they transition into intensive care nursing. It combines progressive clinical training, mentorship, seminars, and professional development to build clinical competence and confidence. Residents complete 5 to 6 weeks of intensive, preceptor-led training on a stepdown unit, with mentorship from the Critical Care Nurse Residency Coordinator. They then transition to their ICU placement for up to 18 additional weeks of specialty orientation. The program provides up to 26 weeks of preceptor-led clinical training, followed by residency seminars throughout the first year of practice. Potential placements include the Surgical ICU (Shock/Trauma), Neuro ICU, Medical ICU, Cardiovascular ICU, and Wilmington Campus ICU (Medical/Surgical Intensive Care). Placement is determined through the selection and interview process. For external candidates and internal caregivers seeking a different unit, an additional interview with ICU leadership takes place during the final week of stepdown training. Candidates may participate in shadow experiences at critical care units across the Newark, Wilmington, and Cecil campuses before that interview. The curriculum includes classroom instruction, high-fidelity simulation, peer support and mentoring, preceptor-guided clinical experiences, evidence-based practice, critical-thinking development, interdisciplinary collaboration, communication and leadership training, quality and patient safety education, and professional development opportunities. Before the program start date, participants must pass the NCLEX and obtain Delaware or Compact State RN licensure. Upon hire, residents sign a commitment agreement for two years of employment with ChristianaCare and at least 15 months on their original unit of hire. Failure to fulfill the commitment may result in a repayment obligation of up to $10,000. The position pays a flat rate of $39.38 per hour, plus applicable differentials. The actual compensation offered may depend on skills, relevant experience, and qualifications. ChristianaCare offers eligible employees health insurance, paid time off, retirement, and an employee assistance program.

Requirements

Graduate from an accredited nursing program before June 2027; a BSN is 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 program start date.
Successfully pass the NCLEX before the program start date.
Be willing and able to work days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Submit a cover letter addressed to Tara Miles, a current resume, and an unofficial nursing school transcript.
If qualified, complete the required HeyMilo audio interview and SkillSurvey clinical reference process, including entering two clinical instructors.
Sign an employment commitment agreement for two years with ChristianaCare and a minimum of 15 months on the original unit of hire.

Nice To Haves

Previous work experience in a healthcare setting.
Critical care clinical rotations.
Shadowing or observational experience in critical care environments.
BSN degree.

Responsibilities

Complete 5 to 6 weeks of preceptor-led clinical training on a stepdown unit.
Transition to an assigned ICU and complete up to 18 additional weeks of specialty critical care orientation.
Participate in up to 26 weeks of preceptor-led clinical training and residency seminars throughout the first year of practice.
Develop clinical excellence, time management, prioritization, critical thinking, and professional confidence.
Participate in classroom instruction, high-fidelity simulation, mentoring, evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, communication and leadership training, and quality and patient safety education.
Fulfill the employment commitment of two years with ChristianaCare, including at least 15 months on the original unit of hire.