Nurse Residency Summer 2027- Neonatal ICU Track
Job Details
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurse Residency Program
Summer 2027 Cohort | ChristianaCare
Application Deadline: 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? ChristianaCare is now accepting applications for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurse Residency Program, starting July 19, 2027.
The ChristianaCare 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 ChristianaCare, 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.
How to Apply
**Please submit the REQUIRED following documents with your application**:
- Cover letter expressing your interest in the NICU Nurse Residency Program
- Please address your letter to Madison Valerio
- Current resume
- Unofficial nursing school transcript
Additional Required Assessments
If it's determined you meet the minimum qualifications will receive separate emails from third-party vendors to complete the following:
SkillSurvey Clinical References
- Two clinical recommendations are required
- References are not needed at the time of application
- Qualified candidates will receive instructions to submit contact information for clinical instructors
HeyMilo Audio Interview
- Completion of an audio interview question is required
- Instructions will be provided via email after qualification review
Both the SkillSurvey and HeyMilo assessments must be completed before a candidate can be considered for interviews.
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 ChristianaCare'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 ChristianaCare'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
- Communication and leadership skill-building
- Quality and patient safety education
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must:
- Graduate from an accredited nursing program prior to March 2027 (BSN preferred)
- Maintain current BLS certification
- Have less than 12 months of nursing experience at the program start date
- Be eligible for Delaware or Compact State RN licensure
Prior to the start of the residency, candidates must:
- Successfully pass the NCLEX
- Obtain RN licensure in Delaware or an eligible Compact State
Employment Commitment
Upon hire, nurse residents will sign a commitment agreement requiring:
- Two years of employment with ChristianaCare
- At least 15 months on the original unit of hire
Failure to fulfill this commitment may result in a $10,000 repayment obligation.
What to Expect After Application and Timeline: Completion of required assessments: (Hey Milo and Skillsurvey)
December 17, 2026 - Application deadline
January 2027 - Applications reviewed by residency leadership
February 2027 - In-person and live virtual interviews begin
Late February 2027 - Offers extended to selected candidates
July 19, 2027 - Residency program start date
Compensation
Hourly Rate: $39.38 per hour
Additional shift differentials may apply based on schedule and eligibility.
Important Delaware Licensure Information
The Delaware RN licensure process can take 6 to 8 weeks to complete. Delays in obtaining licensure may affect your ability to begin employment on schedule if an offer is extended.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin fingerprinting and background check requirements immediately after submitting their application and to review licensure requirements through the Delaware Board of Nursing or their Compact State licensing board.
Questions?
For application assistance or program-related inquiries, please contact:
Start your nursing career in one of the region's leading neonatal intensive care environments and gain the support, training, and experience needed to thrive as a NICU nurse at ChristianaCare.
Hourly Pay Range: $38.98 - $62.38This pay rate/range represents ChristianaCare’s good faith and reasonable estimate of compensation at the time of posting. The actual salary within this range offered to a successful candidate will depend on individual factors including without limitation skills, relevant experience, and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements.Christiana Care Health System is an equal opportunity employer, firmly committed to prohibiting discrimination, whose staff is reflective of its community, and considers qualified applicants for open positions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
Post End Date
Dec 17, 2026EEO Posting Statement
ChristianaCare offers a competitive suite of employee benefits to maximize the wellness of you and your family, including health insurance, paid time off, retirement, an employee assistance program. To learn more about our benefits for eligible positions visit https://careers.christianacare.org/benefits-compensation/