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Critical Care Nurse Residency Program Jobs (NOW HIRING)

It builds strong assessment skills, critical thinking, and clinical skills, laying a solid ... care professional nurse. Residency Activities/Benefits Include: • Clinical orientation with a ...

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Critical Care Nurse Residency Program information

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$56K

$94.6K

$149.5K

How much do critical care nurse residency program jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for critical care nurse residency program in the United States is $94,610.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $101,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a critical care nurse residency program?

A Critical Care Nurse Residency Program is a structured training program designed for newly graduated nurses or nurses transitioning to critical care environments, such as intensive care units (ICUs). The program combines classroom instruction, simulation, and supervised clinical experience to help nurses develop the specialized skills needed to care for critically ill patients. Participants gain knowledge in advanced patient assessment, use of life-support equipment, and management of complex health conditions. The residency typically lasts several months and provides mentorship, peer support, and ongoing evaluation to ensure a successful transition into critical care nursing.

What can new graduates expect from the critical care nurse residency program in terms of mentorship and support during the transition to critical care nursing?

New graduates entering a Critical Care Nurse Residency Program can expect robust mentorship and structured support as they transition into the fast-paced environment of critical care. Typically, participants are paired with experienced preceptors who provide guidance, answer questions, and facilitate hands-on learning at the bedside. The program often includes classroom instruction, simulation labs, and regular feedback sessions to ensure residents gain confidence and competence. This supportive environment helps bridge the gap between academic preparation and the demands of critical care, fostering professional growth and reducing transition-related stress.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a critical care nurse residency program, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Critical Care Nurse Residency Program, you need a solid background in nursing fundamentals, a BSN or ADN degree, and an active RN license. Familiarity with critical care equipment, electronic medical records (EMRs), and advanced life support certifications such as ACLS and BLS are typically required. Strong critical thinking, resilience, and effective teamwork and communication skills help residents adapt to the demands of critical care environments. These skills and qualifications are vital for delivering safe, high-quality care to critically ill patients while learning and growing in a complex clinical setting.

What is the difference between Critical Care Nurse Residency Program vs Critical Care Nurse?

AspectCritical Care Nurse Residency ProgramCritical Care Nurse
CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN) license, possibly CCRN certificationRN license, CCRN certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentStructured training in ICU settings, mentorship programsDirect patient care in ICU or critical care units
PurposeTransition from new graduate to competent critical care nurseProvide specialized critical care services

The Critical Care Nurse Residency Program is a structured training and onboarding process designed to help new nurses develop critical care skills, whereas a Critical Care Nurse is a licensed professional providing direct patient care in critical settings. The residency program prepares nurses for the demands of critical care, making it ideal for those new to the specialty.

More about Critical Care Nurse Residency Program jobs

What cities are hiring for Critical Care Nurse Residency Program jobs?

Cities with the most Critical Care Nurse Residency Program job openings:

What states have the most Critical Care Nurse Residency Program jobs?

States with the most job openings for Critical Care Nurse Residency Program jobs include:

Infographic showing various Critical Care Nurse Residency Program job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,610 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Nurse Residency Spring 2027- Neonatal ICU Track

Newark, DE • On-site

$38.61/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Details

Students graduating December 2026 or sooner- Join us on June 1, 2026 at our Newark Campus for a Nurse Residency Open House. Click here: Nurse Residency Open House- June 1, 2026 - Fill out form - Fill out form to register and for more information.

Application will be open until 11:59pm August 16th

Calling all Senior Nurses, Nurse Graduates and new RN's, it is time to apply for our Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse Residency Program starting Spring 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.

Research validates that new to practice nurses completing a structured and accredited residency program leads to:

  • increase in competency
  • reduction of error
  • reduced self-reported stress
  • increased job satisfaction

Therefore, we are committed to supporting all registered nurses with under one year of experience through a nurse residency specialty track.

This exciting curriculum integrates:

  • Lecture and simulation education
  • Peer support
  • Preceptor-led clinical experiences structured to foster critical thinking, evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, effective communication, quality and safety, and professional development.

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurse Residency Program is a challenging 26-week program that integrates educational components with preceptor-led clinical experiences in our Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. In 2020 the NICU moved to a state-of-the-art Women & Children's building; highlights of the new building include private patient rooms with rooming in capabilities for parents and Couplet Care rooms that allow new mothers to remain close to their NICU babies. The role of the NICU nurse has expanded to include the care of postpartum mothers as part of ChristianaCare' s cutting edge Couplet Care Program. The 26-week preceptor led program is followed by continued residency meetings during months 8, 10, and 12 to further develop as professional nurses and integral members of our caregiver team.

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nurse residency is geared toward the graduate nurse who has an interest in critical care for the neonate. The ideal candidate will possess inquisitive qualities and an ability to grasp critical thinking concepts. This program was designed to allow for a smooth transition from the role of GN to the RN role for those candidates who qualify.

Nurse residents are required to pass State Boards and be licensed as a RN in the State of Delaware prior to starting position. Nurse residents are required to pass State Boards and be licensed as a RN in the State of Delaware (or compact state) prior to starting position. Upon hire, a commitment agreement to work at the ChristianaCare will be signed. The agreement requires completion of two years within ChristianaCare and 15 months of those two years on the unit of hire. Individuals unable to fill this commitment will be charged $10,000.

Requirements:

  • Graduating from accredited nursing school before March 2027 (BSN Preferred)
  • BLS required
  • Less than 12 months experience from the programs' start date
  • Eligible for Delaware or Compact State licensure as a Registered Nurse

How to apply:

  • Submit a cover letter for the Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse Residency expressing your interest in this specific program/specialty.
  • Please address your cover letter to Madison Valerio.
  • Resume
  • Transcript (unofficial)
  • Two clinical recommendations will be required, but not at the time of the application. If it is determined the minimum qualifications are met, a separate email will be sent from an outside vendor for you to provide us with your clinical instructors' information.

What to Expect After Application and Timeline:

  • Communication from Talent Acquisition Team about specific next steps including: video interview and clinical references completed through third party vendors Hey Milo and SkillSurvey (respectively).
  • Applications to be sent for review by residency coordinators on August 25th. The required tasks (SkillSurvey and Hey Milo) must be completed BEFORE August 25th in order to be considered.
  • Digital real-time and/or In-Person interviews will begin end of September and run until mid-October.
  • Nurse Residency Positions start mid-March 2027

If you have any issues with your application or any inquiries, please contact beanurse@christianacare.org

It is important to note that the DE licensing process may take 6-8 weeks to complete and the failure to do so will directly impact employees' ability to start a position if an offer is made. We strongly encourage applicants to visit the DE Board of Nursing website and begin the fingerprinting and background check process immediately after you submit your application.

This is a flat rate position, any individual hired into this position will be paid $38.61/hr plus any applicable differentials.

This is a flat rate position, any individual hired into this position will be paid $38.61/hr plus any applicable differentials. This 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

Aug 17, 2026

EEO 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 visithttps://careers.christianacare.org/benefits-compensation/