Nurse Residency Program: Progressive Care Track 2026

Christiana Care; Newark (DE); On-site; USD 34,749 - 42,471; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & eyecare

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Pet insurance

Financial coaching

Job summary

Christiana Care in Newark, Delaware is seeking candidates for their Nurse Residency Program, specifically in the Progressive Care Track. Graduates from accredited nursing schools are encouraged to apply, with all starting dates available.

This residency program provides essential training and a supportive environment aimed at enhancing the skills and competencies of new nurses. The position offers a flat pay rate of $38.61/hr and comprehensive benefits starting from day one.

Participants must secure Delaware RN licensure and commit to a minimum of two years of service upon hiring.

Qualifications

• Graduating from an accredited nursing school.
• BLS certification required.
• Less than 12 months of nursing experience by the start.

Responsibilities

• Complete preceptor-led training on nursing units.
• Participate in residency meetings during the program.
• Build a foundation for nursing practice.

Skills

Registered Nurse

BLS certification

Critical thinking

Education

Accredited nursing school (BSN preferred)

Job description

Program Overview

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 to register and for more information.

Senior Nursing Students, Nurse Graduates, and new RN’s, it is time to apply for our Nurse Residency Program: Progressive Care Track! This is a rolling application available for all start dates. 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 demonstrates that new to practice nurses completing a structured and accredited residency program leads to:
• Increase in competency
• Reduction of error
• Reduced self‑reported stress
• Increase in job satisfaction

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

Curriculum Highlights

This exciting curriculum integrates:

• Lecture and simulation education
• Peer support
• Up to 16 weeks (as determined by your individual transition to practice needs) of preceptor‑led clinical experiences structured to foster critical thinking, evidence‑based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, effective communication, quality and safety, and professional development.

The progressive care nurse resident will complete preceptor‑led training on our intermediate or transitional level step‑down units at our Newark or Wilmington campuses. The nurse resident completes preceptor‑led training followed by continued residency meetings during months 6, 8, 10, and 12 to further develop as professional nurses and integral member of our caregiver team.

Upon completion of this program, participants will have built a strong foundation for nursing practice in a fast‑paced, challenging environment, bridging care for medically complex patients outside of the Intensive Care Unit.

Requirements

• Graduating from an accredited nursing school (BSN preferred)
• BLS required
• Less than 12 months of nursing experience by the start of the program
• Eligible for Delaware license as a Graduate Nurse/Registered Nurse or RN license from a compact state

Units Available (subject to change)

• Newark: 2B: Transitional Neuro Unit
• Newark: 3D: Transitional Medical Unit
• Newark: 5E: Heart Failure
• Newark: 3C: Intermediate Medical Unit

How to Apply

In the application, in the section "My Experience," upload your cover letter and transcripts in the section "Resume/CV/Other Documents." PDF format works best. Submit a cover letter for the Progressive Care Nurse Residency expressing your interest in this specific program/specialty. Please address your cover letter to Carolyn Gutzmirtl.

Resumes, transcripts (unofficial), and two clinical recommendations will be required, but not at the time of the application. If the minimum qualifications are met, a separate email will be sent from an outside vendor for you to provide our clinical instructors’ information.

We are conducting in‑person interviews every Wednesday and Thursday. To be interviewed you must have completed:

• One video on‑demand interview through Hey Milo
• Both clinical instructor references completed through Skill Survey

What to Expect After Application

Communication from the Talent Acquisition Team about specific next steps, including: video interview and clinical references. Applications will be sent for review by residency coordinators. Offers will be made once all scheduled interviews are completed.

Start Dates

Summer 2026 Start Dates

• July 7th
• July 20th
• August 3rd
• August 17th
• August 31st (unavailable for internal promotions)

Fall 2026 Start Date

• October 26th
• November 9th
• November 23rd
• December 7th
• January 4th, 2027

Compensation

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 but not limited to skills, relevant experience, and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements.

Benefits

We are a 4x recognized Magnet Status Hospital and offer a robust benefits package, including medical, dental & eyecare, starting day one. Additional benefits include paid time off, paid parental leave, competitive pay with shift differentials, tuition reimbursement, dependent care assistance, pet insurance, financial coaching, fitness & wellness reimbursements, and discounts on multiple services and events.

Commitment

Participants must pass State Boards and be licensed as an RN in the State of Delaware (or a compact state) prior to starting. Upon hire, a commitment agreement to work at ChristianaCare will be signed. The agreement requires completion of two years with the requirement to remain on the unit of hire for a minimum of 15 months. Individuals unable to fill this commitment will be charged $10,000.

Notes

It is important to note that the Delaware license 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 encourage applicants to begin the fingerprinting and background check process immediately after submitting your application.

Contact: Cathleen Mengel, Nurse Residency Recruiter – [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity Employer

Christiana Care Health System is an equal opportunity employer, firmly committed to prohibiting discrimination. Qualified applicants are considered 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.