Nurse Residency Summer 2027- Neonatal ICU Track

ChristianaCare; Newark (DE); On-site; USD 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

ChristianaCare invites applications for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Nurse Residency Program, Summer 2027 Cohort, starting July 19, 2027 at ChristianaCare in Newark, Delaware. The program is designed for graduates or new RNs seeking neonatal critical care experience and builds clinical skills through structured learning and preceptorship.

The NICU residency is a 26-week program in a Level III NICU with classroom learning, simulation, and hands-on clinical experiences, followed by

Qualifications

• 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: Days, Evenings, Nights, Weekends, Holidays.

Skills

BLS certification

Shift flexibility

Education

Graduate from an accredited nursing program before June 2027 (BSN preferred)

Job description

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.

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


• Professional Development


• Quality and patient safety education

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

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

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 ChristianaCare


• 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.