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

• At least 2 Clinical Instructors need to be submitted
• References are not needed at the time of application but must be submitted in time to give your instructors enough time to reply before the deadline

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 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

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:

[email protected]

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.

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

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 visit https://careers.christianacare.org/benefits-compensation/