Nurse Residency Program: Progressive Care Track 2026

Job Details

Students graduating December 2026 or sooner - Join us on June 1, 2026 at our Newark Campus for a Nurse Residency Open House. Senior nursing students, nurse graduates and new RNs, 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

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 then attends continued residency meetings during months 6, 8, 10, and 12 to further develop as professional nurses and integral member of our caregiving 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.

Nurse residents are required to pass State Boards and be licensed as an RN in the State of Delaware (or compact state) prior to starting the position. Upon hire, a commitment agreement to work at ChristianaCare will be signed. The agreement requires a two‑year commitment with a 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.

What we have to offer to you

• We are a 4x recognized Magnet Status Hospital.
• Growth opportunities defined by our Clinical Ladder.
• We offer a robust benefits package. Our healthcare benefits include medical, dental and eye care, starting day one. Enjoy generous paid time off, paid parental leave, competitive pay with shift differentials and tuition reimbursement. Additional benefits include dependent care assistance, pet insurance, financial coaching, fitness & wellness reimbursements and discounts on multiple services and events.
• Advance your nursing skills by providing a higher level of care.

Units available at this time (subject to change)

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

How to apply

• On the application, upload your cover letter and transcripts in the "Resume/CV/Other Documents" section. PDF format is preferred.
• Submit a cover letter expressing your interest in the Progressive Care Nurse Residency program. Address the cover letter to Carolyn Gutzmirtl.
• Include your resume and unofficial transcript.
• After submitting the application, we will request two clinical recommendations at a later stage.
• Complete one video on‑demand interview through Hey Milo and submit both clinical instructor references through Skill Survey to be considered for an interview.

What to Expect After Application

• Communication from Talent Acquisition Team about next steps, including video interview and clinical references.
• Applications reviewed by residency coordinators.
• Offers will be made once all scheduled interviews are completed.

Summer 2026 Start Dates

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

Fall 2026 Start Dates

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

Contact

For any issues with your application or inquiries, please contact Cathleen Mengel, the Nurse Residency recruiter at

Note: Delaware license process may take 6–8 weeks. Failure to complete it may prevent you from starting the position if an offer is made. We strongly encourage applicants to begin the fingerprinting and background check process immediately after submitting your application.

This is a flat rate position. Any individual hired into this position will be paid $38.61 per hour 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 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. We consider 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.