Nurse Residency Program: Progressive Care Track 2026

Job Details

Senior Nursing Students, Nurse Graduates, and new RN's, apply for our Nurse Residency Program: ProgressiveCare Track. Rolling application available for all start dates.

Program Overview

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

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

Curriculum

This exciting curriculum integrates:

• Lecture and simulation education


• Peer support


• Up to 16 weeks 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 residency meetings during months 6, 8, 10, and 12 to further develop as professional nurses and integral members 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.

Eligibility & Commitment

Nurse residents must be licensed as a RN in the State of Delaware (or a compact state) prior to starting, and will sign a commitment agreement to work at ChristianaCare for two years, remaining on the unit of hire for a minimum of 15 months. Individuals unable to meet this commitment will be charged $10,000.

What We Offer

• 4x recognized Magnet Status Hospital


• Growth opportunities defined by our Clinical Ladder


• Robust benefits package including medical, dental, eyecare, paid time off, paid parental leave, shift differentials, tuition reimbursement, dependent care assistance, pet insurance, financial coaching, fitness and wellness reimbursements, and discounts on multiple services and events


• Advance your nursing skills by providing a higher level of care

Units Available

Newark:

• 5E: Heart Failure


• 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

• In the "My Experience" section, upload your cover letter and transcripts in "Resume/CV/Other Documents." PDF format preferred


• Submit a cover letter expressing interest in this specific program/specialty


• Address cover letter to Carolyn Gutzmirtl


• Submit resume


• Submit transcript (unofficial)


• Two clinical recommendations will be required after initial screening

Interview Process

In-person interviews are conducted every Wednesday and Thursday. To be considered, applicants must complete a one-audio on-demand interview through Hey Milo and have both clinical instructor references submitted through Skill Survey.

What to Expect After Application

Communication from the Talent Acquisition Team about next steps, including video interview and clinical references. Applications are forwarded to residency coordinators. Offers are made once all scheduled interviews are complete.

Start Dates

Summer 2026:

• August 3rd


• August 17th


• August 31st (unavailable for internal promotions)

Fall 2026:

• October 26th


• November 9th


• November 23rd


• December 7th


• January 4th, 2027

Contact

If you have any issues with your application or inquiries, contact Cathleen Mengel, the Nurse Residency recruiter at

Note that the Delaware license process may take 6–8 weeks. Delay may impact start date.

Compensation

This is a flat rate position: $38.61/hr plus any applicable differentials.

Pay rate represents ChristianaCare's good faith estimate of compensation at the time of posting. The actual salary will depend on skills, experience, and qualifications.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

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

Post End Date

July 27, 2026