Nurse Residency Program: Medical or Surgical Track 2026 (Wilmington & Newark)

ChristianaCare$80K *
Healthcare
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Graduating from an accredited registered nursing school (BSN preferred)
  • BLS certification required
  • Less than 12 months of nursing experience required
  • Eligible for Delaware RN license or multi-state RN from a compact state
  • Commitment agreement to work for 2 years at ChristianaCare.

Responsibilities

  • Attend lectures and simulation education
  • Participate in preceptor-led clinical experiences
  • Engage in peer support activities
  • Develop competencies in evidence-based practice
  • Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams
  • Foster professional development through continuous learning
  • Participate in residency meetings post-hire to enhance skills.

Benefits

  • Accredited Nurse Residency Program by the American Nurses Credentialing Center
  • Access to robust healthcare benefits starting on day one
  • Generous paid time off and parental leave
  • Tuition reimbursement opportunities
  • Financial coaching and support services
  • Fitness and wellness reimbursement programs
  • Discounts on services and events.
Full Job Description
Job Details

Senior Nursing Students, Nurse Graduates and new RN's, it is time to apply for our Nurse Residency Program: Medical or Surgical Track for both Newark and Wilmington Campuses!

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.

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.


Our medical and surgical nursing units at Newark and Wilmington campuses serve an adolescent/adult/geriatric population with a wide variety of complex diagnoses and surgical procedures. Nurses having successfully completed the residency will have built a strong foundation for nursing practice in a fast-paced, challenging environment. The preceptor led program followed by continued residency meetings during months 8, 10, and 12 to further develop as professional nurses and integral members of our caregiver team.

Nurse residents are required to pass State Boards and be licensed as a RN in the State of Delaware (or compact state) prior to starting position. Upon hire, a commitment agreement to work at ChristianaCare will be signed. The agreement requires completion of two years within ChristianaCare and 15 months of those two years on the unit of hire. 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 & eyecare, starting day one! Enjoy generous paid time off, paid parental leave, competitive pay with shift differentials, 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.

Currently, the following Medical units are available ( units are subject to change any time based on the needs of the hospital):

Medical Units

3A: STAR Unit

3C: Medical Stepdown

4C: Medical Stepdown

5A: Medical Stepdown

6A: Medical Adult Care of the Elderly

6B: Medical

6W: Rehabilitation (Wilmington)

5N: Medical Telemetry (Nights Only) (Wilmington)

Currently, the following Surgical units are available ( units are subject to change any time based on the needs of the hospital):

Surgical Units

4D: Surgical

4B: Urology/GYN/General Surgical

7E: Spine and Surgical Unit

4W: Medical and Surgical (Wilmington)

Requirements:
  • Graduating from accredited registered 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 multi-state RN from a compact state
  • Must be willing and able to work all shifts (day, evening, and overnight), including weekends and holidays, during and after the residency program, based on unit staffing and operational needs.


How to apply
  • In the section "My Experience," on the application, be sure to upload your cover letter and transcripts in the section "Resume/CV/Other Documents." PDF format works best.
  • Submit a cover letter for the Medical or Surgical Nurse Residency expressing your interest in this specific program/specialty.
  • Please address your cover letters to either Cheryl Muffley (Medical) or Debbie Lykens (Surgical)
  • Resume
  • Transcript (unofficial)
  • Two clinical recommendations will be required, but not at the time of the application. If it is determined the minimum qualifications are met, a separate email will be sent from an outside vendor for you to provide us with your clinical instructors' information.


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


We are conducting in- person interviews every Wednesday and Thursday so be sure to complete the required steps to be seen by a hiring manager!

To be interviewed you must have completed:

One audio on-demand interview through Hey Milo and have Two clinical instructor references completed through Skill Survey.

Summer 2026 Start Dates

August 31st (unavailable for internal promotions)

Fall 2026 Start Date

October 26th

November 9th

November 23rd

December 7th

January 4th, 2027

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

It is important to note that the DE 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 strongly encourage applicants to visit the DE Board of Nursing website and begin the fingerprinting and background check process immediately after you submit your application.

This is a flat rate position, any individual hired into this position will be paid $38.61/hr plus any applicable differentials.

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 without limitation skills, relevant experience, and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements.

Post End Date
Sep 25, 2026

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/

About ChristianaCare

ChristianaCare Careers

There has never been a better time to explore the diverse job opportunities at ChristianaCare, a leading health system committed to innovative patient care and community health. As one of the country's most dynamic healthcare organizations, ChristianaCare offers a breadth of employment opportunities that support both professional growth and personal fulfillment.

Work You’ll Do

Join ChristianaCare’s dedicated team to help transform healthcare and improve the lives of community members. ChristianaCare leads with exceptional services, driven by a team of over 12,000 strong, blending top-tier leadership and a culture of compassion and innovation.

Experience the ChristianaCare Difference

ChristianaCare is not just a healthcare provider but a hub for professional development and career advancement. The company fosters a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, making it a prime environment for personal and professional growth. With a variety of positions available, from clinical roles to administrative support, ChristianaCare is actively hiring and looking for motivated individuals to join their team.

Innovate and Lead

At ChristianaCare, innovation and leadership go hand in hand. Team members are encouraged to take the lead on projects that transform patient care and operational efficiency. ChristianaCare’s commitment to technology and innovation makes it a perfect place to advance a career in healthcare.

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With ChristianaCare, career advancement is supported by comprehensive benefits, professional development programs, and leadership training. Employees are encouraged to enhance their skills through continued education and diverse training opportunities, including internships that offer real-world experience in healthcare settings.

Join a Great Team

Being part of the ChristianaCare team means more than just having a job. It means being part of a community that values teamwork, creativity, and the professional growth of its members. Networking within ChristianaCare leads to enriched career paths and a supportive work environment where everyone’s contributions are valued.

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ChristianaCare is committed to hiring and developing the best healthcare professionals in the industry. Explore the numerous job openings and read detailed descriptions of each position to find where your skills and interests best match. ChristianaCare is looking for professionals who are passionate about making a difference and ready to contribute to a team that’s making healthcare history.

Prepare for Your Interview

Ready to apply? Tailor your resume to highlight the skills and experiences that align with the position you are interested in. Prepare for your interview by researching ChristianaCare’s mission, culture, and recent innovations. This preparation will not only impress but also solidify your interest in becoming part of a leading healthcare team.

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