RN Residency Program

The Lurie Children’s RN Residency Program is an innovative transitioning approach to prepare nurses for a rewarding career in the care of children and families.

Built on the belief that a nurturing learning environment facilitates a sense of belonging and acceptance, this program provides an individualized precepted orientation, guided classroom learning, peer support sessions, clinical exchange opportunities and mentors in evidence-based practice to support nursing excellence. The program invests in Lurie Children’s commitment to create a culture of inclusion and promise to provide employees with resources for professional development.

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago RN 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.

Five Components of the RN Residency Program

1. Individualized precepted orientation. The nursing preceptor assists RN residents in learning clinical skills and developing team relationships. The preceptor guides the RN resident in learning nursing responsibilities and becoming a member of the healthcare team.
2. Pediatric Nursing Classes. RN residents attend integrated clinical classes throughout the first 18 months of employment. Classes focus on specialty pediatric nursing assessment, skills and knowledge. Learning techniques include lecture, discussion, skills practice and patient simulation scenarios. Emergency management skills are developed through pediatric advanced life support and/or neonatal resuscitation classes.
3. Transition Sessions. The Transition Group discussions offer the RN resident a safe, confidential environment in which experiences are shared. By connecting with peers, the RN resident will learn coping skills in adjusting to a new profession.
4. Clinical exchange opportunities. The clinical exchange opportunities support the RN resident's development of a holistic approach to pediatric nursing care. This will be accomplished by rotating to multiple patient care areas specific to their patient population, enabling the RN resident to learn the patient experience first hand and build working relationships throughout Lurie Children's.
5. Evidence-based practice mentorship. Through the completion of an evidence-based practice project with the guidance of a mentor, the RN resident will have the opportunity to explore nursing practice at Lurie Children’s. The mentor shares expertise and helps to develop the RN resident as a professional nurse.

Questions & Answers

What Are the Requirements for the Program?

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing (or higher) required
• Must hold a current, permanent Registered Nurse license in the State of Illinois before the program’s start date
• Basic life support certification (CPR) required from the American Heart Association
• Commitment to a career in pediatric nursing

When Does the RN Residency Program Begin?

Please note: Due to the high volume of candidates, we strongly recommend applying early. Program start dates (dates subject to change):

• March 14, 2022

When Should I Apply?

• Internal Applicants (Current employees) – Friday, December 10, 2021 – Monday, December 27, 2021
• External Applicants – Friday, December 17, 2021 – Monday, January 3, 2022
  • You must apply online for the posted positions during this time to be considered.
  • The job postings will be removed from the website at 11:59 pm on the respective end dates please apply early to ensure consideration. Job postings may be re-posted at a later time if a larger candidate pool is needed.
  • Recent graduates do not need to wait until RN license is confirmed to apply for a position – early submission is recommended.
  • Completion of BSN or MSN Nursing Program required. 

How Do I Apply to the RN Residency Program?

To search current job openings, please visit our jobs website.

Please note: As a new graduate nurse, you will qualify only for those nursing job postings titled RN Residency Program. 

Candidates can rate their top two units of interest and will be asked to rank applications in order of preference. It is not a guarantee that candidates will interview with both units.

An hour shadowing experience may also be included as a part of the interview process, so please plan accordingly.

Each nursing unit that is currently hiring new graduates at that time will be listed on the job postings.

When Will I Know If My Application Has Been Received?

Interviews will be conducted Monday, January 24 – Friday, February 4, 2022 (dates subject to change). Once final candidates are chosen, those not selected for a position will be informed via e-mail.

Please note: To check the status of your candidacy, please sign into your profile and review your dashboard of job submittals.

What Does the Interview Process Entail?

The interview process will include an interview with the department and possible shadow experience on the unit. For interview selection, applicant must present authorization to test (ATT) letter of your scheduled RN-NCLEX testing date of Monday, January 17, 2022 or before (your NCLEX test must be taken and successfully passed on or before Monday, January 17, 2022). For licensure transfer, present documentation of your postmarked licensure transfer application to the IL Department of Professional Regulation with the same deadline date on or before Monday, January 17, 2022.

The documents required on the day of the interview include; two copies of your resume. At the time of offer you will need to bring current licensure verification as a Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois and BLS certification required through American Heart Association is required. A copy of your Continental Testing Service (CTS) pass letter will be required. Orientation attendance is required for successful completion of the RN Residency Program.

How Long Is the RN Residency Program and Orientation For Each Area?

The RN Residency program is 18 months in length. Individualized precepted orientation time varies by specialty area.

• Acute Care 14 weeks
• Resource Team 18 weeks
• Critical Care/ED 20 weeks
• Almost Home Kids 14 weeks
• Vascular Access Team 10 weeks
• Operating Room 33 weeks
• Inpatient Psych 12 weeks
• Pre/Post Procedural Care 14 weeks

Tips to Consider Before You Apply

• Think about your top two areas of interest
• Consider obtaining a clinical experience or practicum through your school in your area of interest, especially for ICU areas
• While enrolled in school, consider applying for our Student Nurse Program to gain further experience

Lurie Children's is an ANCC Magnet-recognized hospital.

What Our Nurses Say

“I started as a new graduate in the PICU at Lurie Children’s a little over a year ago. Everyone on this unit has been very helpful in making my first year of nursing a very memorable and rewarding experience. The preceptors were very knowledgeable, and the orientation program that was offered was very beneficial.”

—Michele, PICU

“I have been a nurse at Lurie Children’s for four years. This is the only place I have ever wanted to work as a nurse. The philosophy of nursing here is family-centered care, meaning that we view each patient and family as a distinct unit. We individualize patient care and focus on the whole patient, not just the illness…The nursing philosophy at Lurie Children’s has enabled me to grow both personally and professionally in understanding how to assist families in times of crisis.”

—Julia, Hematology/Oncology