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.

Applying & Timeline

What are the minimum requirements to apply?

• Associate in Nursing or higher by indicated graduation date. Associate hires must commit to enroll in a BSN program within two (2) years of hire date.
• Tuition Assistance is available after six (6) months of employment. We do not offer student loan/tuition reimbursement at this time.

When does the program begin?

• See below timeline for specific cohort start dates.
• You must meet the graduation date listed on the timeline for consideration, there are not exceptions.

How do I apply?

• Current Lurie employees submit an application through Workday
• External applicants apply via our website for the current Graduate Nurse posting
• Do not apply for individual unit openings, consideration for RN’s with less than one year RN experience will only be through the Graduate Nurse posting.
• Due to high volumes we strongly recommend applying early for consideration.  Once closed, the position will not reopen until the next cohort date as listed on the timeline.

Timeline: