Texas Children’s Hospital Nurse Residency Program

Applications for the February 2024 cohort are now open and will close on October 6, 2023. Please scroll to the bottom of the page for Eligibility and Requirements.

Supporting the transition from Academia to Professional Practice

The Texas Children’s Nurse Residency Program is a six-month program designed for first year nurses with an interest in pediatrics, adult congenital heart disease (ACHD), and/or women's services nursing. This innovative program provides an ongoing, supportive and interactive environment while bridging the gap from nursing school to professional practice. Our Nurse Residency Program provides a unique opportunity for the new graduate nurse to address the realities of clinical practice, overcome fears of making mistakes, and develop strategies to manage multiple-patient assignments. Participants meet monthly for six months. During this time, residents are introduced to professional practice through engagement in:

  • Critical Thinking Exercises
  • Hands-on Skill Practice
  • Simulation
  • Evidence Based Practice
  • Interprofessional collaboration
  • Communication skills

These elements ensure our residents have the knowledge and skills necessary for a smooth transition from graduate nurse to confident professional nurse.

ANCC PTAP Accreditation with Distinction 

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP)™ sets the global standard for residency or fellowship programs that transition registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses into new practice settings. The ANCC’s PTAP accreditation means Texas Children’s Hospital Nurse Residency Program delivers the knowledge, skills and professional behaviors new nurses need to deliver safe, high-quality care. The PTAP accreditation with distinction, the highest recognition awarded by the ANCC, marks the first for Texas Children’s and was awarded to the organization in 2020.

The ANCC certifies individual nurses, recognizes healthcare organizations for nursing excellence through the Magnet Recognition Program®, Pathway to Excellence®, and Pathway to Excellence in Long Term Care® Program, and accredits providers and approvers of continuing nursing education, nursing skills competency programs, and nurse residency and fellowship programs.

Accredited practice transition program with distinction – American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Cohort Information

The Texas Children’s Hospital Nurse Residency Program accepts applications to coincide with nursing school graduation dates.

Eligibility & Requirements

  • Current resume
  • Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from an accredited school of nursing, prior to start date
    • TCH Internal candidates please check the TCH Career’s Page for more information on degree requirements
  • RN licensure from the State of Texas prior to start date
  • Current BLS certification from the American Heart Association
  • A personal mission statement
    • 500 words or less to include why you want to work at Texas Children’s and how your mission statement aligns to our mission and values.
  • One letter of recommendation from a clinical instructor that addresses the applicant’s clinical judgment, ability to apply nursing theory to practice, and interpersonal skills
To apply to the February 2024 cohort, please click here