Critical Care RN Residency Program

The Critical Care RN Residency Program at Piedmont Hospital is designed for the highly-motivated new graduate nurse who has excelled clinically while attending nursing school, pursued critical care experience during their senior practicum, participated in an ICU externship, and/or worked as a nursing assistant in a critical care area while attending nursing school; or, the experienced nurse who is committed to pursuing critical care as a specialty.

The Critical Care RN Residency Program is a six month program that provides clinical experience and instruction during four-week rotations through the Cardiovascular Surgical ICU, Coronary Care Unit, Medical/Surgical ICU, and Neuroscience ICU. The one-on-one clinical education provided in each critical care area is formally structured using modules and specific timelines. The educational format requires the RN Resident to complete daily pathophysiology study and self-study exams throughout the clinical rotations.

Alternative learning experiences are offered during each unit rotation. Classroom study consists of Critical Care Courses including a complete systems review, physical assessment class, ECG and dysrhythmia class, critical care pharmacology, hemodynamic monitoring, intracranial pressure monitoring and much more. Upon successful completion of the Critical Care RN Residency program, the resident is guaranteed a staff nurse position in one of the four Critical Care areas and will receive an additional four-week supervised reorientation in that unit. Placement and shift is based upon the staffing needs of the units.

During the program, you will receive a staff nurse salary with full-time benefits. The clinical training consists of day, night and weekend shifts, requiring flexibility in your availability to work. This enables the provision of experienced preceptors in each clinical area. Shift differentials are provided when applicable.

Although the selection process for the Critical Care RN Residency Program is competitive, the program is extremely challenging and rewarding. Panel interviews are conducted by a human resources representative and the clinical managers of the critical care units. A current unrestricted Georgia Nursing License and AHA-approved CPR card is required prior to beginning the Critical Care RN Residency Program.

For questions about any RN Residency Program, please contact the Nursing Development Department at Piedmont Hospital at (404) 605-4128 or via email at Nursing.Development@piedmont.org