Nurse Residency Program
Important dates
October 2023 Cohort
Please apply if you have graduated with a BSN or entry-level MSN between May-August 2023
- Application dates:
April 3, 2023 – May 18, 2023 at 5 p.m. Central Time (US and Canada)
- Interview notification dates:
Week of May 22, 2023 - Interview dates:
June 12 – June 16, 2023 - Selection notification dates:
June 26, 2023 - Start date: October 9, 2023
Note: Timeline dates are subject to change
Nurse Residency is inviting you to our informational Zoom sessions. Join in to learn more about our program and ask any questions you may have.
Zoom Information Session #1
Topic: Cook Children's Nurse Residency Program - Zoom Meeting #1
Time: Apr 4, 2023 04:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Meeting ID: 933 5835 8301
Passcode: 251845
Zoom Information Session #2
Topic: Cook Children's Nurse Residency Program - Zoom Meeting #2
Time: Apr 21, 2023 10:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Meeting ID: 958 0321 2307
Passcode: 546757
Residency tracks
One residency, three unique and exciting tracks! Welcome to the Nurse Residency program at Cook Children's Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas. In this accredited 12-month pediatric nurse residency program, nurse residents rotate through various specialty units, gaining valuable knowledge and clinical experiences to accelerate their transition into professional pediatric nursing.
Critical and Intermediate Care Nursing
Nurse residents in this track will provide complex care through rotations in:
- Emergency Department
- Pediatric intensive care
- Neonatal intensive care
- Cardiac intensive care
- Cardiac stepdown
- Transitional care and rehabilitation
Medical-Surgical and Subspecialty Nursing
Nurse residents in this track will care for patients with diagnoses such as:
- Hematology disorders
- Childhood cancer
- Endocrine issues
- Respiratory diseases
- Behavioral health concerns
- Transitional care
- Rehabilitation needs
- And much, much more
Perioperative Nursing
Nurse residents in this track will provide specialized care in rotations through:
- Preoperative unit
- Operating room
- Post anesthesia care unit
- Special procedures
- Ambulatory surgery center
Designations and accreditations
The employee-based nurse residency program at Cook Children's Medical Center is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
The Magnet® designation is considered the international gold standard of nursing excellence. Cook Children’s Medical Center is the first pediatric hospital in North Texas, and the 10th in the world, to receive this prestigious designation four consecutive times.
Applicant eligibility
- Graduate of an accredited baccalaureate nursing program (BSN) or an entry-level master's of nursing program (MSN)
- Must apply as first professional nursing role
- Must pass the NCLEX prior to the start of the residency
- Must have a minimum 2.5 GPA to be considered
Applicant ineligibility
- Associate degree and Licensed Vocational Nurse with:
- Prior work experience as a professional nurse
- Without BSN or entry-level MSN
- Must graduate within the time frame listed above
- Applicants who have previously applied to the nurse residency program are ineligible to reapply
- Application documents received after the deadline will not be considered
When do applications open?
Please view the timeline under "Important dates"
Is there a letter of recommendation required form?
Two (2) letters of recommendation are required. Please see complete information under "Application requirements"
Can I send more than the 2 required letters of recommendation?
We only accept 2.
When will I know if I am getting an interview?
You can find interview notification information under "Important dates"
Are ADN’s eligible?
Please view eligibility information under "Applicant eligibility/ineligibility"
Who can contact for the online application issues?
Please email Stephanie Godé, Sourcing Recruiter at Stephanie.Gode@cookchildrens.org.
Can I apply for more than one specialty track?
No. You may only apply to one specialty track.
How many hours per week do nurse residents work?
This is a full-time position that requires 36-40 hours per week.
Will I be working days, nights, weekends and holidays
Yes. Nurse residents will work alongside a staff nurse mentor with a schedule that may vary from days, nights, weekends and holidays. Class days are 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
What benefits and vacation time is available to nurse residents?
Check out our Cook Children's Benefits website for more information about all of our benefits.
What types of scrubs are allowed?
You may wear any child-friendly, professional-looking scrubs including scrub pants and a Cook Children's t-shirt.
What is the selection process?
If you are selected for an interview and a residency position, a nurse residency representative will call you.