Critical Care / ICU nurse residency programs.
Critical care and ICU residencies prepare new nurses for the sickest patients in the hospital — managing ventilators, vasoactive drips, and unstable hemodynamics under close preceptor support. These programs pair intensive didactics with a longer supervised transition than most floor tracks.
Common questions about Critical Care / ICU residencies
How many Critical Care / ICU nurse residency programs are there?
Our directory lists 149 Critical Care / ICU nurse residency programs across 41 states and regions, 91 of them accredited.
Are Critical Care / ICU nurse residencies open to new graduates?
Most Critical Care / ICU residencies are designed as a transition-to-practice program for new-graduate RNs, though some target experienced nurses moving into the specialty. Check each program's page for eligibility.
What accreditation should I look for in a Critical Care / ICU residency?
The most recognized U.S. accreditation is ANCC PTAP (Practice Transition Accreditation Program); some programs hold Vizient/AACN or CCNE recognition. Accreditation is a signal of a structured, quality residency.