RN New Graduate Nurse - 5HV Cardiovascular Surgical Intensive Care (CSICU)

New Graduate Nurse Cardiovascular Surgical Intensive Care Unit (CSICU)

Launch your nursing career in a high-acuity critical care environment at UNC Health Rex.

The UNC Health Rex Nurse Residency Program is designed to support new graduate nurses as they transition from the classroom to professional practice. This comprehensive 12-month program combines clinical orientation, mentorship, professional development, and evidence-based practice to help you develop the confidence, competence, and clinical judgment needed for a successful nursing career.

Program start dates are available between August 2026 and November 2026 and are based on graduation and NCLEX completion dates.

Nurse Residency Program Highlights

• Structured clinical orientation tailored to your specialty area
• Dedicated support from nurse leaders, educators, preceptors, and peers
• Classroom learning focused on clinical skills and specialty-specific patient care
• Ongoing professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Participation in an evidence-based practice project
• Regular check-ins with unit leadership and educators
• Clear milestones designed to support your growth from novice to competent nurse

Program Goals

• Develop clinical competence and confidence
• Promote evidence-based nursing practice
• Enhance critical thinking and clinical decision-making
• Build leadership skills at the bedside
• Improve patient outcomes through high-quality care

Why UNC Health Rex?

Join an inclusive organization of more than 40,000 teammates dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve.

Recognition includes:

• America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity
• America's Greatest Workplaces for Women
• Best Hospital in WRAL Voters' Choice Awards
• Top 100 Hospital for Stroke Care
• Named among the World's Best Hospitals

Incentives Available

• Up to $25,000 in tuition loan forgiveness (based on eligibility)
• Up to $5,000 in relocation assistance (based on eligibility)

About the Cardiovascular Surgical Intensive Care Unit (CSICU)

The Cardiovascular Surgical Intensive Care Unit (CSICU) is a specialized 14-bed intensive care unit located on the 5th floor of the Heart and Vascular Hospital. This highly collaborative team provides expert care to critically ill patients recovering from complex cardiothoracic and vascular surgeries, as well as patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and other advanced intensive care interventions.

Patients range from young adults to geriatric populations and require continuous monitoring, advanced therapies, and specialized nursing care. The CSICU offers an exceptional learning environment for new graduate nurses who are passionate about critical care and eager to develop advanced assessment, clinical reasoning, and technical skills.

As a member of the CSICU team, you will gain experience caring for patients who require:

• Hemodynamic monitoring and critical care interventions
• Postoperative management of cardiothoracic and vascular surgical patients
• ECMO support and advanced circulatory therapies
• Mechanical ventilation and complex respiratory management
• Continuous assessment and rapid response to changes in patient condition
• Collaboration with multidisciplinary critical care teams

Working alongside experienced nurses, intensivists, advanced practice providers, pharmacists, respiratory therapists, and unit leadership, you will receive the support and mentorship needed to build a strong foundation in critical care nursing.

Qualifications

New Graduate Nurse Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing
• Current North Carolina RN license or eligibility to obtain licensure before providing clinical care
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for Healthcare Providers

Who Qualifies as a New Graduate Nurse?

• Nursing students in their final semester of a nursing program
• Nursing graduates within 12 months of graduation
• Registered Nurses with less than six months of RN work experience

Begin your nursing career in a dynamic critical care environment where you will be challenged, supported, and empowered to grow into a skilled and confident intensive care nurse.

Summary: Provides competent clinical nursing care consistent with professional standards. Reporting and accountable to the Nurse Manager/Director, the Clinical Nurse is responsible for coordinating and delivering patient care utilizing the nursing process in a hospital setting.