Confidence in practice
Move from nursing school into professional practice with the skills and confidence to contribute on your unit.
What residency helps you build
Grow into the nurse you’re ready to become.
Build the confidence, competence and professional foundation to create an exceptional care experience for children and families.
Clinical competence
Strengthen sound pediatric nursing practice through a structured, evidence-based residency experience.
Mentorship that stays with you
Learn with support as you navigate the transition from recent graduate to pediatric nursing professional.
Growth beyond residency
Keep developing through Arkansas Children’s commitment to continuing education and professional growth.
ANCC Practice Transition Accreditation
Arkansas Children’s RN Residency Program is accredited as a Practice Transition Program by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation in Practice Transition Programs—and has achieved this accreditation for the third time.
Magnet Recognition
Arkansas Children’s is recognized through the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition Program®, reflecting a commitment to nursing excellence, quality patient care and professional nursing practice.
What Residency Means For You
Residency connects guided learning with professional practice, helping you move from nursing school into pediatric care with a stronger foundation.
Quality and safetySupport care for patients and families with evidence-based practice.
Clinical competenceStrengthen the skills you need to care for children.
Professional confidenceEnter practice with structured support behind you.
RN residency learning path
Two phases. One supported transition.
Learning continues from initial immersion through professional practice, building the competence and confidence needed for a career in pediatric care.
Phase 01
Immersion Phase
Build your pediatric nursing foundation
Begin in a structured, evidence-based residency experience designed to strengthen clinical competence and support quality, safe care for patients and families.
Pediatric careClinical competenceQuality & safety
Phase 02
Post Immersion Phase
Grow confidence as you practice
Continue your transition into professional practice with support that promotes confidence, ongoing development and professional growth.
Professional practiceConfidenceProfessional growth
Annual start periods
Three cohorts. One direct path to your unit.
Cohorts begin in February, July and October each year, giving RN nursing students and recent graduates three clear windows to begin.
Your yearly cohort calendar
Three start periods to scan and plan around
Every year
Cohort 1
February
Start Date: 02.15.27
Cohort 2
July
Start Date: 07.19.27
Cohort 3
October
Start Date: 10.25.27
RN licensure required
Arkansas or Compact RN License is REQUIRED by the Start Date.
Hired directly to a unit
Residents join the unit that hires them, creating a direct connection between residency learning and day-to-day pediatric nursing practice.
Application path
Apply where your interest is genuine.
Explore RN residency opportunities first, then choose the departments that truly interest you. Your application and requested video response complete the path.
01
Explore
Review RN residency opportunities
Start by learning which RN residency opportunities are available at Arkansas Children’s.
02
Choose
Select departments of genuine interest
Focus your choices on the departments where you can truly see yourself beginning your pediatric nursing career.
03
Apply
Submit your application
Apply to all areas of interest.
04
Respond
Complete the requested video response
Requested from the recruiter after your application, this will be sent out via email.
Interview experience
A more coordinated interview experience
Interview format
Meet in a group setting
This means you may interview alongside more than one candidate in a group setting.
Scheduling
Keep scheduling together
Consolidated scheduling—we try to bring you to campus for only one day.
Offer timing
Understand what comes next
The process includes guidance on the typical offer timeline. Exact timing can vary, so rely on the recruiting team’s communication for your candidacy.
Explore RN Residency Opportunities
Share your details to learn more about upcoming residency opportunities at Arkansas Children’s.
Children at the center
Your pediatric nursing path
Build confidence. Grow your practice. Change lives.
Explore a structured, evidence-based RN residency designed to help recent nursing graduates transition into pediatric professional practice.
Explore the RN ResidencyCareers with purpose
Make a difference for children and families while building the skills and confidence to excel in pediatric care.
© Arkansas Children’s
Care, education and opportunity—with children at the center.
