February 2026 RN Residency Program

To join the February 2026 RN Residency Program at Catholic Health Initiatives in Chattanooga, you need a valid Tennessee, Georgia, or multi-state compact RN license at start. Basic Life Support (BLS-CPR) certification is required upon hire, while Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) are preferred within the first 120 and 90 days respectively.

This residency program fosters growth in clinical expertise, critical thinking, and patient safety, enabling new nurses to build on academic knowledge. Through hands-on clinical exposure and mentorship, participants enhance decision-making, teamwork, and service excellence, ensuring a well-rounded transition into professional nursing.

Participants engage in direct patient care while developing competencies in areas like clinical performance improvement and patient safety. Daily activities blend bedside nursing with learning opportunities focused on healthcare knowledge, teamwork, and leadership aligned with Catholic Health Initiatives’ mission and values.

Chattanooga’s healthcare sector shows steady demand for new graduate nurses, with residency programs growing to meet workforce needs. Local hospitals like CHI Memorial emphasize structured residencies, reflecting broader Tennessee trends favoring comprehensive training to retain skilled RNs in the region.

Healthcare employers in Chattanooga often emphasize a collaborative, faith-based environment focused on patient-centered care. Programs like CHI Memorial’s RN Residency foster community values, teamwork, and ongoing education, creating supportive atmospheres for new graduate nurses transitioning into practice.

Given CHI Memorial’s reputation and location within southeast Tennessee, the February 2026 RN Residency Program attracts many applicants. Candidates with multi-state compact licenses and relevant certifications typically have stronger chances, as local demand and program prestige contribute to a selective admission process.

CHI’s program uniquely integrates faith-based care principles with rigorous clinical training, emphasizing mission-driven nursing practice. The program’s comprehensive approach to skill-building, leadership, and patient safety, combined with regional healthcare partnerships, offers a distinctive environment for new graduate RNs.

Graduates can leverage the residency experience to pursue specialty nursing roles within CHI Memorial’s diverse service lines like cardiac or oncology care. The organization supports continuing education and leadership development, creating pathways for professional growth beyond the residency.

Entry-level RNs in Chattanooga typically earn between $55,000 and $65,000 annually. Residency participants at Catholic Health Initiatives can expect compensation within this range, often supplemented by benefits and structured pay increases aligned with residency milestones and licensure status.

Yes, the program provides exposure to acute care specialties such as cardiac, neuroscience, and orthopedics, offering residents a broad clinical experience. Hands-on training in these areas enhances proficiency and prepares new nurses for diverse patient care scenarios within a faith-based system.