Address

200 Abraham Flexner Way Louisville, KY 40202

Shift

Varied (United States of America)

Job Description Summary

From New Grad Nurse to ICU Expert to Advanced Practice-Ready Clinician The ICU RN to APRN Pathway Program is an exclusive, structured career advancement track built to guide exceptional new graduate nurses from entry-level practice to ICU mastery, and onward to readiness for Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) programs. Unlike traditional direct-to-ICU onboarding, this program strategically begins in mixed-acuity/ICU step-down care—providing new graduates with the time, mentorship, and progressive challenges needed to excel in the most complex patient care environments. This approach fast-tracks professional growth, reduces first-year turnover, and produces ICU nurses who are better prepared, more confident, and more competitive for advanced practice admissions. Participants select a specialty focus in Medical, Surgical/Transplant, Cardiac, Cardiothoracic, Trauma, or Neuro, allowing for targeted skill development and deep exposure to their chosen field. Cohorts begin with approximately ten new graduate nurses, ensuring a high-touch, mentorship-rich environment.

New graduate nurses may choose a specialty track in Medical, Surgical/Transplant, Cardiac, Cardiothoracic, Trauma, or Neuro to further focus their development and guide their tailored clinical exposure.

The APF will begin with a cohort of approximately ten new graduate nurses.

Job Description

Program Overview

The ICU RN to APRN Pathway Program is a premier, structured career advancement track that develops exceptional new graduate nurses into ICU experts and prepares them for Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) education. Admission is highly competitive, with selection based on academic excellence, clinical performance, leadership potential, and commitment to advanced practice nursing.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a graduating nursing student or a recent graduate (BSN preferred).
• Demonstrate strong academic performance (minimum GPA 3.0 recommended).
• Show evidence of leadership, professionalism, and commitment to advanced practice.
• Submit a completed application packet.
  
  

Application Packet Checklist

• Completed Application Form
• Current Resume or CV
• Official or Unofficial Nursing School Transcript
• Personal Statement (optional)
• One Letter of Recommendation from nursing faculty (must be on institutional letterhead and submitted directly by faculty)
• Optional: Additional letter of recommendation (from clinical preceptor, unit leader, or employer)
  
  

Education

Additional Job Description:

• Associate’s Degree in Nursing from an accredited nursing program is (required)
• All new-hire Associate Degree Registered Nurses (new graduate and experienced) are required to start an approved BSN program within one (1) year of hire and complete an approved BSN program within three (3) years of hire (required)
• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from an accredited nursing program (preferred)
  

Experience

• All new RN graduates will participate in the Nurse Residency program and must successfully complete all activities (required)
• Two years of hospital patient care experience (preferred)
  
  

Licensure

• Current KY RN licensure or compact license with privileges to work in Kentucky (required)
  
  

Certification

• Basic Life Saving (BLS) accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA) (required)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA) (may be required for specific clinical areas)
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA) (may be required for specific clinical areas)
  
  

Note: additional, specialized certifications may be required or preferred based on unit