ER Holding Registered Nurse
Albuquerque, New Mexico
University of New Mexico Hospital

Registered Nurse – ER Holding

Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks (minimum 10 weeks for new contracts and extensions)
Shift: Night (4 shifts of 12 hours each, 19:00–7:30)
Hours per Week: 48 hours

Unit Overview

• Adult Admission Inpatient Unit (AAU) functions as an admission holding unit next to the Emergency Department.
• Fast-paced environment with patient ratios of 1 RN to 4-5 patients.
• Unit has 17 beds plus up to 8 hall beds.
• Patient population is diverse, covering all specialties except ICU-level patients.
• Requires frequent patient turnover (admitting and transferring).
• RNs must be able to monitor and interpret telemetry and manage various medical equipment.
• Relief charge nurse duties may be required.
• Floating required within scope to:

  • Adjacent Emergency Department admitted patients
  • ICU for sub-acute care assignments
  • Any inpatient Progressive Care Unit (PCU) area

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in New Mexico
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) / Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Minimum 1 year of telemetry experience, including telemetry experience within the last year
• Emergency Department (ED) experience
• ACLS certification
• BLS certification issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification
• Successful completion of Relias Basic Dysrhythmia Exam

Scheduling & Work Conditions

• Locals within 100 miles are not accepted.
• Block scheduling will be considered.
• Guaranteed contracted hours per week (36/40/48), with facility allowed to call off up to 3 times during a 13-week assignment.
• Return-to-Office (RTO) restrictions: absences longer than 7 days require approval.
• New contracts and extensions must be at least 10 weeks.
• Travelers must take a 6-month break after 4 consecutive assignments or 1 year of cumulative work, whichever comes first.

Required Documentation & Compliance

• Valid non-local driver’s license required (ID cards not accepted).
• Social Security Card required.
• Background checks including:

  • 7-year criminal history within 30 days of start (all locations lived/worked in past 7 years)
  • EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks within one year of start
  • Education verification or diploma/transcript if verification unavailable
  • Fingerprinting required onsite during orientation (unless done within past 12 months)
• Physical exam within 1 year prior to start.
• Negative drug screen within 30 days of start (instant drug screens not accepted).
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year of start; TB questionnaire required annually.
• Immunizations/vaccinations required:

  • Rubeola (Measles): 2 vaccines or positive IGG titer
  • Mumps: 2 vaccines or positive IGG titer
  • Rubella: 2 vaccines or positive IGG titer
  • Varicella: 2 vaccines or positive IGG titer (history of disease not accepted)
  • Hepatitis B: Declination, series, or titer acceptable
  • Seasonal Flu vaccine required year-round with exemptions allowed for personal reasons
• Fit mask testing required within 1 year of start (specific N95 masks accepted; PAPR accommodations available if needed).
• Cerner training attestation required for all RNs starting with the 8/4/25 orientation group (test-out option available).
• Relias Basic Dysrhythmia Exam required within 4 days of signing; must score ≥80% overall and 100% on lethal arrhythmia section. Two attempts allowed before cancellation.
• Medication and pharmacology competency exams required (minimum 80% passing score).
• Management of Assaultive Behavior (MOAB) certification required for behavioral health units; can be obtained onsite if needed.
• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification may be required depending on unit.
• Two professional references within three years of hire.
• Complete employment application with at least 3 years of work history.
• Skills checklist and work history verification required (3 years minimum).

Additional Notes

• The unit uses Cerner for charting.
• Parking is free.
• Facility is a Level I Trauma, Children’s Hospital, Teaching Hospital, short-term acute care with 554 staffed beds.
• Candidates must be willing to work relief charge nurse shifts as needed.
• The location is not near public transportation; candidates must have reliable transportation.
• Work Experience Checklist and Confidentiality Statement are not required due to crisis credentialing policies.
• Traveler compliance form and background registration must be completed prior to start.
• Candidates must review and sign the Welcome PowerPoint acknowledgment before starting.

This position offers a challenging and dynamic environment for RNs skilled in telemetry and acute care admissions, with opportunities for first-time travelers and a supportive structure for compliance and orientation.