Correctional Registered Nurse
Albuquerque, New Mexico
University of New Mexico Metropolitan Detention Center

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse - Correctional

Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Provide routine and emergency healthcare to patients in a detention center setting.
• Conduct health assessments, triage, and referrals to providers including detoxification, dental, and mental health professionals.
• Responsible for assessing new patients and conducting detox rounds per protocol.
• Work schedule includes every other weekend; open to block scheduling.
• Guaranteed 36 hours per week with some call-off allowances.
• No local candidates accepted within a 100-mile radius.
• Pending licenses accepted.
• Must pass facility background check.
• COVID vaccination required; religious and medical exemptions accepted with proper documentation.
• Facility capacity approximately 1900 inmates; average daily population around 1640.
• Facility uses Cerner for charting.

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in New Mexico.
• Minimum 1 year of correctional nursing experience, with experience within the last year required.
• MOAB (Management of Aggressive Behavior) certification.
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
• Experience with vaccinations.

Additional Requirements

• Valid non-local driver’s license required (identification cards not accepted).
• Must complete a 7-year criminal background check and fingerprinting onsite during orientation.
• Negative drug screen within 30 days of start.
• Physical exam within 1 year prior to start.
• Fit mask testing required within 1 year of start (specific mask types accepted).
• Required immunizations or proof of immunity:

  • Rubeola (Measles)
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Varicella
  • Hepatitis B (declination, series, or titer accepted)
  • Seasonal flu vaccination/documentation required year-round (exceptions allowed with proper exemption forms).
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year of start.
• Must complete PREA training prior to start.
• Must complete Cerner training attestation or test out during orientation.
• Must pass Relias Basic Dysrhythmia Exam (EKG competency) with two attempts allowed.
• Must complete medication/pharmacology competency exams.
• Must complete emergency contact and compliance forms.
• Must complete orientation safety manual acknowledgement.

Work Conditions & Notes

• Facility is a detention center with a large inmate population.
• No public transportation nearby; candidates must have reliable transportation.
• New contracts and extensions must be at least 10 weeks.
• A 6-month break is required after 4 consecutive assignments or 1 year of work, whichever comes first.
• Overtime applies after 48 hours worked.
• Weekend requirement: every other weekend.
• Return to office (RTO) restrictions: absences longer than 7 days require approval.
• First-time travelers accepted, though prior experience preferred.

Summary

This is a travel contract RN position in a correctional facility requiring at least 1 year of nursing experience, specific certifications including MOAB, and the ability to work in a secure detention environment. Candidates must meet strict background and health requirements and be prepared for a challenging but rewarding role providing healthcare to an inmate population.