Neuro ICU Registered Nurse
Albuquerque, New Mexico
University of New Mexico Hospital

ICU Registered Nurse Travel/Contract Job – Albuquerque, New Mexico

Position Details

• Specialty: Registered Nurse – Neuro ICU
• Shift: Night (3 shifts per week, 12 hours each; 19:00–7:30)
• Patient Ratios: Typically 1:2; may occasionally float to units with 6:1 ratios
• Contract Length: 13 weeks minimum (new contracts and extensions must be at least 10 weeks)
• Start Date: ASAP
• Guaranteed Hours: Facility may call off up to 3 times during a 13-week assignment
• Local Radius Rule: No local candidates within 100 miles accepted
• First-Time Travelers: Accepted
• Weekend Requirement: Varies based on unit needs
• On-Call: Not required
• Floating: May float within scope to other ICUs, PCU floors (including med-surg patients), ED, and PACU to care for admitted patients

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Valid RN license in New Mexico
• Minimum 1.5 years of ICU (Intensive Care Unit) experience, with ICU experience within the last year
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
• ACLS certification
• BLS certification issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification
• Skills and experience in:

  • ICP monitoring
  • EVD insertions
  • Neuro post-op care
  • A-line insertions
  • Intubation
  • Central line insertion
  • Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)
  • Post-TPA care
  • Post-thrombectomy care

Patient Diagnoses Commonly Seen

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH)
• Subdural Hematoma (SDH)
• Tumor resections
• Status epilepticus
• Other neurologic disorders

Facility & Work Environment

• Level I Trauma Center
• Teaching hospital with a children’s hospital component
• Short-term, acute care setting
• Total staffed beds: 554
• Charting system: Cerner
• Parking: No fee

Orientation & Testing Requirements

• Relias Basic Dysrhythmia Exam required (must score ≥80% overall and 100% on lethal arrhythmia section)
• Medication/Pharmacology Competency Exam required (minimum 80% to pass)
• Pass/fail testing for EKG and medication knowledge applies to Neuro ICU
• Cerner Training Attestation required for all RNs starting with 8/4/25 orientation group (test-out option available)
• Management of Assaultive Behavior (MAB) certification may be required depending on unit
• Orientation Safety Manual Acknowledgement required
• NIH Stroke Certification required

Background & Compliance Requirements

• 7-year criminal background check within 30 days of start, updated annually
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required within one year of start
• Fingerprinting required onsite during orientation (unless completed within past 12 months)
• Education verification required (diploma or transcript acceptable if 3rd party verification unavailable)
• Social Security card copy may be requested
• Employment application with at least 3 years of work history required
• Two professional references within three years of hire required
• Work history verification for 3 years required

Health & Immunization Requirements

• 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 (Qgold, Tspot, or PPD with mm reading)
• Annual TB questionnaire required
• Flu vaccine required year-round with exemptions accepted for personal reasons
• Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella, Varicella: 2 vaccines or positive IGG titer required; history of disease not accepted for Varicella
• Hepatitis B: Declination, series, or titer acceptable
• Fit mask test required within 1 year of start (specific N95 masks accepted; PAPR accommodation available if needed)
• COVID vaccine is optional; facility reports vaccination status

Additional Notes

• Candidates may be floated to other units within their scope of practice
• Block scheduling may be accommodated but is not guaranteed
• A 6-month break is required for travelers after 4 consecutive assignments or 1 year of cumulative work at this facility
• Overtime applies after 48 hours worked per week starting 10/30/2025
• Facility is not near public transportation; candidates must have reliable transportation arrangements

This position offers an opportunity to work in a high-acuity Neuro ICU setting with a supportive teaching hospital environment, requiring specialized neurocritical care skills and certifications.