Emergency Department Trauma Registered Nurse
Albuquerque, New Mexico
University of New Mexico Hospital

Registered Nurse Travel/Contract Opportunity

Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Facility Type: Level I Trauma, Children's Hospital, Teaching Hospital, Short term, Acute Care
Beds: 554
Charting System: Cerner
Parking: No fee

Job Details

• Specialty: Registered Nurse
• Unit: Emergency Department (ED)
• Shift Length: 36 or 48 hours
• Patient Acuity: Approximately 60%-80% of ED patients are admitted; many ED rooms serve as "ED Holding"
• Patient Ratio: 1:5
• Experience Required: Minimum 2 years (will consider 1.5 years); Level 1 trauma experience preferred
• Travel Experience: Strongly preferred; candidates with 2+ years Level 1 trauma experience may be considered without travel experience
• Weekend Requirement: Scheduled as needed (weekend days = Sat/Sun; weekend nights = Fri, Sat, Sun)
• Floating:

  • Floating to Pediatric ED is optional
  • Floating to Adult PCUs is expected based on staffing needs
  • Potential floating to ED Holding and Trauma Department of Emergency (DOE)
• Block Scheduling: Not accommodated
• Local Candidates: Not accepted within 75 miles radius
• Pending License: Accepted (NM license can pend at time of submission)
• Return to Office (RTO) Restrictions: Absences greater than 7 days require approval
• Guaranteed Hours: Contracted hours per week (36/40/48); facility may call off up to 3 times during a 13-week assignment
• Contract Length: 13 weeks

Certifications Required Before Start

• TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course): Must have before submission
• NIH Stroke Certification: Can pend until compliance document due date before start
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
• NIH Stroke Certification
• Other Recommended/Optional:

  • NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Procedure) for NICU, L&D, Mother/Baby units
  • ENPC (Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course)
  • CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute)
  • Management of Assaultive Behavior (MAB) for Behavioral Health units

Licensure & Background Requirements

• License: New Mexico RN license required; original license with 3D seal must be brought onsite
• Driver’s License: Valid non-local driver’s license required (ID cards not accepted)
• Background Checks:

  • 7-year criminal background check within 30 days of start, updated annually
  • EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks within one year of start
  • Education verification or diploma/transcript if third-party verification unavailable
  • Fingerprinting required onsite during orientation (unless completed within past 12 months)
• Work History Verification: Minimum 3 years of previous work experience verified
• References: Two professional references within three years of hire

Health & Safety Requirements

• COVID-19 Vaccination: Required; religious and medical exemptions accepted with completed exemption form
• Physical Exam: Required within 1 year prior to start
• Fit Mask: Required within 1 year of start; only specific N95 masks accepted; PAPR accommodation available if needed
• TB Testing: Negative Qgold, Tspot, or PPD within 1 year; additional requirements for past positive responders
• Immunizations:

  • Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella: 2 vaccines or positive IGG titer required
  • Varicella: 2 vaccines or positive IGG titer required (history of disease not accepted)
  • Hepatitis B: Declination, series, or titer required
• Drug Testing: Negative drug screen within 30 days of start (instant drug screens not accepted)
• Flu Vaccine: Required year-round with exceptions for personal exemptions; must be on file prior to start

Orientation & Training

• Cerner Training Attestation: Required for RNs starting with 8/4/25 orientation group; option to test out if experienced
• Relias Basic Dysrhythmia Exam: Required for ED and other specified units; must score 80% overall and 100% on lethal arrhythmia section; two attempts allowed before cancellation
• Medication/Pharmacology Competency Exam: Must meet or exceed passing score
• Work Experience Checklist & Confidentiality Statement: Not required due to crisis credentialing requirements

Additional Notes

• No RQI certifications accepted for required certifications
• No locals within 75 miles allowed to apply
• Increased number of admit holds currently observed in ED
• OT applies after 48 hours on contracts signed on or after 10/30/2025

This position is ideal for experienced Emergency Department RNs with Level 1 trauma experience who are comfortable with long shifts, floating within scope, and meeting strict certification and health requirements.