Operating Room Registered Nurse
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center

Operating Room Registered Nurse - Travel/Contract

Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Position Details

• Specialty: Registered Nurse (Operating Room)
• Shift: Day shift, 4 days per week, 10 hours per day (6:30 AM - 5:00 PM)
• Patient Ratio: 1:1
• Weekend Requirement: Yes (2 weekend shifts within a 6-week schedule)
• On-call Requirement: Yes, 6 days in a 6-week schedule (including weekends)
• Floating: No floating outside scope of practice
• Block Schedule: Not guaranteed
• Locals: Not accepted within 100-mile radius
• 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 work, whichever comes first
• Overtime applies after 48 hours worked (effective 10/30/2025)

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in New Mexico
• Minimum 2 years of Operating Room nursing experience, including experience within the last year
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
• BLS certification issued by American Red Cross or American Heart Association
• ACLS certification issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross

Skills and Procedures

Experience with a broad range of surgical cases and procedures including but not limited to:

• Ambulatory and General OR
• Endoscopic/Laparoscopic procedures
• Gynecological surgeries (e.g., hysterectomy, dilation & curettage, tubal ligation)
• Orthopedic surgeries (e.g., total joint replacement, ACL reconstruction, arthroscopy)
• Plastic surgeries (e.g., breast augmentation, abdominoplasty)
• General surgeries (e.g., appendectomy, cholecystectomy, hernia repair)
• Urological procedures (e.g., cystoscopy, transurethral resection of the prostate)
• Use of electrosurgical units, fiber optic light sources, specimen handling, universal protocol (time out), and urinary catheterization

Facility Highlights

• Community-based hospital
• Level III Trauma Center
• Level I Teaching Facility
• Total staffed beds: 65 inpatient, 12 ICU
• Charting system: Cerner
• Scrub color provided
• Free parking

Compliance and Documentation Requirements

• Background checks including 7-year criminal history, EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG, and fingerprinting (fingerprints must be completed within 10 days of orientation)
• Physical exam within 1 year prior to start
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year, with annual TB questionnaire
• Required immunizations or proof of immunity:

  • Tdap (declinations accepted)
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (positive titer or 2 vaccines)
  • Hepatitis B (positive titer, series, or declination)
  • Varicella (positive titer or 2 vaccines)
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 30 days of start (THC screen not required)
• Seasonal flu vaccination or approved exemption required annually (deadline November 30)
• Fit mask test required within 1 year of start
• Required facility-specific documents and presentations must be reviewed and acknowledged
• Two professional references within 3 years of hire required
• Unit-specific skills checklist required and must be updated annually
• Medication and competency exams as applicable by specialty

Additional Notes

• Return to work restrictions: absences greater than 7 days require approval
• COVID-19 vaccine exemptions require specific facility forms and approval process
• Candidates must complete facility-specific orientation and safety manuals prior to start

This position is ideal for experienced OR RNs seeking a travel contract opportunity in a community hospital with a Level III trauma and Level I teaching designation.