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

Registered Nurse - Correctional

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

Job Summary

• Provide routine and emergency healthcare to patients in a detention center setting.
• Conduct health assessments, triage new patients, and make referrals to providers including detoxification, dental, and mental health professionals.
• Perform detox rounds per protocol.
• Work schedule: Day shift, 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (6:00 AM - 6:30 PM).
• Guaranteed 36 hours per week; facility may call off up to 3 times during a 13-week assignment.
• Weekend work required every other weekend.
• Block scheduling accommodations available.
• No local candidates accepted within 100-mile radius.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in New Mexico.
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
• Minimum 1 year of correctional nursing experience, with correctional experience within the last year.
• BLS (Basic Life Support) certification issued by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification.
• MOAB (Management of Aggressive Behavior) certification.

Health & Safety Requirements

• COVID-19 vaccination required; religious and medical exemptions accepted with completed exemption form.
• Negative TB test (Qgold, Tspot, or PPD) or chest X-ray within 1 year.
• Fit mask test required within 1 year (specific N95 masks accepted; PAPR accommodations available if needed).
• Physical exam within 1 year prior to start.
• Negative drug screen within 30 days of start (instant drug screens not accepted).
• Flu vaccination required year-round with exemptions allowed.
• Required immunizations or titers: Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Hepatitis B (declination, series, or titer accepted).

Background & Compliance

• Must pass a 7-year criminal background check within 30 days of start, including multiple national and local checks.
• Fingerprinting required onsite during orientation unless completed within past 12 months.
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required within one year of start.
• Education verification required; diploma or transcript acceptable if third-party verification unavailable.
• Must complete PREA training prior to start.
• Must complete facility-specific orientation and safety manual acknowledgment.
• Must complete Relias Basic Dysrhythmia Exam within 4 days of signing; two attempts allowed before contract cancellation.
• Medication and competency exams required with minimum passing scores.

Additional Information

• Valid non-local driver’s license required; facility is not near public 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 cumulative work at the facility.
• Overtime paid after 48 hours worked.
• Charting system used: Cerner.
• Parking available at no cost.

References & Documentation

• Two professional references within the last three years required.
• Complete employment application with at least 3 years of work history.
• Work history verification for 3 years required.
• Skills checklist required.

This position is ideal for RNs with correctional or behavioral health experience who are comfortable working in a detention center environment and meet the certification and compliance requirements.