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

Registered Nurse - Correctional (Travel/Contract)

Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Summary

• Provide routine and emergency healthcare to patients in a detention center with an average daily population of approximately 1640 inmates.
• Conduct health assessments, triage and assess new patients, make referrals to providers (detox, dental, mental health), and perform detox rounds per protocol.
• Work night shift: 3 shifts of 12 hours each (18:00 - 6:30), totaling 36 hours per week.
• Weekend work required every other weekend.
• Facility uses Cerner for charting.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in New Mexico.
• Minimum of 1 year of nursing experience within the last year, excluding Home Health, Hospice, and School Services.
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
• Current ACLS certification.
• Current BLS certification issued by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
• MOAB (Management of Aggressive Behavior) certification.
• NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) certification.

Work Conditions & Scheduling

• No local candidates accepted within 100-mile radius.
• Guaranteed 36 hours per week; facility may call off up to 3 shifts during a 13-week assignment.
• 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 this facility.
• Return to office (RTO) restrictions: absences longer than 7 days require approval.
• Open to accommodating block schedules.

Facility & Orientation

• Facility Type: Detention Center.
• Parking: No fee.
• Orientation includes Cerner training attestation and onsite fingerprinting.
• Relias Basic Dysrhythmia Exam required for certain units; passing score required within 4 days of signing. Two attempts allowed before contract cancellation. Returning candidates exempt if exam passed within 1 year.
• Medication and competency exams required with minimum passing scores.

Documentation & Compliance

• Must provide:

  • Valid non-local driver’s license (identification cards not accepted).
  • Social Security card.
  • Complete employment application with at least 3 years of work history verified.
  • Two professional references within the last 3 years.
  • Background checks including EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG within 1 year of start.
  • Education verification or diploma/transcript if third-party verification unavailable.
• Must complete and upload traveler compliance forms and acknowledge safety manuals.

Additional Notes

• COVID-19 vaccination is optional; facility reports vaccination status. Upload vaccine series or declination.
• Facility capacity approximately 1900 inmates; patient volume varies by area.
• Overtime applies after 48 hours worked (effective 10/30/2025).

This position is ideal for RNs with at least 1 year of experience who are comfortable working in a correctional/detention center environment, have strong clinical skills including emergency care and behavioral management, and are willing to work night shifts on a travel contract basis.