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

Registered Nurse – Emergency Department (Travel/Contract)

Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Job Summary

• Work primarily with admitted patients in the Emergency Department (ED), which functions as a Level I Trauma center and includes a significant number of admitted patients (60%-80%).
• Shifts: 36 or 48 hours per week, typically night shifts (4x12 hours, 7:00 PM to 7:30 AM).
• Patient-to-nurse ratio: 1:5.
• Floating: May float to Adult PCUs (expected), ED Holding, Trauma Department of Emergency (DOE), and optionally to Pediatric ED.
• Weekend work required as needed (weekend days = Sat/Sun; weekend nights = Fri/Sat/Sun).
• No local candidates accepted within 100 miles.

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in New Mexico.
• Minimum 1 year of Emergency Department (ED) experience within the last year.
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
• Current ACLS certification.
• Current BLS certification issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.
• Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) certification.
• Successful completion of Relias Basic Dysrhythmia Exam (EKG competency).

Contract Details

• Contract length: Minimum 13 weeks.
• New contracts and extensions must be at least 10 weeks.
• Guaranteed contracted hours per week: 36, 40, or 48 hours.
• Facility may call off up to 3 times during a 13-week assignment.
• Overtime applies after 48 hours worked (for contracts signed on or after 10/30/2025).
• Return-to-Office (RTO) restrictions: Absences greater than 7 days require approval.
• A 6-month break is required after 4 consecutive assignments or 1 year of cumulative work, whichever comes first.

Work Environment & Facility Highlights

• Level I Trauma center, Children's Hospital, Teaching Hospital, Short-term Acute Care.
• Total staffed beds: 554.
• Charting system: Cerner.
• Parking: No fee.
• Scrub color: Black (not provided).
• Increased admit holds currently impacting ED flow.

Compliance & Documentation Requirements

Background Checks

• 7-year criminal background check within 30 days of start, updated annually.
• Must include SSN trace, national criminal history, sex offender registry, federal criminal record, education verification, and county criminal search.
• Fingerprinting required onsite during orientation for NM Department of Health clearance (unless done within past 12 months).
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required within one year of start.

Health & Immunization

• Physical exam within 1 year prior to start.
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year; TB questionnaire required annually.
• Drug screen negative within 30 days of start (instant drug screens not accepted).
• Flu vaccine required year-round with exemptions accepted; documentation must be on file prior to start.
• COVID vaccine is optional; facility reports vaccination status.
• Immunizations required:

  • Rubeola (Measles): 2 vaccines or positive titer.
  • Mumps: 2 vaccines or positive titer.
  • Rubella: 2 vaccines or positive titer.
  • Varicella: 2 vaccines or positive titer (history of disease not accepted).
  • Hepatitis B: Series, titer, or declination accepted.
• Fit mask testing required within 1 year of start (specific N95 masks accepted; PAPR accommodation available if needed).

Employment History & References

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

Facility-Specific Documents

• Traveler Compliance Form must be completed and uploaded.
• Welcome PowerPoint review and acknowledgement prior to start.
• Cerner Training Attestation required for new hires starting 8/4/25 orientation group (test-out option available).

Additional Notes

• No RQI certifications accepted for required certifications.
• No locals within 100 miles allowed.
• Floating to Pediatric ED is optional; floating to Adult PCUs is expected.
• Weekend scheduling includes both days and nights as defined above.
• COVID vaccine is optional but must be reported if received or declined.
• Candidates must have a valid non-local driver’s license; facility is not near public transportation.

This position is ideal for experienced Emergency Department Registered Nurses with Level 1 trauma experience seeking a travel contract in a Level I Trauma and teaching hospital environment.