Trauma Emergency Department 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 Ratios: 1:5
• Experience Required: Minimum 2 years nursing experience; 1.5 years may be considered. Level 1 trauma experience preferred.
• Travel Experience: Strongly preferred; however, candidates with 2+ years Level 1 trauma experience may be considered even if first-time travelers.
• Weekend Requirement: Scheduled as needed (Saturday and Sunday days; Friday, Saturday, Sunday nights).
• 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 (New Mexico 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 shifts 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 Preferred/Optional Certifications:

  • 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
• Relias Basic Dysrhythmia Exam: Required for ED and related units; must score 80% overall and 100% on Lethal Arrhythmia section. Two attempts allowed before cancellation.

Licensure & Background Requirements

• New Mexico RN License: Can be pending at submission; original license with 3D seal required onsite for radiology units.
• Background Check:

  • 7-year criminal check within 30 days of start, updated annually.
  • Must cover all locations lived/worked in past 7 years.
  • Instant searches not accepted.
  • One-time DUI approved if license unencumbered and no company vehicle driving.
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG Checks: Required within one year of start.
• Education Verification: Required; diploma or transcript accepted if 3rd party verification unavailable.
• Fingerprinting: Required onsite during orientation for NM Department of Health clearance; candidates with prints within past 12 months may be exempt.
• NURSYS Verification: Required for RN licenses.

Health & Safety Requirements

• COVID-19 Vaccination: Required; religious and medical exemptions accepted with completed exemption form.
• Flu Vaccine: Required year-round; exemptions accepted with facility-specific form.
• Fit Mask Testing: Required within 1 year of start; only specific N95 masks accepted. PAPR accommodations available if needed.
• Physical Exam: Required within 1 year prior to start.
• Negative TB or Chest X-Ray: Required within 1 year; includes Qgold, Tspot, or PPD with mm reading.
• TB Questionnaire: Required annually.
• Immunizations:

  • Rubeola (Measles): 2 vaccines or positive IGG titer required.
  • Mumps: 2 vaccines or positive IGG titer required.
  • 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.

Additional Notes

• No RQI certifications accepted.
• Travel experience strongly preferred but not mandatory with sufficient trauma experience.
• No locals within 75 miles allowed.
• Increased number of admit holds currently in ED.
• Medication administration includes IV meds following seven medication rights; documentation and communication of clinical findings required.
• Overtime: OT applies after 48 hours on contracts signed on or after 10/30/2025.

Orientation & Compliance

• Orientation Safety Manual Acknowledgement: Required.
• UNMH Traveler Compliance Form: Must be completed and uploaded.
• Cerner Training Attestation: Required for RNs starting with 8/4/25 orientation group; test-out option available.
• Work Experience Verification: Minimum 3 years of previous work experience required to be verified.
• References: Two professional references within three years of hire required.

This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to work in a Level I Trauma Emergency Department with a diverse patient population in a teaching hospital setting. Candidates must be prepared for a fast-paced environment with a focus on trauma and emergency care.