Neuro ICU Registered Nurse
Albuquerque, New Mexico
University of New Mexico Hospital

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse - Neuro ICU (Travel/Contract)

Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Facility Type: Level I Trauma, Teaching Hospital, Children’s Hospital, Short term acute care
Unit: Neuro ICU (possibility to float to CTICU, other ICUs, PCU floors, ED, PACU)
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Position Details

• Specialty: Registered Nurse - Neuro ICU
• Required Years of Experience: 1.5 years
• First-time Travelers: Accepted
• Shift Length: 36 or 48 hours
• Patient Ratios: Typically 1:2; may occasionally float to 6:1 on med-surg patients
• Weekend Requirement: Varies based on unit needs
• On-call: Not required
• Floating: Yes, within scope to other ICUs, PCU floors, ED, PACU
• Local Candidates: Not accepted within 75 miles radius
• Pending License: Accepted
• COVID-19 Vaccination: Required (religious and medical exemptions accepted with completed exemption form)
• Guaranteed Hours: Facility may call off up to 3 times during the 13-week assignment
• Block Scheduling: Open to accommodating but not guaranteed

Patient Diagnoses & Special Requirements

• Common Diagnoses: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH), Subdural Hematoma (SDH), Tumor Resections, Status Epilepticus, other neurologic disorders
• Special Skills Required:

  • EVD (External Ventricular Drain) insertions and care
  • Neuro post-op care
  • A-line insertions
  • Intubation
  • Central line insertion
  • Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)
  • Post-TPA and post-thrombectomy care
  • Interpretation and management of dysrhythmias
  • Intracranial Pressure (ICP) monitoring

Certifications Required

• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) - AHA or ARC (RQI not accepted)
• BLS (Basic Life Support) - AHA or ARC (RQI not accepted)
• NIH Stroke Certification
• Additional certifications may be required depending on unit (e.g., PALS, NRP, TNCC, EFM, CPI, MOAB for Behavioral Health units)

Compliance & Documentation Requirements

• Licensure: Valid New Mexico RN license required (original license with 3D seal must be presented onsite)
• Background Checks:

  • 7-year criminal background check within 30 days of start, updated annually
  • EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks within one year of start
  • Fingerprinting required onsite during orientation (unless completed within past 12 months)
• Health Documents:

  • Physical exam within 1 year prior to start
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year
  • Immunizations: Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Hepatitis B (vaccines or titers required)
  • Drug screen within 30 days of start (instant drug screens not accepted)
  • Fit mask test required within 1 year (specific N95 masks accepted; PAPR accommodations available if needed)
  • Flu vaccine required year-round with exemptions accepted
• Competency Exams:

  • Medication/Pharmacology competency exam (minimum 80% score)
  • Dysrhythmia/EKG competency exam (Relias Basic Dysrhythmia Exam; minimum 80% overall and 100% on lethal arrhythmia section; two attempts allowed)
• Other:

  • Skills checklist and work history verification required
  • Two professional references within three years
  • Orientation safety manual acknowledgement
  • Facility-specific compliance forms and training (e.g., Cerner training attestation)

Additional Notes

• Travelers may be asked to switch to the Cardiothoracic ICU (CTICU) with current pay rate honored if reassigned.
• No locals within 75 miles allowed to apply.
• The facility is not near public transportation; a valid non-local driver’s license is required.
• Overtime applies after 48 hours on contracts signed on or after 10/30/2025.
• Return to work restrictions: Absences greater than 7 days require approval.

This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to work in a high-acuity Neuro ICU setting with a supportive teaching hospital environment.