Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center

Medical Surgical Registered Nurse - Travel/Contract

Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Contract Length: 13 weeks (approximately 3 months)
Shift: Night (3 shifts per week, 12 hours each, 7:00 PM - 7:30 AM)
Hours per Week: 36

Position Overview

• Patient ratio: 1:6
• Typical patients include those with CHF exacerbation, pneumonia, cellulitis, alcohol withdrawal, fractures with surgical intervention, small bowel obstruction, pancreatitis, infectious diseases, sepsis, CVA, cardiac events, hemodialysis issues, altered mental status, urinary tract infections, post-surgical cases (TURP, panniculectomy, total joint replacements, gastric bypass/sleeve)
• No titrating drips administered except Heparin
• Equipment used includes wound vacs and kangaroo pumps
• Floating within scope to meet facility needs with similar patient assignments
• Weekend shifts may be required depending on census and staff availability
• Block scheduling is not accommodated

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in New Mexico
• Minimum 2 years of Med Surg nursing experience, with experience within the last year
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support
• BLS - Basic Life Support issued by American Red Cross or American Heart Association

Clinical Skills & Special Requirements

• Med/Surg nursing skills including:

  • Colostomy care
  • Feeding tube care and management
  • Blood product administration
  • Central line blood draws
  • Peripheral line care/management
  • Phlebotomy
  • PICC line management
  • IV starts
  • Heparin administration
  • Care for CVA and orthopedic trauma patients
  • Management of total joint replacements and surgical drains
  • Respiratory support including CPAP/BiPAP, nasal cannula, non-invasive airway management, oral suctioning, oxygen face masks, portable oxygen tanks, and tracheostomy management
  • Isolation precautions

Facility & Work Environment

• Community-based hospital
• Level III Trauma Center and Level I Teaching facility
• Total staffed beds: 65 inpatient, 12 ICU
• Charting system: Cerner
• Free parking
• Scrub color: Black

Additional Requirements & Compliance

• Background checks including 7-year criminal history, EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG, and fingerprinting required
• Physical exam within 1 year prior to start
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 30 days of start (THC screen not required)
• Immunizations or proof of immunity required for:

  • Tdap (declinations accepted)
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (positive titer or 2 vaccines)
  • Hepatitis B (positive titer, series, or declination)
  • Varicella (positive titer or 2 vaccines)
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year
• Annual TB questionnaire required
• Fit mask test required within 1 year of start
• Seasonal flu vaccine or approved exemption required annually
• COVID-19 vaccine required with medical or religious exemptions accepted (proper exemption forms required)
• Unit-specific skills checklist required and must be updated annually
• References: 2 professional references within 3 years of hire

Scheduling & Contract Policies

• New contracts and extensions must be at least 10 weeks
• A 6-month break is required for travelers who have worked 4 consecutive assignments or reached one year of travel work, whichever comes first
• Overtime allowed only after 48 hours worked (effective for contracts signed on or after 10/30/2025)

This position is ideal for Med Surg RNs with at least 2 years of experience seeking a travel contract in a community hospital setting with a focus on diverse medical-surgical patient care. Prior travel experience is not required.