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

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse - Emergency Department

Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Facility Overview

• 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)

Job Details

• 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"
• Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: 1:5
• 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) as well
• Weekend Requirement: Scheduled as needed (Saturday and Sunday days; Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights)
• On-call: Not required
• Block Scheduling: Not accommodated
• Locals: No locals accepted within 75 miles
• Pending NM License: Accepted
• Return to Office (RTO) Restrictions: More than 7 days off requires approval
• Guaranteed Hours: Contracted hours per week (36/40/48); facility may call off up to 3 times during a 13-week assignment
• Overtime: OT after 48 hours on contracts signed on or after 10/30/2025

Experience Requirements

• Specialty: Registered Nurse - Emergency Department
• Required Years of Experience: 2 years (will review candidates with 1.5 years)
• Level 1 Trauma Experience: Preferred
• Prior Travel Experience: Strongly preferred but not required if candidate has 2+ years Level 1 trauma experience
• First-time Travelers: Accepted

Certifications Required Before Start

• TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course) - Must have before submission
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• NIH Stroke Certification (can pend until compliance document due date before start)
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)

Additional Required Certifications and Training

• Management of Assaultive Behavior (MAB) - required for Behavioral Health units
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute)
• Relias Basic Dysrhythmia Exam (Pass/Fail Testing) - must score 80% overall and 100% on Lethal Arrhythmia section; two attempts allowed
• Medication Test/Pharmacology Competency Exam
• Competency Exam (general)
• Fingerprinting (done onsite during orientation; valid within 12 months)
• Orientation Safety Manual Acknowledgement
• UNMH Traveler Compliance Form
• Cerner Training Attestation (required for RNs starting with 8/4/25 orientation group; test-out option available)
• Pass/Fail Testing (EKG/Medication)
• Certification (Miscellaneous): MOAB cert required for all RN and Allied candidates working in Behavioral Health units (can be obtained onsite if not held prior to start)

Licensure

• New Mexico RN License required (can be pending at time of submission)
• Must bring original NM license with 3D seal onsite for display (for radiology units)
• NURSYS verification required
• Valid non-local driver’s license required (identification cards not accepted)

Health and Compliance Requirements

• COVID Vaccination: Required (religious and medical exemptions accepted with completed exemption form)
• Physical Exam: Required within 1 year prior to start
• Fit Mask: Required within 1 year of start; only specific N95 masks accepted (1870+, 1860, 1860s, V-Flex 1804, V-Flex 1804s); fit tests cannot be completed onsite
• Negative TB or Chest X-Ray: Required within 1 year of start (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)
• Flu Vaccine: Required year-round with exceptions for exemptions or declinations; must be on file prior to start

Background and Verification

• 7-year criminal background check within 30 days of start, updated annually
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required within one year of start
• Education verification required (diploma or transcript acceptable if 3rd party verification unavailable)
• Work History Verification: Minimum 3 years of previous work experience verified
• References: Two professional references within three years of hire

Notes

• No RQI certifications accepted for required certifications
• Increased number of admit holds currently in ED
• Facility is not near public transportation; valid driver’s license required
• No locals within 75 miles allowed to apply
• Floating to other units may be required based on staffing needs

This position is ideal for experienced Emergency Department Registered Nurses with Level 1 trauma experience who are comfortable with travel assignments and meet the certification and licensure requirements. Prior travel experience is preferred but not mandatory if the candidate has sufficient trauma experience.