Registered Nurse – Correctional Addictions Medicine
Albuquerque, New Mexico
University of New Mexico Metropolitan Detention Center

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse (Correctional)

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

Job Summary

• Work primarily in the Addictions Medicine department within a correctional detention center setting.
• Responsibilities include assessments and treatment of patients undergoing substance withdrawal, Suboxone inductions, detox medication administration, and Methadone medication pass.
• Patient population includes individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD), alcohol use disorder (ETOH), and polysubstance use.

Requirements

Experience

• Minimum 1 year of specialty experience required.
• First-time travelers accepted; prior travel experience preferred but not required.
• Prior travel experience is not explicitly required.

Certifications

• BLS (Basic Life Support) – AHA or ARC (American Red Cross), RQI not accepted.
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) – AHA or ARC, RQI not accepted.
• MOAB (Management of Assaultive Behavior) certification is required. Facility provides a 4-hour de-escalation course during the first week if not already certified. Failure to pass may result in contract cancellation.
• Other certifications to be aware of (may be required depending on unit): PALS, NRP, TNCC, EFM, NIH Stroke Certification, CPI.
• Relias Basic Dysrhythmia Exam required for certain units; must score 80% overall and 100% on Lethal Arrhythmia section (two attempts allowed).
• Medication and competency exams required (minimum 80% passing score).

Licensure

• New Mexico RN license required; pending licenses accepted.
• Must bring original license with 3D seal onsite if applicable.

Background and Compliance

• Must pass a 7-year criminal background check within 30 days of start.
• Fingerprinting required onsite during orientation (unless completed within past 12 months).
• Social Security card and valid non-local driver’s license required.
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required within one year of start.
• Physical exam within 1 year prior to start.
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year.
• Drug screen negative within 30 days of start.
• Immunizations required: Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Flu vaccine (year-round, with exemptions accepted).
• COVID vaccination required with religious and medical exemptions accepted (exemption form required).

Scheduling

• 48-hour shifts only.
• Weekend shifts required every other weekend.
• Guaranteed 36 hours per week.
• Facility may call off up to 3 times during the 13-week assignment.
• Block scheduling accommodation is not guaranteed.
• No local candidates accepted within a 75-mile radius.

Other

• Must be able to pass facility background check.
• Must complete PREA training prior to start.
• Charting system: Cerner.
• Scrub color: Black.
• Parking: No fee.
• Overtime rules: OT after 48 hours on contracts signed on or after 10/30/2025.
• RTO (Return to Office) restrictions: absences greater than 7 days require approval.

Facility Type

• Detention Center (Correctional setting)

Additional Notes

• Candidates will be expected to learn all posts in the correctional setting but will primarily cover the Addictions Medicine department.
• The facility is not near public transportation; candidates must have reliable transportation.
• Candidates must complete various facility-specific compliance forms and training prior to or during orientation.

This position is ideal for RNs with at least 1 year of experience who are comfortable working in a correctional environment and managing patients with substance use disorders. The role requires strong behavioral management skills and the ability to work 48-hour shifts with weekend coverage.