Travel Emergency Department Registered Nurse (Level I Trauma)
Albuquerque, New Mexico
University of New Mexico Hospital

Registered Nurse - Emergency Department

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

Job Overview

• Facility Type: Level I Trauma, Children's Hospital, Teaching Hospital, Short term, Acute Care
• Total Staffed Beds: 554
• 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 Adult PCUs expected based on staffing needs
  • Floating to Pediatric ED optional
  • Potential floating to ED Holding and Trauma as needed
• Weekend Work: Scheduled as needed (weekend days = Sat/Sun; weekend nights = Fri/Sat/Sun)
• Block Scheduling: Not accommodated
• Locals: Not accepted within 75 miles radius
• Pending License: Accepted (NM license can pend at submission)
• Return to Office (RTO) Restrictions: >7 days off requires approval
• Guaranteed Hours: Contracted hours per week (36/40/48); facility may call off up to 3 times during 13-week assignment
• Overtime: OT applies after 48 hours on contracts signed on or after 10/30/2025

Experience & Requirements

• Minimum Experience: 2 years required; 1.5 years may be considered
• Level 1 Trauma Experience: Preferred and strongly recommended
• Travel Experience: Strongly preferred; first-time travelers with 2+ years Level 1 trauma experience may be considered
• Certifications Required (must have before submission):

  • TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course) - Required before submission
  • ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
  • BLS (Basic Life Support)
  • NIH Stroke Certification (can pend until compliance doc due date before start)
  • PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
• COVID-19 Vaccination: Required; religious and medical exemptions accepted with completed exemption form
• Medication Administration: Includes IV medication following seven medication rights; documentation and communication of clinical findings required

Licensure & Documentation

• New Mexico RN license required; can be pending at submission
• Valid non-local driver’s license required (ID cards not accepted)
• 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)
• Education Verification: Diploma or transcript acceptable if 3rd party verification unavailable
• Drug Testing: Negative drug screen within 30 days of start (instant drug screens not accepted)
• Physical Exam: Required within 1 year prior to start
• Immunizations & Health Requirements:

  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year
  • Annual TB questionnaire
  • Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella: 2 vaccines or positive IGG titer required
  • Hepatitis B: Declination, series, or titer required
  • Varicella: 2 vaccines or positive IGG titer required (history of disease not accepted)
  • Flu Vaccine: Required year-round with exemptions accepted
  • Fit Mask: Required within 1 year of start; specific mask types accepted

Orientation & Training

• Cerner Charting System used
• Cerner Training Attestation required for new hires starting 8/4/25 orientation group (test-out option available)
• Relias Basic Dysrhythmia Exam required (80% passing score, 100% on lethal arrhythmia section)
• Medication Test/Pharmacology Competency Exam required
• Pass/Fail Testing: Includes EKG and medication exams with remediation process if failed
• Management of Assaultive Behavior (MAB) certification may be required depending on unit
• Orientation Safety Manual Acknowledgement required
• UNMH Traveler Compliance Form and Welcome PowerPoint must be completed prior to start

Additional Notes

• No locals within 75 miles allowed to apply
• Floating to other units may be required within scope of practice
• Increased admit holds currently impacting ED flow
• Facility parking is free
• Scrub color: Black or not provided
• Facility does not provide public transportation; candidate must have reliable transportation
• Candidates must complete all required documentation and certifications prior to start or as allowed by facility policies

This position is ideal for experienced Emergency Department RNs with Level 1 trauma experience who are comfortable with travel assignments and flexible scheduling including weekends and floating within related units.