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

ICU Registered Nurse Travel/Contract Position

Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Shift: Night (3 shifts of 12 hours, 7:00 PM – 7:30 AM)
Contract Length: 13 weeks (minimum 10 weeks for new contracts and extensions)

Unit & Patient Population

• Specialty: Neuro ICU
• Patient Diagnoses: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH), Subdural Hematoma (SDH), Tumor Resections, Status Epilepticus, and other neurologic disorders
• Patient Ratios: Typically 1:2; may occasionally float to med-surg-like patients with ratios up to 6:1
• Floating: May float within scope to other ICUs, PCU floors, Emergency Department (ED), and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) to care for admitted patients

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Valid RN license in New Mexico
• Minimum 1.5 years of ICU (Intensive Care Unit) nursing experience
• ICU experience within the last year
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification
• BLS (Basic Life Support) certification issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification

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 (any vendor accepted)
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Additional certifications may be required depending on unit (e.g., Management of Assaultive Behavior, CPI, TNCC) but confirm with unit specifics

Skills & Special Requirements

• Experience with:

  • EVD (External Ventricular Drain) insertions and care
  • Neuro post-operative 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

Work Schedule & Floating

• Night shift, 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (36 hours/week)
• Floating to other units as needed within scope of practice
• Block scheduling may be accommodated but is not guaranteed
• No on-call required
• Locals within 100 miles are not accepted

Licensing & Documentation

• Valid New Mexico RN license required (original license with 3D seal must be presented onsite)
• Valid non-local driver’s license required (ID cards not accepted)
• Social Security card required for verification
• Background checks: 7-year criminal history, EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG, fingerprinting (done onsite during orientation unless completed within past 12 months)
• Education verification required (diploma or transcript acceptable if 3rd party verification unavailable)
• Drug screen: Negative result within 30 days of start, instant drug screens not accepted
• Physical exam within 1 year of start
• Fit mask test required within 1 year of start (specific N95 masks accepted; PAPR accommodations available if needed)
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year of start, with additional requirements for past positive responders
• Immunizations/vaccinations required:

  • Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella: 2 vaccines or positive IGG titer
  • Varicella: 2 vaccines or positive IGG titer (history of disease not accepted)
  • Hepatitis B: Declination, series, or titer acceptable
  • Annual flu vaccination required (exceptions and declinations accepted with facility form)
• COVID vaccination no longer required but reporting of vaccination status is mandatory

Orientation & Testing Requirements

• Cerner training attestation required (test-out option available for experienced Cerner users)
• Relias Basic Dysrhythmia Exam required for Neuro ICU and other specified units:

  • Must score ≥80% overall and 100% on lethal arrhythmia section
  • Two attempts allowed before cancellation
  • Returning candidates exempt if exam completed within past year
• Medication/Pharmacology competency exam required (minimum 80% to pass)
• Pass/fail testing and acknowledgment forms required prior to start

Additional Notes

• Travelers may be asked to switch to Cardiothoracic ICU if needed; current pay rate honored if reassigned
• Facility is a Level I Trauma, teaching hospital with 554 staffed beds
• Charting system: Cerner
• Parking: No fee
• New contracts and extensions must be at least 10 weeks
• A 6-month break is required after 4 consecutive assignments or 1 year of travel at this facility, whichever comes first
• Overtime paid after 48 hours worked (effective for contracts signed on or after 10/30/2025)

References & Work History

• Two professional references within the last three years required
• Complete employment application with at least 3 years of work history required
• Work history verification required for 3 years, including detailed verification information

This summary includes all relevant information for healthcare recruiters and workers considering this ICU Registered Nurse travel contract position in Albuquerque, NM.