Emergency Department Registered Nurse
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

• Work primarily with admitted patients in the Emergency Department (ED), which functions as a Level I Trauma center and includes a Children's Hospital and Teaching Hospital setting.
• Approximately 60%-80% of ED patients are admitted; many rooms serve as ED Holding.
• Shifts are 36 or 48 hours per week, typically night shifts (3x12 hours, 7:00 PM to 7:30 AM).
• Patient-to-nurse ratio is approximately 1:5.
• Floating expectations: may float to Adult PCUs (required), optional floating to Pediatric ED, ED Holding, and Trauma Department of Emergency.
• Weekend work required as needed (weekend days = Sat/Sun; weekend nights = Fri, Sat, Sun).
• No local hires accepted within 100 miles radius.

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in New Mexico
• Minimum 2 years of Emergency Department (ED) experience, with ED experience within the last year
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Current certifications:

  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
  • Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)
  • NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification

Clinical Responsibilities

• Medication administration including IV medications following the seven medication rights.
• Document and communicate clinical findings effectively.
• Care for trauma and admitted patients in a fast-paced ED environment with increased admit holds.

Scheduling & Work Conditions

• Guaranteed contracted hours per week (36/40/48), with facility allowed to call off up to 3 times during a 13-week assignment.
• Overtime applies after 48 hours worked (for contracts signed on or after 10/30/2025).
• New contracts and extensions must be at least 10 weeks.
• A 6-month break is required after 4 consecutive assignments or 1 year of cumulative work, whichever comes first.
• Return-to-Office (RTO) restrictions: absences greater than 7 days require approval.
• Block scheduling is not accommodated.

Compliance & Documentation Requirements

• Background Checks:

  • 7-year criminal background check within 30 days of start, including all locations lived/worked in past 7 years.
  • EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required within one year of start.
  • Fingerprinting required onsite during orientation unless completed within past 12 months.
• Health Documents:

  • Physical exam within 1 year prior to start.
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year.
  • Annual TB questionnaire.
  • Required immunizations or titers: Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (2 vaccines or positive titer), Hepatitis B (declination, series, or titer).
  • Negative drug screen within 30 days of start (instant drug screens not accepted).
  • Flu vaccine required year-round with exemptions accepted for personal reasons.
  • Fit mask test required within 1 year of start (specific N95 masks accepted; PAPR accommodation available if needed).
• Employment History:

  • Complete application with at least 3 years of verifiable work history.
  • Two professional references within 3 years of hire.
• Competency Exams:

  • Medication/Pharmacology competency exam (minimum 80% passing score).
  • Relias Basic Dysrhythmia Exam required for ED and related units; must score 80% overall and 100% on lethal arrhythmia section. Two attempts allowed before cancellation.
• Facility-Specific:

  • Cerner training attestation required for new hires starting 8/4/25 orientation group (test-out option available).
  • Completion of UNMH Traveler Compliance Form and review of Welcome PowerPoint prior to start.

Additional Notes

• No Rapid Quality Improvement (RQI) certifications accepted.
• COVID-19 vaccination is optional; facility reports vaccination status. Upload vaccine series or declination.
• Valid non-local driver’s license required; location is not near public transportation.
• Candidates must bring original New Mexico RN license with 3D seal onsite.
• MOAB certification can be obtained onsite if not held prior to start (required for Behavioral Health).
• Floating to Pediatric ED is optional; floating to Adult PCUs is expected.
• Increased admit holds currently impacting ED census.

This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity for experienced Emergency Department Registered Nurses with trauma experience seeking travel assignments in a Level I Trauma and teaching hospital environment.