Correctional Facility Addiction Medicine RN
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 Description

• Work primarily in the Addictions Medicine department within a correctional detention center.
• Responsibilities include:

  • Administering Suboxone, detox medications, and Methadone medication pass.
  • Conducting assessments and treatments for patients undergoing substance withdrawal.
  • Monitoring patients during Suboxone induction processes.
• Facility uses Cerner for charting.
• Scrub color: Black.
• Guaranteed 36 hours per week; facility may call off up to 3 times during the 13-week assignment.
• Weekend shifts required every other weekend.
• No local candidates accepted within a 75-mile radius.
• Pending licenses accepted.
• Must pass facility background check.
• COVID vaccination required; religious and medical exemptions accepted with proper documentation.
• Overtime rules: OT after 48 hours on contracts signed on or after 10/30/2025.

Required Experience & Certifications

• Years of Experience: Minimum 1 year in specialty (Registered Nurse).
• First-time travelers accepted, but prior experience preferred.
• Certifications Required:

  • BLS (Basic Life Support) – AHA or ARC, RQI not accepted.
  • ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) – AHA or ARC, RQI not accepted.
  • MOAB (Management of Assaultive Behavior) – Required; facility provides 4-hour de-escalation course during 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, ENPC, CPI, NIH Stroke Certification.
• Relias Basic Dysrhythmia Exam required for certain units; must score 80% overall and 100% on lethal arrhythmia section.
• Medication and competency exams required with minimum passing scores.
• State license for New Mexico required; pending licenses accepted.
• Fingerprinting required onsite during orientation (unless completed within past 12 months).
• Background checks including 7-year criminal history, EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG, education verification, and others required.

Special Requirements

• Must be able to pass a facility background check.
• Valid non-local driver’s license required (identification cards not accepted).
• Must complete PREA training prior to start.
• Physical exam required within 1 year prior to start.
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray required within 1 year.
• Drug screen required within 30 days of start (instant drug screens not accepted).
• Immunizations required or proof of immunity for:

  • Rubeola (Measles)
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Varicella
  • Hepatitis B (declination, series, or titer accepted)
  • Annual flu vaccination/documentation required (exceptions allowed with proper exemption form).
• Fit mask testing required within 1 year of start; specific N95 masks accepted.
• Must be able to work in a correctional/detention center environment.
• Must be willing to work a block schedule if accommodated (not guaranteed).
• No local candidates within 75 miles accepted.

Patient Population

• Patients primarily diagnosed with:

  • Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)
  • Alcohol Use Disorder (ETOH)
  • Poly-substance use

Additional Notes

• Orientation includes fingerprinting and MOAB certification if needed.
• Facility parking is free.
• Returning candidates may have some training exemptions if within one year.
• Candidates must complete various facility-specific documents and attestations 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 setting, particularly with patients undergoing addiction treatment and withdrawal management. Prior travel experience is not required.