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

Registered Nurse - Neuro ICU (Travel/Contract)

Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Position Details

• Specialty: Neuro ICU
• Contract Length: 13 weeks
• Shift: 36 or 48 hours
• Patient Ratios: 1:2 (Neuro ICU), may float to other units with different ratios (e.g., med-surg 6:1 occasionally)
• Years of Experience Required: 1.5 years
• First-time Travelers: Accepted
• Weekend Requirement: Varies based on unit needs
• On-call: Not required
• Local Radius Rule: No locals within 75 miles accepted
• Pending License: Accepted
• Return to Office (RTO) Restrictions: Absences greater than 7 days require approval
• Guaranteed Hours: Facility may call off up to 3 times during the 13-week assignment
• Block Scheduling: Open to accommodating but not guaranteed

Certifications Required

• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• NIH Stroke Certification
• Additional certifications may be required depending on unit (e.g., PALS, NRP, TNCC, EFM, CPI, MOAB for Behavioral Health)

Skills and Special Requirements

• Experience with:

  • EVD (External Ventricular Drain) insertions and management
  • Neuro post-op care
  • A-line insertions
  • Intubation
  • Central line insertion
  • CRRT (Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy)
  • Post-TPA and post-thrombectomy care
  • Interpretation and management of dysrhythmias
  • ICP (Intracranial Pressure) monitoring
• Ability to float within scope to other ICUs, PCU floors, ED, and PACU as needed

Patient Diagnoses Commonly Seen

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH)
• Subdural Hematoma (SDH)
• Tumor resections
• Status Epilepticus
• Other neurologic disorders

Facility Highlights

• Level I Trauma Center
• Teaching hospital with children’s hospital
• Short-term, acute care facility
• Total staffed beds: 554
• Charting system: Cerner
• Free parking

Compliance and Documentation Requirements

• Valid non-local driver’s license required (no ID cards)
• 7-year criminal background check within 30 days of start, updated annually
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required within one year of start
• Fingerprinting required onsite during orientation (unless done within past 12 months)
• Education verification or diploma/transcript required
• 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 (instant drug screens not accepted)
• Annual flu vaccination or approved exemption required
• COVID vaccination required with religious/medical exemptions accepted (exemption form required)
• Social Security card copy may be requested
• Various facility-specific forms and attestations required (e.g., traveler compliance, confidentiality, Cerner training attestation)

Testing and Competency Exams

• 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
• Medication/Pharmacology competency exams required
• Pass/fail testing for EKG/medication knowledge required
• Arrhythmia exam review and attestation required for Neuro ICU and other critical care units

Additional Notes

• Travelers may be asked to switch to Cardiothoracic ICU (CTICU) with current pay rate honored
• No RQI certifications accepted for ACLS/BLS/PALS/NRP
• Facility is not near public transportation; candidates must have reliable transportation
• Candidates must bring original New Mexico professional license with 3D seal onsite
• MOAB certification required for Behavioral Health units; can be obtained onsite if not already held

Prior Travel Experience

• No explicit requirement for prior travel experience mentioned

This position is suitable for RNs with at least 1.5 years of Neuro ICU experience who are flexible to float within critical care units and meet the certification and compliance requirements listed above.