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

ICU Registered Nurse Travel/Contract Job - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Position Details

• Specialty: Registered Nurse (Neuro ICU)
• Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Employment Type: Travel/Contract
• Shift: Night (4 shifts of 12 hours each, 19:00 - 7:30)
• Hours per Week: 48
• Contract Length: 13 weeks (minimum new contracts and extensions)
• Start Date: ASAP
• Patient Diagnoses: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH), Subdural Hematoma (SDH), Tumor Resections, Status Epilepticus, and other neurologic disorders
• Unit Type: Level I Trauma, Teaching, Children’s Hospital, Short term acute care
• Staffed Beds: 554
• Charting System: Cerner
• Parking: No fee

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in New Mexico
• Minimum 1.5 years of ICU (Intensive Care Unit) experience, with ICU experience within the last year
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification issued by American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC)
• BLS (Basic Life Support) certification issued by American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC)
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification
• Demonstrated skill and experience in Intracranial Pressure (ICP) management

Required Certifications

• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) - AHA or ARC, RQI not accepted
• BLS (Basic Life Support) - AHA or ARC, RQI not accepted
• NIH Stroke Certification
• Basic Dysrhythmia/EKG Competency Exam (Relias Basic Dysrhythmia Exam) - must score 80% overall and 100% on lethal arrhythmia section; two attempts allowed
• Management of Assaultive Behavior (MOAB) - required for Behavioral Health units; can be obtained onsite if not held prior to start
• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) - verify if required per unit
• Other certifications may be required depending on unit (e.g., TNCC, ENPC, PALS, NRP) but not specified for this Neuro ICU role

Licensure

• License: Valid Registered Nurse license for New Mexico (original license with 3D seal required onsite)
• Pending License: Accepted
• Driver’s License: Valid non-local driver’s license required (local licenses not accepted)
• NURSYS Verification: Required for RN license validation

Special Skills & 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
• Ability to accommodate block scheduling (not guaranteed)
• No locals accepted within 100 miles radius

Health & Compliance Requirements

• 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:

  • Rubeola (Measles): 2 vaccines or positive IGG titer
  • Mumps: 2 vaccines or positive IGG titer
  • 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
• Flu vaccine required year-round with exemptions allowed for personal reasons
• Negative drug screen within 30 days of start (instant drug screens not accepted)
• Fit mask test required within 1 year of start (specific N95 masks accepted; PAPR accommodation available if needed)
• COVID vaccine optional; facility reports vaccination status

Background & Documentation

• 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 completed within past 12 months)
• Education verification or diploma/transcript required
• Employment application with at least 3 years of work history
• Work history verification for 3 years minimum
• Two professional references within 3 years of hire
• Completion of facility-specific compliance forms including traveler compliance and confidentiality statements
• Cerner training attestation required for new hires starting 8/4/25 orientation group (test-out option available)

Additional Notes

• Overtime paid after 48 hours worked per week (effective 10/30/2025)
• Facility may call off up to 3 times during a 13-week assignment
• Travelers must have a 6-month break after 4 consecutive assignments or 1 year of cumulative work at this facility
• Return to work restrictions: absences longer than 7 days require approval
• Location is not near public transportation; candidates must have reliable transportation arrangements

This position offers a challenging Neuro ICU travel nursing opportunity with a reputable Level I Trauma and teaching hospital in Albuquerque, NM. It requires strong critical care skills, flexibility to float to various units, and compliance with comprehensive credentialing and health requirements.