Travel Nurse RN - Intensive Care Unit (ICU) / Critical Care

About the Position

TravelNurseSource is partnering with Mindlance Health to recruit a qualified Registered Nurse for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) / Critical Care department at a Level I Trauma and Teaching Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This facility also serves as a Children's Hospital and offers short-term acute care across 554 staffed beds.

The role focuses on the Neuro ICU, caring for patients with complex diagnoses including Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH), Subdural Hematoma (SDH), tumor resections, status epilepticus, and other neurologic disorders. The position operates on a night shift schedule (3 days x 12 hours, 19:00 - 07:30) with a patient ratio of 1:2. Due to the opening of a new tower, there is a possibility that travelers may be asked to switch to the Cardiothoracic ICU (CTVICU); however, the traveler's current bill rate will be honored if such a switch occurs.

Day in the Life

As a Neuro ICU RN, you will manage high-acuity patients requiring specialized care such as EVD insertions, A-line insertions, intubation, central line insertion, CRRT, and post-thrombectomy care. You will be responsible for interpreting and managing dysrhythmias, monitoring ICP, and managing ventilators. The unit is supported by a robust interdisciplinary team including Physical Therapy, Respiratory Services, Pharmacy, and Rapid Response Teams.

While the standard ratio is 1:2, the role requires flexibility. Clinicians may float within scope to other ICUs, Progressive Care Units (PCU), the Emergency Department, or the PACU to care for admitted patients. Occasionally, ratios may reach 6:1 on PCU floors, though this is not the standard. The facility utilizes Cerner for charting, and the scrub color is black.

Hiring & Application Process

This is a contract position with a 13-week duration, though new contracts and extensions must be at least 10 weeks. A 6-month break is required for travelers who have completed 4 consecutive assignments or reached their one-year mark. Permanent employees may return as travelers if they have been out of the system for 12 months or more.

Application Requirements:

• Location: Non-local candidates only (no locals within a 100-mile radius).
• Compliance: Candidates must be ready to complete compliance requirements within the first 1-2 weeks of signing. Drug screens must be completed within 30 days of starting.
• Licensing: A valid driver's license is required; if a traveler does not have one, a written transportation plan must be provided. Licenses can be pending at the time of submission.
• Vaccinations: COVID-19 vaccination is required (religious and medical exemptions accepted with a provider-signed form). The Flu vaccine is required (medical/religious exemptions only).
• Orientation: Includes a 24-hour orientation. Travelers must pass the Arrhythmia Competence Exam (UNMH P/F Exam) within 4 days of signing if assigned to ICU units. Failure of the first attempt requires remediation and coaching.

Submission Notes:

• Marketing submissions are not accepted; candidates must be submitted only when a need is open.
• Travelers are encouraged to limit Requested Time Off (RTO) to 7 days or less (10 days for PCU) to expedite the offer process.
• Holiday bundles are limited to one block per contract (Thanksgiving, Christmas, or NYE).

Equal Opportunity

Mindlance Health and the facility are committed to providing equal employment opportunities. We consider qualified applicants regardless of background, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status.