There’s a special type of emergency care nurse that deals with life-threatening situations from 5,000 feet or more. Literally.
These nurses work during medical transport flights to support patients on their way to receive trauma care, intensive care or other necessary procedures.
What Do Flight Nurses Do?
The American College of Education says flight nurses are responsible for ensuring the medical aircraft are sufficiently stocked with equipment and supplies before deployment. They also work with care teams including pilots, paramedics, physicians and other health care professionals.
During flights, they monitor ill or injured patients, providing care and advanced life support, if needed, and documenting accurate patient records.
During flight, these nurses make fast decisions in high-stress situations in small places. They typically work in helicopters and airplanes used for critical care transport.
They work for air ambulance services, military medical evacuation teams, EMS services, private companies and trauma centers. They may work as paramedic nurses with training as both a nurse and a paramedic.
Qualities of a Successful Flight Nurse
Flight nurses must address life-threatening matters with cool clinical competence and razor-sharp critical thinking skills. They must be adaptable and an agile problem solver that demonstrates composure under pressure.
Flight nurses must have solid communication skills, including with physicians, patients and family members, and be able to work as part of a team. They must demonstrate physical and mental stamina to withstand the tough conditions of medical care flights.
How to Become a Flight Nurse
Start by earning a nursing degree. The American College of Education says many employers prefer the bachelor’s degree in nursing. You must also pass the National Council Licensure Examination to become a registered nurse (RN).
Employers may require three or more years of experience in an emergency department, on a critical care unit or in the ICU.
Finally, become a certified flight registered nurse (CFRN). Other certifications you may have to get are the critical care registered nurse (CCRN) and certified emergency nurse (CEN), basic life support (BLS) certification, advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification, as well as certification in pediatric advanced life support (PALS), the transport professional advanced trauma course (TPATC).