Flight nurses are registered nurses (RNs) who are pivotal in providing critical care to patients during air-medical transportation. They perform their duties in high-stress environments, often in helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft, where they deliver advanced medical care.
If you're interested in this challenging and rewarding career, this guide will walk you through the steps to become a flight nurse and provide tips for success in the field.
Understanding the role of a flight nurse
Before starting your journey to become a flight nurse, it’s essential to understand what the role entails. Flight nurses are responsible for the following duties:
- Assessing the condition and needs of patients before, during, and after the flight
- Administering medications, fluids, blood products, and oxygen as needed
- Performing advanced procedures, such as intubation and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Monitoring vital signs and using specialized equipment, such as defibrillators and infusion pumps
- Communicating with other healthcare providers and coordinating the transfer of patients
- Documenting the patient's history, interventions, and outcomes
- Adhering to safety protocols and standards of flight nursing practice
- Educating and comforting patients and their families about the flight and the treatment plan
Flight nurses work in collaboration with flight paramedics, pilots, dispatchers, and ground personnel to ensure the safe and efficient transport of patients.
Step 1: Acquire a nursing degree
Becoming an RN is the first step in how to become a flight nurse. This requires completing an accredited program in nursing, such as the following:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): A two-year program that provides essential clinical and theoretical knowledge to become an RN. This degree is one of the shorter options to obtain a nursing degree.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A four-year program that offers more comprehensive coursework and can better prepare nursing students for specialized roles like a flight nurse.
- Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs: For those with a bachelor’s degree in another area, ABSN programs offer an accelerated option for becoming a nurse. This program can typically be completed in 12-to-18 months. The intensive curriculum is done in a condensed timeframe.
Step 2: Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
Once you finish your nursing degree, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This standardized exam tests your knowledge and skills to ensure you’re prepared to practice as an RN.
Step 3: Get experience in critical care settings
Flight nurses must have extensive experience in critical care settings, such as the intensive care unit (ICU) and emergency department (ED). Experience in these settings include the following:
- ICU: Nurses in these settings gain experience with critically ill patients who require constant monitoring and complex medical interventions.
- ED: In this setting, nurses gain experience with a wide range of medical emergencies and the ability to work under pressure.
Most flight nurse positions require a minimum of three-to-five years of critical care experience.
Step 4: Obtain advanced certifications
Most flight nurse roles require a specialized certification, and these certifications can enhance your qualifications and competitiveness for flight nurse positions. Consider pursuing advanced certifications such as:
- Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN): Offered through the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing, this specialized certification demonstrates expertise in flight nursing.
- Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN): Offered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), this certification is for nurses who provide care to seriously and critically ill patients.
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS): This is a certification in advanced cardiac life support techniques provided through the American Heart Association (AHA).
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS): This is a certification in advanced pediatric life support provided through the AHA.
Step 5: Acquire flight nurse training
After acquiring the necessary experience and certifications, you should next seek out specialized training programs for flight nurses. These programs typically cover:
- Aeromedical physiology: This involves understanding how altitude and flight affect patients and medical equipment. The Federal Aviation Administration offers guidance on this area of study.
- Flight safety: This is essential and involves learning about the safety protocols and procedures specific to air medical transport.
- Advanced trauma life support (ATLS): Offered by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), this training in managing trauma patients in a pre-hospital environment.
Step 6: Apply for flight nurse positions
With effective education, experience, and certifications in hand, you can start applying for flight nurse positions. Look for job openings with air medical transport services or hospitals with air transport units.
Step 7: Prepare for the interview process
Flight nurse interviews often include questions about your critical care experience, ability to work under pressure, and knowledge of flight nursing principles. Be prepared to discuss:
- Specific cases you've managed in critical care settings.
- Your approach to handling high-stress situations.
- Your understanding of aeromedical principles and flight safety.
Step 8: Complete orientation and training
Once you secure a position, you will undergo orientation and on-the-job training. This can include the following
- Shadow experienced flight nurses. You’ll gain hands-on experience and learn specific protocols.
- Participate in simulations. You’ll practice emergency scenarios in a controlled environment.
- Pursue continuing education. Regularly update your knowledge and skills to stay current with best practices as a flight nurse.
Tips for success as a flight nurse
Stay physically fit. Flight nursing is physically demanding, requiring strength and stamina to handle patients and equipment in confined spaces. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are essential.
Enhance communication skills. Effective communication with your team is crucial in the high-pressure environment of air medical transport. Practice clear, concise, and assertive communication to ensure patient safety and team coordination.
Develop strong critical-thinking skills. Flight nurses must make quick, accurate decisions in emergency situations. Continuously hone your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities through practical experience.
Cultivate emotional resilience. The nature of flight nursing can be emotionally taxing. Develop strategies for managing stress, such as mindfulness, professional counseling, and maintaining a supportive network of colleagues and friends.
Pursue ongoing education and training. Attend workshops, pursue additional certifications, and participate in professional organizations like the Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association (ASTNA) to stay informed and connected.
Becoming a flight nurse requires dedication, advanced training, and the ability to perform under pressure. By following these steps and implementing the tips for success, you can build a rewarding career in this challenging and essential field.
