Introduction to Flight Nurse Careers
Flight nurse careers are a highly specialized and rewarding field that combines nursing expertise with the thrill of aviation. As a flight nurse, you will be responsible for providing critical care to patients during medical transport, often in emergency situations. This career path requires a unique blend of nursing skills, physical stamina, and ability to work well under pressure. If you are considering a career as a flight nurse, here are five ways to get started.
Meet the Basic Requirements
To become a flight nurse, you must first meet the basic requirements. These include: * Holding a current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state where you wish to practice * Having a minimum of 2-3 years of experience in a critical care setting, such as an intensive care unit (ICU) or emergency department (ED) * Maintaining Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications * Possessing a strong foundation in critical care nursing, including experience with ventilators, cardiac monitors, and other specialized equipment
Obtain Specialized Training and Certifications
In addition to meeting the basic requirements, flight nurses must also obtain specialized training and certifications. These may include: * Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN) certification, which is offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) * Flight nurse training programs, which may be offered by hospitals, airlines, or specialized training institutions * Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification, which is also offered by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) * Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification, which may be required by some employers
Gain Experience in Critical Care and Transport Nursing
To succeed as a flight nurse, you must have extensive experience in critical care and transport nursing. This may involve: * Working in a critical care setting, such as an ICU or ED, to gain experience with critically ill patients * Participating in transport teams, such as hospital-based transport teams or private transport companies, to gain experience with patient transport * Developing strong assessment and decision-making skills, which are essential for providing critical care in emergency situations * Learning to work effectively in a team environment, which is critical for success as a flight nurse
Stay Current with Continuing Education and Professional Development
As a flight nurse, you must stay current with the latest developments in critical care and transport nursing. This may involve: * Participating in continuing education programs, such as conferences, workshops, and online courses * Maintaining certifications and licenses, which require ongoing education and training * Joining professional organizations, such as the Air and Surface Transport Nurses Association (ASTNA), to stay current with industry developments and network with other professionals * Reading industry publications, such as the Journal of Air Medical Transport, to stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices
Pursue a Career with a Flight Nurse Employer
Once you have met the basic requirements, obtained specialized training and certifications, gained experience in critical care and transport nursing, and stayed current with continuing education and professional development, you can pursue a career with a flight nurse employer. This may involve: * Applying for flight nurse positions with hospitals, airlines, or private transport companies * Networking with other professionals in the field, such as through professional organizations or social media * Developing a strong resume and cover letter, which highlight your experience, skills, and certifications * Preparing for interviews, which may involve practicing your responses to common interview questions and preparing to discuss your experience and qualifications
🚀 Note: Becoming a flight nurse requires a significant amount of education, training, and experience. It is essential to be passionate about nursing and aviation, and to be willing to work hard to achieve your goals.
In summary, a career as a flight nurse is highly rewarding, but requires a unique blend of nursing skills, physical stamina, and ability to work well under pressure. By meeting the basic requirements, obtaining specialized training and certifications, gaining experience in critical care and transport nursing, staying current with continuing education and professional development, and pursuing a career with a flight nurse employer, you can succeed in this exciting and challenging field.
What is the average salary for a flight nurse?
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The average salary for a flight nurse varies depending on the employer, location, and level of experience. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for registered nurses, including flight nurses, was $76,840 in May 2020.
What kind of equipment do flight nurses use?
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Flight nurses use a variety of specialized equipment, including ventilators, cardiac monitors, and infusion pumps. They may also use transport-specific equipment, such as stretchers and medical bags, to provide care during transport.
How do I become certified as a flight nurse?
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To become certified as a flight nurse, you must meet the eligibility requirements and pass the Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN) exam, which is offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN). You can find more information on the BCEN website.
