How to Become a Flight Nurse

As a nurse, there are many career paths available, but one that is becoming increasingly popular is becoming a flight nurse. A flight nurse provides critical care and medical treatment to patients while they are being transported by air ambulance. It is a challenging and rewarding career that requires a high level of skill and dedication. In this article, we will explore the steps you need to take to become a flight nurse.

Introduction

A flight nurse is a specialized registered nurse who provides care to critically ill or injured patients during air transport. Flight nursing requires advanced medical knowledge, excellent critical thinking skills, and the ability to work in high-stress environments. It is a demanding and rewarding career that requires dedication and hard work. If you are interested in becoming a flight nurse, this article will provide you with the information you need to get started.

What is a Flight Nurse?

A flight nurse is a registered nurse who works in air medical transport. Flight nurses provide advanced medical care to patients who are being transported by air ambulance. They work as part of a team that includes pilots, paramedics, and other healthcare professionals. Flight nurses must be able to handle a wide range of medical emergencies, from cardiac arrest to trauma.

Requirements to Become a Flight Nurse

Becoming a flight nurse requires education, certification, and experience. Here are the requirements you need to meet:

Education

The first step to becoming a flight nurse is to obtain a nursing degree. You must complete an accredited nursing program to become a registered nurse (RN). There are several options for obtaining a nursing degree, including:

◉ Associate's degree in nursing (ADN)

◉ Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN)

◉ Master of Science in nursing (MSN)

◉ While an ADN may be sufficient for some nursing positions, most flight nursing positions require a BSN or higher degree.

Certification

After obtaining your nursing degree, you must become certified as a flight nurse. To become certified, you must pass the Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN) exam. The CFRN exam is offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN). To be eligible to take the exam, you must have at least two years of experience as an RN and at least 2,000 hours of experience in critical care nursing.

Experience

Most flight nursing positions require at least three to five years of experience in critical care nursing before you can be considered for the position. During this time, you will gain experience working with critically ill or injured patients in a hospital setting.

Skills Required for a Flight Nurse

Becoming a flight nurse requires a high level of skill and dedication. Some of the skills required for this career include:

◉ Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills

◉ Advanced medical knowledge and clinical skills

◉ Strong communication and interpersonal skills

◉ Ability to work well under pressure

◉ Flexibility and adaptability

◉ Attention to detail and accuracy

◉ Physical and emotional stamina

Typical Duties of a Flight Nurse

The duties of a flight nurse can vary depending on the patient's needs and the type of transport. Some of the typical duties of a flight nurse include:

◉ Assessing the patient's condition and providing advanced medical care

◉ Administering medications and treatments as prescribed

◉ Monitoring the patient's vital signs and providing interventions as needed

◉ Communicating with the transport team and receiving medical direction from physicians

◉ Ensuring the safety and comfort of the patient during transport

◉ Documenting patient care and maintaining accurate records

Working Conditions of a Flight Nurse

Flight nurses work in a variety of settings, including air ambulances, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft. They may work for hospitals, air medical transport companies, or government agencies. The working conditions for flight nurses can be challenging and unpredictable, as they must be prepared to respond to medical emergencies in any location and in any weather conditions.

Advantages of Becoming a Flight Nurse

Becoming a flight nurse has many advantages, including:

◉ High level of job satisfaction and the opportunity to make a difference in patients' lives

◉ Competitive salary and benefits

◉ Opportunities for career advancement and professional development

◉ The ability to work in a dynamic and challenging environment

◉ The opportunity to travel to different locations

Disadvantages of Becoming a Flight Nurse

Becoming a flight nurse also has some disadvantages, including:

◉ High levels of stress and emotional strain

◉ Exposure to infectious diseases and hazardous materials

◉ Risk of injury or death during transport

◉ Long and unpredictable hours

◉ Limited availability of flight nurse positions in some areas

Salary of a Flight Nurse

The salary of a flight nurse can vary depending on the location, employer, and experience level. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for registered nurses was $75,330 as of May 2020. However, flight nurses typically earn a higher salary due to the specialized nature of the job. The average salary for flight nurses is around $80,000 to $90,000 per year.

Job Outlook for Flight Nurses

The job outlook for flight nurses is positive, as the demand for air medical transport continues to grow. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, air medical transport flights have increased by more than 50% in the last decade. As the population ages and the need for emergency medical services increases, the demand for flight nurses is expected to grow as well.

Tips for Becoming a Flight Nurse

If you are interested in becoming a flight nurse, here are some tips to help you get started:

◉ Obtain a nursing degree from an accredited program

◉ Gain experience in critical care nursing

◉ Obtain certification as a flight nurse

◉ Network with professionals in the field

◉ Volunteer for medical missions or disaster relief efforts

◉ Attend conferences and training programs to stay up-to-date on best practices in flight nursing

Conclusion

Becoming a flight nurse is a challenging and rewarding career that requires dedication, hard work, and a high level of skill. By obtaining a nursing degree, gaining experience in critical care nursing, and obtaining certification as a flight nurse, you can pursue this exciting career path. While there are some disadvantages to becoming a flight nurse, the advantages, including high job satisfaction and a competitive salary, make it an attractive option for many nurses.