For anyone looking to play a part in changing healthcare for better, here’s a guide on how to become a flight nurse, with this guide you will understand the job description of flight nurse and salary.
What is a flight nurse?
Flight nurses are highly skilled healthcare professionals who provide medical care to patients in the air. They specialize in providing emergency and critical care services during flights, ensuring that passengers receive the best possible medical attention while traveling. Flight nurses must have an advanced level of knowledge about aviation medicine and be able to respond quickly and effectively when a patient’s condition changes mid-flight.
READ ALSO: How to become Emergency Room Nurse
These nurses are responsible for keeping patients stable until the airplane arrives at the appropriate healthcare institution.
How to become a Flight Nurse
If you are interested in becoming a flight nurse, there are certain qualifications you need to meet before beginning your career path:
1) You must have at least two years of experience as an RN or NP with specialized training related directly to emergency/critical care nursing;
2) You will also need certifications such as ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support), PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support), TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course), or CCRN (Certified Critical Care Registered Nurse);
3) In addition, most employers require flight nurses to obtain FAA certification for flying commercial aircraft
4). Finally, potential candidates must possess excellent communication skills since they will be interacting with other crew members on board the plane.
Flight nurse Education Requirements
Flight nurses can obtain their nursing degree through a three-year RN program or a four-year BSN program. After graduation, students must pass the state’s council exam to become licensed
Some flight nurses find it beneficial to further their education by obtaining an MSN degree. To get the critical care experience required to become a transport nurse, RNs should begin their careers in emergency or intensive care units.
Flight Nurse Job Description
They may analyze illness or injuries and design a strategy to give the necessary therapy to safely transport the patient to his or her destination. In a non-trauma circumstance, they may gather and maintain track of documentation and medical directions for the duration of the trip, as well as help the pilot in some situations. Their roles include;
- Assess, triage, and treat patients that require rapid medical care and air evacuation.
- Maintain and organize patient charts and documents
- On the way to the destination, provide first assistance, implant IVs, perform resuscitation, and more.
- Maintain aircraft supplies and equipment
- The pilot may need assistance with radio communication or other activities.
- Assist in securely transporting patients into and out of airplanes.
- Keep track of vital indicators.
Salary for flight nurses
The salary range for flight nurses can vary greatly depending on location but typically falls between $55K-$120K per year plus benefits such as paid time off, health insurance coverage, and more!
READ ALSO: How to become an oncology nurse
With nursing being a rising sector in general, the job prospects for flight nurses are favorable. While this sort of profession does not have a high turnover rate, new private organizations are developing and trying to hire nurses into the specialization.
Nurses who appreciate delivering emergency treatment and want to work in a more proactive way than a hospital or medical center would thrive in transport nursing.
