Flight Nurse

Air Methods•Liberal, KS

5d•$77,750 - $95,023

About The Position

The Flight Nurse provides high-quality critical care during air transport, including patient assessment, triage, and treatment in accordance with standards and guidelines established by Air Methods Community Base Services (CBS) Medical Director(s). The nurse assesses the nature and extent of illness or injury, prioritizes care, and supports safe transport of critical patients to appropriate facilities. The role advances Air Methods CBS’s mission and goals, with safety as the highest priority throughout transport. The position involves providing nursing care from initial patient contact until handoff to the receiving medical facility, maintaining patient-care documentation, and keeping clinical knowledge and skills current through ongoing education and training. The Flight Nurse maintains and checks medical equipment and aircraft supplies, participates in flight briefings and checklists, and supports aircraft safety. The nurse may serve as a resource for neonatal and pediatric specialty transports, perform approved advanced procedures, participate in outreach and follow-up activities, and help orient employees and students. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. Approximately 5% of work time involves travel. A clinical flight crew member must maintain a weight not exceeding 225 pounds, including an empty flight suit and boots. The role requires a flexible schedule, including overtime and a 24/7 on-call rotation.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing.
At least three years of recent critical-care or emergency nursing experience within the last five years, or as required by state or local EMS regulations.
Current RN license(s) for states of practice.
EMS or MICN certification/licensure as required by state regulations.
Current Healthcare Provider BLS/CPR and ACLS certifications, plus PALS or equivalent and an advanced-provider trauma certification (TPATC/TNCC/ITLS/PHTLS) when required by state or county regulations.
Obtain a specialty certification (CFRN or CEN) within 24 months of hire.
Complete one accepted advanced trauma course—TPATC, TNCC, ATCN, TNATC, or a CAMTS-approved advanced trauma course—before completion of third-rider training.
Obtain NRP certification before completion of third-rider orientation.
Complete NIMS Training IS 100, 200, 700, and 800, and HazMat training before completion of third-rider training.
Maintain a weight not exceeding 225 pounds, including an empty flight suit and boots.
Demonstrate nursing skills within the assigned state scope of practice and advanced practice skills as defined by Medical Director(s) and Medical Standards.
Build positive working relationships and collaborate with colleagues, EMS representatives, hospitals, and the public.
Demonstrate critical-thinking and reasoning skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
Be able to work a flexible schedule, including overtime and a 24/7 on-call rotation.
Be dependable and self-motivated in a frequently changing environment, with strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
Be proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Maintain required aviation and safety training, OSHA and HIPAA training, continuing education, clinical rotations, and advanced-procedure documentation.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field.
Pre-hospital experience.
Flight experience.

Responsibilities

Provide nursing care within the applicable scope of practice from initial patient contact until care is transferred to the receiving medical facility, and maintain thorough patient-care documentation.
Maintain clinical competency through ongoing laboratory and clinical experiences; communicate educational needs and keep required licensure, certification, training, and clinical experience records current.
Demonstrate proficiency in using and maintaining Air Methods CBS equipment and supplies; report equipment failures, take initial steps toward repairs as directed, maintain onboard supplies, and keep the aircraft clean and orderly.
Attend pre-mission briefings and mission debriefings, complete required documentation, assist with pre-mission liftoff checklists, and assist the pilot with radio, navigation, and visual observation activities as requested.
Comply with safety standards and conduct aircraft safety briefings as needed to protect crew, patients, and equipment.
Serve as a flight resource to neonatal and pediatric personnel during specialty transports and perform advanced skills and procedures approved by Air Methods CBS Medical Director(s).
Participate in patient and referring-institution follow-up and planned outreach, marketing, and education activities.
Act as a preceptor and/or help orient new employees and students as assigned, and communicate program goals and objectives.
Participate in Air Methods CBS meetings, activities, projects, and committees, including research and publishing opportunities.
Maintain regularly scheduled attendance and perform other duties as assigned.