Flight Nurse

Air Methods•Rapid City, SD

18d•Onsite

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 evaluates the nature and extent of illness or injury, prioritizes care, and supports safe transport of critically ill or injured patients to the appropriate facility. The role carries out Air Methods CBS’s mission and goals, with safety as the highest priority throughout the transport continuum. The Flight Nurse provides nursing care from initial contact until care is transferred to the receiving medical facility and maintains thorough patient care documentation. The role includes maintaining clinical competency, required credentials and training; using and maintaining medical equipment and supplies; and contributing to aircraft readiness. As a medical flight crew member, the nurse participates in mission briefings and debriefings, completes required documentation, assists with pre-flight checks, and follows aircraft safety procedures. The nurse may support neonatal and pediatric specialty transports, perform approved advanced procedures, participate in outreach and follow-up activities, and help orient employees and students. This position has no supervisory responsibilities. It requires regularly scheduled attendance, approximately 5% travel, and the ability to work a flexible schedule that may include overtime and a 24/7 on-call rotation. A flight-crew weight limit of 225 pounds applies, including an empty flight suit and boots. The posting advertises an $8,000 annual location stipend for Rapid City. A bachelor’s degree in a health-related field is preferred but not required; a specialty certification (CFRN or CEN) is required within 24 months of hire.

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, ACLS, and PALS or equivalent certifications, subject to stated state or county requirements.
One acceptable advanced trauma certification/course (TPATC, TNCC, ATCN, TNATC, or a CAMTS-approved advanced trauma course) before completion of third-rider training.
NRP certification before completion of third-rider orientation.
NIMS IS 100, 200, 700, and 800 and HazMat training before completion of third-rider training.
CFRN or CEN specialty certification within 24 months of hire.
Skills to practice nursing under the assigned state scope of practice and perform advanced practice skills as defined by Medical Director(s) and Medical Standards.
Ability to maintain positive working relationships and collaborate with colleagues, EMS representatives, hospitals, and the public.
Strong critical-thinking, reasoning, attention-to-detail, prioritization, and multitasking skills in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including overtime and a 24/7 on-call rotation.
Dependable and self-motivated in a frequently changing environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Maintain a weight not exceeding 225 pounds, including an empty flight suit and boots.
Meet applicable employment practices and policies and maintain regularly scheduled attendance.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide nursing care within scope of practice from initial contact until care is transferred to the accepting medical facility, and maintain thorough patient care documentation.
Maintain clinical knowledge and psychomotor skills through ongoing laboratory and clinical experiences; communicate educational needs and maintain documentation of licensure, certifications, continuing education, and required training.
Demonstrate proficiency in using and maintaining Air Methods CBS equipment and supplies, report equipment failures, take initial steps toward repair as directed, maintain onboard supplies, and keep the aircraft clean and orderly.
Participate in pre-mission briefings and mission debriefings and complete required documentation.
Assist with pre-mission liftoff checklists and, as requested, assist the pilot with radio, navigational, and visual observation activities.
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 the Medical Director(s).
Participate in patient and referring-institution follow-up and planned outreach, marketing, and education activities.
Act as a preceptor and/or participate in orientation of new employees and students as assigned, and communicate program goals and objectives.
Participate regularly in Air Methods CBS meetings, activities, projects, and committees, including research and publishing opportunities.
Maintain regularly scheduled attendance and perform other duties as assigned.