Flight Nurse

Air Methods•Rapid City, SD

16d•Onsite

About The Position

The Flight Nurse provides high-quality critical care during helicopter transport, including assessment, triage, and treatment under standards established by Air Methods Community Base Services (CBS) Medical Director(s). The nurse assesses the nature and severity of illness or injury, prioritizes care, and transports critical patients safely to the appropriate facility while supporting Air Methods CBS’s mission and prioritizing safety throughout the transport continuum. The position provides nursing care from initial contact until care is transferred to the accepting medical facility, maintains thorough patient documentation, and sustains clinical competency through ongoing laboratory and clinical experience and continuing education. The Flight Nurse maintains and uses aircraft medical equipment and supplies, participates in flight preparation and safety activities, and may support neonatal and pediatric specialty transports. The role also includes patient and referring-institution follow-up, outreach and education, precepting or orienting employees and students, and participation in meetings, projects, committees, research, and publishing opportunities. Approximately 5% of the position’s time is spent traveling. The role has no supervisory responsibilities. The job posting advertises an $8,000 annual location stipend for Rapid City. Air Methods offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision coverage, retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement, and relocation assistance.

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.
Maintain current RN license(s) for states of practice.
Maintain EMS or MICN certification/licensure as required by state regulations.
Current Healthcare Provider BLS/CPR, ACLS, and PALS or equivalent certifications; courses must be from AHA, ARC, or ASHI when required by state or county.
Meet applicable advanced-provider trauma certification requirements (TPATC, TNCC, ITLS, or PHTLS) when required by state or county. If the candidate does not have a current trauma certification, Air Methods will provide the TPATC online course to complete before new-hire orientation.
Obtain one of 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, as well as HazMat training, before completion of third-rider training.
Obtain specialty certification (CFRN or CEN) within 24 months of hire.
Maintain a weight not exceeding 225 pounds, including an empty flight suit and boots.
Demonstrate nursing and advanced-practice skills appropriate to the assigned state scope of practice and Medical Director(s)’ requirements.
Demonstrate positive interpersonal relationships, collaboration, critical thinking, reasoning, attention to detail, prioritization, and multitasking in a fast-paced and changing environment.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including overtime and a 24/7 on-call rotation.
Be dependable and self-motivated, with strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field (preferred but not required).
Pre-hospital experience.
Flight experience.

Responsibilities

Provide nursing care within the applicable scope of practice from initial contact until care is relinquished to the accepting medical facility, and maintain thorough patient-care documentation.
Assess, triage, and treat critical patients; determine the nature and extent of illness or injury and prioritize care for safe transport to the appropriate facility.
Maintain clinical competency through ongoing laboratory and clinical experience, continuing education, required training, and documentation of licensure, certifications, training, clinical rotations, and advanced procedures.
Use and maintain 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 and complete necessary documentation.
Assist with the pre-mission liftoff checklist and, when 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 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 participate in orientation of new employees and students as assigned, communicating 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.