Flight Nurse

Air Methods•Omaha, NE

20d

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 extent of illness or injury, prioritizes care, and supports safe transport to the appropriate facility while keeping safety the highest priority throughout the transport continuum. The position provides nursing care from initial contact until care is transferred to the accepting medical facility, maintains patient-care documentation and clinical competencies, and uses and maintains onboard equipment and supplies. As a medical flight crew member, the nurse participates in mission briefings and debriefings, helps with pre-mission checklists, supports the pilot as requested, and conducts aircraft safety briefings as needed. The nurse may serve as a flight resource for neonatal and pediatric specialty transports, participate in follow-up and outreach activities, and help orient employees and students. The role requires a current RN license for the states of practice, applicable EMS or MICN credentials, and required clinical certifications and training. Specialty certification as a CFRN or CEN is required within 24 months of hire. The nurse must be able to work a flexible schedule that includes overtime and a 24/7 on-call rotation. Clinical flight crew members must maintain a weight not exceeding 225 pounds, including an empty flight suit and boots. Approximately 5% of the position’s time is spent traveling. The role has no supervisory responsibilities.

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; applicable courses must be from AHA, ARC, or ASHI when required by state or county.
Advanced provider trauma certification (TPATC, TNCC, ITLS, or PHTLS) if required by state or county; an accepted advanced trauma course must be completed before the end of third-rider training.
CFRN or CEN specialty certification within 24 months of hire.
NRP certification before completion of third-rider orientation.
NIMS IS 100, 200, 700, and 800 training and HazMat training before completion of third-rider training.
Ability to maintain a weight not exceeding 225 pounds, including an empty flight suit and boots.
Nursing skills required by the applicable state scope of practice and advanced practice skills defined by Medical Director(s) and Medical Standards.
Positive interpersonal relationships, collaboration, and communication 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, self-motivated, and able to work in a frequently changing environment.
Excellent 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.
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.
Maintain clinical competency through ongoing laboratory and clinical experiences, communicate educational needs, maintain required training and credential documentation, and attend relevant continuing education.
Use and maintain medical equipment and supplies, report equipment failures, take initial steps toward repair as directed, maintain adequate onboard supplies, and keep the aircraft clean and orderly.
Attend 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 members, 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 assist with 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.