Flight Nurse

Air Methods•Phoenix, AZ

17d•Onsite

About The Position

The Flight Nurse provides high-quality critical care during helicopter 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 to an appropriate medical facility. The role helps carry 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 patient contact until transfer to the accepting facility, documents care, maintains clinical competency, and communicates educational needs. The nurse maintains required licensure, certifications, training, and clinical documentation; uses and maintains medical equipment and supplies; and participates in flight briefings, checklists, safety briefings, and debriefings. The role may provide flight support to neonatal and pediatric personnel, perform approved advanced procedures, support outreach and education, precept new employees or students, and contribute to meetings, projects, committees, research, and publishing opportunities. This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Employees spend approximately 5% of their time traveling. The position requires the ability to work a flexible schedule, including 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. The stated pay range is $31.15 to $34.61 per hour.

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; AHA, ARC, or ASHI courses are accepted when required by state or county.
An advanced provider trauma certification (TPATC, TNCC, ITLS, or PHTLS) when required by state or county. If the candidate lacks current trauma certification, Air Methods will provide the TPATC online course to complete before new-hire orientation.
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 IS 100, 200, 700, 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.
Maintain positive working relationships and collaboration with colleagues, EMS representatives, hospitals, and the public.
Demonstrate critical thinking, reasoning, attention to detail, prioritization, and multitasking 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.
Have excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
Be proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s degree in a health-related field is preferred but not required.
Pre-hospital experience is preferred.
Flight experience is a plus but is not required.

Responsibilities

Provide nursing care within scope of practice from initial patient contact until care is transferred to the accepting medical facility, and maintain thorough patient care documentation.
Maintain clinical competency through ongoing laboratory and clinical experiences, communicate educational needs, and maintain documentation of required licensure, certifications, education, and training.
Demonstrate proficiency in using and maintaining Air Methods CBS equipment and supplies; report equipment failures and take initial repair steps as directed.
Maintain adequate onboard medical supplies and keep the aircraft clean and orderly for rapid response to transport requests.
Attend pre-mission briefings and mission debriefings, complete required documentation, and assist with the pre-mission liftoff checklist.
Assist the pilot as requested 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 Medical Director(s).
Participate in patient and referring-institution follow-up and planned outreach, marketing, and education activities.
Precept and/or participate in orientation of 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.