Temporary Flight Nurse

Air Methods•Thermal, CA

14d•$34 - $42•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 extent of illness or injury, prioritizes care, and supports safe transport of critically ill or injured patients to the appropriate facility while maintaining safety throughout the transport continuum. The role includes providing nursing care from initial patient contact through transfer to the receiving facility, maintaining thorough documentation, and sustaining clinical competency through ongoing education and training. Flight Nurses use and maintain onboard medical equipment and supplies, participate in flight briefings and debriefings, assist with preflight checks and other flight-member duties, and conduct aircraft safety briefings as needed. They may serve as a flight resource for neonatal and pediatric specialty transports, participate in outreach and follow-up activities, and support orientation of employees and students. The position is based in Thermal, California. Employees spend approximately 5% of their time traveling. The role requires maintaining a weight not exceeding 225 pounds, including an empty flight suit and boots. Specialty certification as a CFRN or CEN is required within 24 months of hire. The posted pay range is USD $34.26 to $41.88 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 and ACLS certifications, plus PALS or equivalent where required by state or county regulations; courses must be from AHA, ARC, or ASHI where required.
One of 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 training, and HazMat, before completion of third-rider training.
CFRN or CEN specialty certification within 24 months of hire.
Maintain a weight not exceeding 225 pounds, including an empty flight suit and boots.
Skills required to practice nursing under the assigned state's scope of practice and advanced practice skills defined by Medical Director(s) and Medical Standards.
Strong interpersonal, collaboration, critical-thinking, reasoning, attention-to-detail, prioritization, and multitasking skills for a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including overtime and a 24/7 on-call rotation.
Dependable and self-motivated, with the ability to work in a frequently changing environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Ability to maintain positive relationships with colleagues, EMS representatives, hospitals, and the public.

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 patient 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, required training, and continuing education; communicate educational needs to the Medical Base Supervisor and Medical Education Coordinator.
Maintain documentation of required licensure, certifications, continuing education, aviation and safety training, OSHA and HIPAA training, clinical rotations, and advanced procedures.
Use and maintain Air Methods CBS equipment and supplies; report medical equipment failures and take initial steps toward repair 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 and complete necessary documentation.
Assist with the pre-mission liftoff checklist 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 personnel, patients, and equipment.
Serve as a flight resource to neonatal and pediatric personnel during specialty helicopter 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, 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.