Flight Nurse

Air Methods•Kennesaw, GA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Flight Nurse provides high-quality critical care during helicopter transport, including patient assessment, triage, and treatment under the 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 facility while maintaining safety as the highest priority throughout the transport continuum. The role provides nursing care from initial contact until handoff to the receiving facility and includes patient-care documentation, equipment readiness, flight safety activities, and participation in continuing education and program activities. Flight Nurses serve as clinical flight crew members, participate in pre-mission briefings and debriefings, assist with liftoff checklists, and may assist the pilot with radio, navigation, and visual observation activities. They may provide flight resources to neonatal and pediatric personnel, perform approved advanced procedures, support outreach and education, and precept or orient new employees and students. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. Employees spend approximately 5% of their time traveling and must maintain a weight not exceeding 225 pounds, including an empty flight suit and boots.

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.
Hold EMS or MICN certification/licensure when required by state regulations.
Current Healthcare Provider BLS/CPR, ACLS, and PALS or equivalent certifications; qualifying providers are AHA, ARC, or ASHI where state or county requirements apply.
Hold TPATC, TNCC, ITLS, or PHTLS advanced provider certification when required by state or county regulations. If the candidate lacks current trauma certification, Air Methods provides an online TPATC course to be completed 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 Training IS 100, 200, 700, and 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 and advanced-practice skills appropriate to the applicable state scope of practice and Medical Director(s)' standards.
Maintain positive interpersonal relationships and collaborate effectively 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 the applicable scope of practice from initial contact until care is transferred to the accepting medical facility, and maintain thorough patient-care documentation.
Assess illness or injury, triage and prioritize care, and provide critical care for safe transport to an appropriate facility.
Maintain clinical competency through laboratory and clinical experiences, continuing education, and required training; communicate educational needs to the Medical Base Supervisor and Medical Education Coordinator.
Maintain documentation of 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 equipment failures, take initial steps to arrange repairs as directed, maintain 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, 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.