Flight Nurse

Air Methods•Florence, AZ

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Flight Nurse provides high-quality critical care during air medical transport, including patient assessment, triage, and treatment under 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 transports critical patients safely to appropriate facilities while keeping safety the highest priority throughout the transport continuum. Care is provided from initial patient contact until handoff to the accepting medical facility, with thorough documentation. The position is part of the Clinical Flight Crew and includes participation in pre-mission briefings and debriefings, aircraft and patient safety activities, and assistance with liftoff checklists. The nurse maintains clinical and equipment competency, ensures aircraft supplies and cleanliness, and supports neonatal and pediatric specialty personnel when transporting specialty patients. The role also includes outreach and education, follow-up with patients and referring institutions, and precepting or orienting new employees and students as assigned. The role has no supervisory responsibilities. Approximately 5% of work time is spent traveling. A flexible schedule, overtime, and participation in a 24/7 on-call rotation are required. Clinical Flight Crew members must maintain a weight not exceeding 225 pounds, including an empty flight suit and boots.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing.
Minimum of 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, and PALS or equivalent certification when required by state or county; accepted courses are from AHA, ARC, or ASHI.
An advanced trauma provider 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 specialty certification (CFRN or CEN) within 24 months of hire.
Complete one acceptable advanced trauma course (TPATC, TNCC, ATCN, TNATC, or a CAMTS-approved advanced trauma course) before completing third-rider training.
Obtain NRP certification before completing third-rider orientation.
Complete NIMS Training IS 100, 200, 700, and 800, and HazMat training before completing third-rider training.
Meet the Clinical Flight Crew weight limit of 225 pounds, including an empty flight suit and boots.
Have nursing skills required by the assigned state scope of practice and advanced practice skills defined by the Medical Director(s) and Medical Standards.
Maintain positive working relationships and collaborate 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 strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
Be proficient 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 patient contact until care is relinquished to the accepting medical facility, and maintain thorough patient care documentation.
Maintain clinical knowledge and psychomotor competency through ongoing laboratory and clinical experiences; 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, and attend relevant continuing education programs.
Demonstrate proficiency in using and maintaining Air Methods CBS equipment and supplies; report equipment failures and take initial steps toward repair as directed.
Maintain adequate onboard patient-care supplies and keep the aircraft clean and orderly for transport requests.
Attend pre-mission briefings and mission debriefings and complete required documentation.
Assist with the pre-mission liftoff checklist and assist the pilot with radio, navigational, and visual observation activities as requested.
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 patient 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 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.