Flight Nurse

Air Methods•Willcox, AZ

20d•Onsite

About The Position

The Flight Nurse provides high-quality critical care during helicopter 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 supports safe transport to the appropriate facility while keeping safety central throughout the transport continuum. The role carries out the mission and goals of Air Methods CBS and provides nursing care from initial contact until care is transferred to the accepting medical facility, with thorough documentation. The Flight Nurse is a member of the medical flight crew and participates in pre-mission briefings, debriefings, safety briefings, and aircraft preparation. The role includes maintaining competency, equipment, supplies, and required training and credentials; supporting neonatal and pediatric specialty transports; and participating in outreach, education, follow-up, orientation, meetings, projects, and committees. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. Employees in this position spend approximately 5% of their time traveling and must maintain regularly scheduled attendance. The position requires a flexible schedule, including overtime and a 24/7 on-call rotation. A weight limit of 225 pounds applies, including an empty flight suit and boots. The posted pay range is USD $31.15 to $34.61 per hour. Air Methods offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision coverage, a competitive 401(k) retirement plan, flexible spending account plans, tuition reimbursement, company-paid life insurance, AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, business travel accident insurance, voluntary legal benefits, relocation assistance, and employee assistance and benefit concierge programs.

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.
Advanced trauma provider certification (TPATC, TNCC, ITLS, or PHTLS) if required by state or county; if the candidate lacks current trauma certification, Air Methods will provide the TPATC online course to be completed before new-hire orientation.
Obtain specialty certification (CFRN or CEN) within 24 months of hire.
Complete one accepted advanced trauma course certification (TPATC, TNCC, ATCN, TNATC, or 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.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including overtime and a 24/7 on-call rotation.
Nursing skills appropriate to the assigned state scope of practice and advanced practice skills defined by Medical Director(s) and Medical Standards.
Strong interpersonal, collaboration, critical-thinking, reasoning, prioritization, multitasking, and attention-to-detail skills in a fast-paced and frequently changing environment.
Dependable and self-motivated, with excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field (preferred but not required).
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.
Assess illness or injury, triage and prioritize care, and provide critical care for safe transport to the appropriate facility.
Maintain clinical competency through ongoing 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 toward 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 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 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.