Temporary Flight Nurse

Air Methods•Thermal, CA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Flight Nurse provides high-quality critical care during helicopter transport, including patient assessment, triage, and treatment according to 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 helps ensure safe transport to the appropriate medical facility. Safety is the highest priority throughout the transport continuum. The role includes providing nursing care from initial contact through handoff to the accepting medical facility; maintaining complete patient-care documentation; sustaining clinical competency through ongoing education and experience; and ensuring medical equipment and onboard supplies are ready for use. As a member of the medical flight crew, the nurse attends mission briefings and debriefings, assists with checklists and other flight activities as requested, and conducts aircraft safety briefings when needed. The nurse may provide flight-resource support to neonatal and pediatric personnel, perform approved advanced procedures, participate in outreach and follow-up activities, and help orient employees and students. This role has no supervisory responsibilities. Employees spend approximately 5% of their time traveling. The position requires a flexible schedule, including overtime and a 24/7 on-call rotation. The stated pay range is $34.26–$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.
Maintain a weight not exceeding 225 pounds, including an empty flight suit and boots.
Skills required to practice nursing under the assigned state scope of practice, including advanced practice skills as defined by Medical Director(s) and Medical Standards.
Maintain positive professional relationships and collaborate with colleagues, EMS representatives, hospitals, and the public.
Strong critical-thinking, reasoning, and attention-to-detail skills, with the ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including overtime and a 24/7 on-call rotation.
Dependable and self-motivated in a frequently changing environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
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 not already current in trauma certification, complete the TPATC online course provided by Air Methods before new-hire orientation.
Obtain CFRN or CEN specialty certification 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.
Follow Air Methods employment practices and policies.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field; preferred but not required.
Pre-hospital experience.
Flight experience; not required but considered a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide nursing care within the applicable scope of practice from initial patient contact until care is handed off to the accepting medical facility, and maintain thorough patient-care documentation.
Assess illness or injury, prioritize patient 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 records of required licensure, certifications, continuing education, aviation and safety training, OSHA and HIPAA training, clinical rotations, and advanced procedures; attend pertinent continuing education programs.
Use and maintain Air Methods CBS equipment and supplies; report equipment failures and take initial steps to arrange 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 required documentation.
Assist with pre-mission liftoff checklists and, as requested, support 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, 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.