RN, Flight Nurse - LifeForce 4 - Blue Ridge, GA - Full-time

Erlanger Health System•Chattanooga, TN

9h•Onsite

About The Position

As a member of a highly trained and proficient team, the Flight Nurse employed by Erlanger Health System is responsible for the direct/indirect care of the patient(s) during pre-hospital and inter-facility transports on board the aircraft or as deemed necessary within the hospital. This includes assessment of any trauma or medical patient, and initiation of indicated treatment modalities in accordance with written guidelines and verbal medical control direction. The role requires the ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age(s) of the patient(s) transported by the air medical service, including neonate through geriatric populations. Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span, and the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and assimilate the information necessary to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age is essential. The position also requires demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide/prioritize care based on LIFEFORCE guidelines and procedures, and the ability to work in and around helicopters in all phases of flight, assisting with maintaining cleanliness and efficiency of the air medical department. Further details can be found in the LIFEFORCE guideline 'Standards of Professional Performance of LIFEFORCE Air Medical Crew '7136.2001.

Requirements

Graduate of a School of Nursing accredited by a State Licensing Agency.
A minimum of 3 years of continuous experience is required in an ICU or an Emergency Department. Experience must reflect general knowledge in nursing/pre-hospital medicine principles and practice skills, current trends and new developments.
Flight Paramedics with 3 years of full time flight experience transitioning to a Flight Nurse position must have 1 year or RN experience prior to transition.
Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in state of residence, must obtain Alabama, North Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia RN licensure prior to starting clinical orientation with LIFE FORCE, or a compact license that covers the required states.
BLS and ACLS.
Certification in one of the following: PALS, PEPP, PBTLS or ENPC.
Certification in one of the following: ITLS, PHTLS, TNCC or TNATC required.
After LIFE FORCE orientation, must always meet the state of Tennessee's Air Ambulance rules requirements as a Flight Nurse.
CFRN is required within one year of date of employment.
Current flight nurses with CEN or CCRN must be CFRN certified by November 1, 2012.
Due to weight limitations allowed onboard the aircraft, the maximum body weight is 250 lbs including gear for EC145, EC-135 or Bell 407 aircraft bases.
Possesses sound judgment and organizational ability.
Possesses and demonstrates above average written and oral communication skills.

Nice To Haves

A BSN or MSN is preferred.
One year of rotor wing air medical flight experience is preferred.
One year of experience as a Paramedic on an Advanced Life Support Unit is preferred.
Nationally Registered Paramedic (NRP) or Intermediate (NREMT-I) is preferred.
Instructor certifications in BLS, ACLS, ITLS or PHTLS, PEPP or PALS, TNCC, or TNATC preferred.

Responsibilities

Direct/indirect care of the patient(s) during pre-hospital and inter-facility transports on board the aircraft or as deemed necessary within the hospital.
Assessment of any trauma or medical patient.
Initiation of indicated treatment modalities in accordance with written guidelines and verbal medical control direction.
Possession of and the ability to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age(s) of the patient(s) transported by the air medical service, including the neonate through the geriatric age populations.
Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span.
The ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and assimilate the information necessary to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age.
The demonstrated knowledge and ability to provide/prioritize care based on LIFEFORCE guidelines and procedures.
The demonstrated ability to work in and around helicopters in all phases of flight, and assist with maintaining cleanliness and efficiency of the air medical department.
Ability to perform both Basic and Advanced Life Support practices in the execution of patient care.
Maintains proficiency as a FAA designated crewmember.
Must be able to tolerate the stresses of flight including, but not limited to, unpressurized helicopter flight in both VFR and IFR weather conditions, motion sickness and temperature extremes.
Must be physically fit to lift, twist, bend and work in small, sometimes hazardous environments.
Must meet all FAA designated crew members requirement to participate in initial and random drug screening while employed as such.
Must be able to wear installed safety belts, helmets, Nomex flight suit, and boots.