Flight Nurse

Air Methods•Pensacola, FL

3d•$31 - $35•Onsite

About The Position

The Flight Nurse provides high-quality critical care during helicopter transport, including patient assessment, triage, and treatment under standards 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 advancing Air Methods CBS’s mission and goals and maintaining safety throughout the transport continuum. The role includes direct nursing care and documentation, maintaining clinical competency and required training, and ensuring medical equipment and onboard supplies are ready for use. As a medical flight crew member, the nurse participates in mission briefings and debriefings, assists with flight preparation and safety activities, and may serve as a resource for neonatal and pediatric specialty transports. The position also supports outreach, education, follow-up, research opportunities, and the orientation of new employees or students. It has no supervisory responsibilities and involves approximately 5% travel. The role requires a flexible schedule, including overtime and a 24/7 on-call rotation. Clinical flight crew members must maintain a weight not exceeding 225 pounds, including an empty flight suit and boots. The stated pay range is $31.15 to $34.61 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.
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, plus PALS or equivalent and an advanced provider trauma certification if required by state or county.
Obtain a specialty certification (CFRN or CEN) within 24 months of hire.
Complete one acceptable advanced trauma course certification—TPATC, TNCC, ATCN, TNATC, or a CAMTS-approved course—before completion of third-rider training.
Obtain NRP certification before completion of third-rider orientation.
Complete NIMS Training IS 100, 200, 700, 800, and HazMat before completion of third-rider training.
Maintain a weight not exceeding 225 pounds, including an empty flight suit and boots.
Demonstrate nursing skills within the assigned state scope of practice and advanced practice skills as defined by Medical Director(s) and Medical Standards.
Maintain positive interpersonal 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, with strong 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 scope of practice from initial contact until care is transferred to the accepting medical facility, and maintain thorough patient care documentation.
Maintain clinical competency through ongoing laboratory and clinical experiences; communicate educational needs and maintain required licensure, certification, training, and clinical-rotation records.
Use and maintain Air Methods CBS equipment and supplies, report equipment failures, take initial steps toward repairs as directed, and keep onboard supplies adequate and the aircraft clean and orderly.
Attend pre-mission briefings and mission debriefings, complete required documentation, assist with pre-mission liftoff checklists, and assist the pilot with radio, navigation, 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 in Air Methods CBS meetings, activities, projects, and committees, including research and publishing opportunities.
Maintain regularly scheduled attendance and perform other duties as assigned.