Flight Nurse

Life Flight Network•Missoula, MT

3d•$138,310 - $163,457

About The Position

The Flight Nurse works with the Flight Paramedic to deliver advanced critical care to Life Flight Network patients. The nurse assumes and is ultimately responsible for all direct patient care in accordance with Life Flight Network guidelines and protocols, and serves as the senior member of the flight team. The position has scheduled shifts in Butte and Missoula and requires the ability to work varied shifts and cover fixed-wing and/or ambulance call shifts. The Flight Nurse is trained and maintains competency in advanced clinical skills, including chest tube insertion, surgical airways, endotracheal intubation, intraosseous insertion, and central line placement. The role also supports flight safety, equipment readiness, day-to-day operations, and business development activities. The responsibilities listed in the posting are not all-inclusive and may include similar or related work.

Requirements

At least five years of ICU, emergency department, or trauma experience within the last ten years; prior flight experience may substitute year for year for this requirement.
Current RN license appropriate to the assigned location.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
Pre-hospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) or Basic Trauma Life Support (BTLS) certification.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification.
Transport Professional Advanced Trauma Course (TPATC) certification; must be completed before assuming independent duties.
Take the CFRN exam within one year of hire and obtain certification within two years of hire.
Current, valid state-issued driver's license and at least three years of driving experience for drivers.
Maintain an airport badge where applicable.
Passport and/or eligibility to enter Canada may be required depending on location assignment.
Comply with the maximum weight restriction of 250 pounds fully outfitted to perform the job.
Strong leadership skills and ability to communicate and work with varied people individually and in groups, often in highly stressful situations.
Ability to work varied shifts and cover fixed-wing and/or ambulance call shifts.

Nice To Haves

Previous flight experience is preferred, although it may substitute year for year for the ICU/ED/trauma experience requirement.
Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) or Critical Care Nurse (CCRN) certification is strongly preferred until certification as a Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN).

Responsibilities

Deliver advanced, age-appropriate critical care to pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients in coordination with the Flight Paramedic.
Assume ultimate responsibility for all direct patient care and care rendered by the flight team, following Life Flight Network guidelines and protocols.
Maintain competency in chest tube insertion, surgical airways, endotracheal intubation, intraosseous insertion, and central line placement.
Complete accurate and thorough patient care documentation with the Flight Paramedic.
Provide written and/or verbal patient follow-up to referring hospitals or agencies.
Assist with retrieving and returning equipment to appropriate agencies.
Clean and restock equipment with the Flight Paramedic promptly to return aircraft to service.
Complete inventories and monthly checks, order supplies, and maintain equipment in working order with the Flight Paramedic.
Participate with the Flight Paramedic in Life Flight Network’s day-to-day operations.
Compile statistical data or work on related projects as assigned by the Director of Clinical Operations.
Help ensure safe aircraft operations for patients, crewmembers, and personnel at the scene.
Enforce Life Flight Network safety policies and assist the pilot with navigation, takeoff, landing, and in-flight procedures.
Participate in developing business and operations plans to meet medical transport service and financial performance goals.
Promote favorable public opinion of Life Flight Network through contact with patients, community agencies, and hospitals.
Provide flight education to the public as requested.