Flight Nurse

Air Methods•Willcox, AZ

22d•$31 - $35•Onsite

About The Position

The Flight Nurse provides high-quality critical care during helicopter transport, including assessment, triage, and treatment under standards established by Air Methods Community Base Services (CBS) Medical Director(s). The nurse evaluates the nature and extent of illness or injury, prioritizes care, and supports safe transport of critical patients to appropriate facilities while advancing Air Methods CBS’s mission and placing safety first throughout transport. The role includes providing nursing care from initial contact until transfer to the receiving facility, maintaining complete patient-care documentation, and keeping clinical knowledge and skills current through ongoing education, training, and clinical experience. The Flight Nurse maintains medical equipment and aircraft supplies, assists with flight preparation and safety activities, and participates in briefings and debriefings. The nurse may serve as a resource to neonatal and pediatric personnel, perform approved advanced procedures, support outreach and education, and assist with onboarding and precepting as assigned. This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Employees spend approximately 5% of their time traveling. The role requires flexible scheduling, including overtime and a 24/7 on-call rotation. Clinical flight crew members must weigh no more than 225 pounds while wearing an empty flight suit and boots. The position offers a $7,000 annual stipend and lists compensation of $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, and PALS or equivalent certification when required by state or county; applicable courses must be from AHA, ARC, or ASHI.
An advanced trauma provider certification (TPATC, TNCC, ITLS, or PHTLS) when required by state or county; if the candidate lacks a current trauma certification, Air Methods will provide the TPATC online course to complete 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 a CAMTS-approved advanced trauma course) before completing third-rider training.
Obtain NRP certification before completing third-rider orientation.
Complete NIMS Training IS 100, 200, 700, and 800, and HazMat training before completing third-rider training.
Maintain a weight of no more than 225 pounds while wearing an empty flight suit and boots.
Demonstrate nursing skills as defined by the applicable 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 and reasoning skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize and multitask 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.
Have excellent 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 scope of practice from initial patient contact through handoff to the accepting medical facility, and maintain thorough patient-care documentation.
Maintain clinical competency through ongoing laboratory and clinical experiences, continuing education, training, and required documentation; communicate educational needs to the Medical Base Supervisor and Medical Education Coordinator.
Demonstrate proficiency in and maintain Air Methods CBS equipment and supplies; report equipment failures and take initial steps toward repair as directed.
Maintain adequate patient-care supplies onboard the aircraft and keep the aircraft clean and orderly for rapid response.
Attend pre-mission briefings and mission debriefings, complete required documentation, and assist with the pre-mission liftoff checklist.
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 Medical Director(s).
Participate in patient and referring-institution follow-up and planned outreach, marketing, and education activities.
Precept 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.