Flight Nurse

Air Methods•Pensacola, FL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Flight Nurse provides high-quality critical care during helicopter transport, including assessment, triage, and treatment under 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 supports safe transport of critical patients to appropriate facilities. Safety is the highest priority throughout the transport continuum. The role includes providing nursing care from initial contact until handoff to the receiving facility, maintaining accurate patient documentation, and keeping clinical skills and required training current. The Flight Nurse maintains and uses aircraft medical equipment and supplies, participates in flight briefings and debriefings, supports aircraft safety and pre-flight procedures, and may assist the pilot with radio, navigation, and visual observation activities. The nurse also supports neonatal and pediatric specialty transports, performs approved advanced procedures, participates in outreach and follow-up, and may help orient and precept employees or students. The position requires scheduled attendance and approximately 5% travel. It has no supervisory responsibilities. The role is based in Pensacola and requires the ability to work 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.

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, as a member of the Clinical Flight Crew.
Nursing skills appropriate to the assigned state scope of practice and advanced practice skills defined by the Medical Director(s) and Medical Standards.
Positive interpersonal relationships and collaboration with colleagues, EMS representatives, hospitals, and the public.
Strong critical-thinking, reasoning, prioritization, multitasking, and attention-to-detail skills 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, PALS or equivalent (AHA, ARC, or ASHI courses only if required by the state or county), and TPATC/TNCC/ITLS/PHTLS advanced-provider certification if required by the state or county.
Obtain specialty certification (CFRN or CEN) 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.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field.
Pre-hospital experience.
Flight experience.

Responsibilities

Provide nursing care within the applicable scope of practice from initial patient contact until care is transferred to the receiving medical facility, and maintain thorough patient care documentation.
Maintain clinical competency through ongoing laboratory and clinical experience; communicate educational needs to the Medical Base Supervisor and Medical Education Coordinator.
Maintain documentation of licensure, certifications, continuing education, aviation and safety training, OSHA and HIPAA training, clinical rotations, and advanced procedures, and attend relevant continuing education programs.
Demonstrate proficiency in using and maintaining Air Methods CBS equipment and supplies; report equipment failures and take initial steps toward repair as directed.
Maintain adequate onboard medical supplies and keep the aircraft clean and orderly for transport readiness.
Attend pre-mission briefings and mission debriefings and complete required documentation.
Assist with the pre-mission liftoff checklist and, as requested, assist 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 and planned outreach, marketing, and education activities.
Act as a preceptor and/or participate in orientation of new employees and students as assigned, communicating program goals and objectives.
Participate regularly in Air Methods CBS meetings, activities, projects, and committees, including research and publishing opportunities.
Perform other duties as assigned.