Flight Nurse

Air Methods•Camden, SC

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 to the appropriate facility while maintaining safety as the highest priority throughout the transport continuum. The role delivers nursing care from initial contact until handoff to the receiving medical facility, maintains patient-care documentation and clinical competency, and ensures medical equipment and onboard supplies are ready for use. As a member of the medical flight crew, the nurse participates in briefings, checklists, safety procedures, and mission documentation, and may assist the pilot with radio, navigation, and visual observation activities. The Flight Nurse may support neonatal and pediatric specialty transports, perform approved advanced procedures, participate in outreach and education, and help orient employees and students. The role has no supervisory responsibilities. Approximately 5% of work time is spent traveling. The position requires a flexible schedule, including overtime and a 24/7 on-call rotation.

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, ACLS, and PALS or equivalent certifications; advanced-provider TPATC, TNCC, ITLS, or PHTLS certification if required by state or county.
CFRN or CEN specialty certification required within 24 months of hire.
One of the following advanced trauma certifications is required before completion of third-rider training: TPATC, TNCC, ATCN, TNATC, or a CAMTS-approved advanced trauma course.
NRP certification required before completion of third-rider orientation.
NIMS IS 100, 200, 700, and 800 training, and HazMat training, required before completion of third-rider training.
Maintain a weight not exceeding 225 pounds, including an empty flight suit and boots.
Nursing skills appropriate to the assigned state scope of practice and advanced practice skills defined by Medical Director(s) and Medical Standards.
Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills when working with colleagues, EMS representatives, hospitals, and the public.
Strong critical-thinking and reasoning skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize and multitask 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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide nursing care within the 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; communicate educational needs and maintain records of required licensure, certifications, training, rotations, and continuing education.
Demonstrate proficiency in using and maintaining medical equipment and supplies, report equipment failures, and take initial steps toward repairs as directed.
Maintain adequate onboard medical supplies and keep the aircraft clean and orderly for rapid response to transport requests.
Attend pre-mission briefings and mission debriefings and complete required documentation.
Assist with pre-mission liftoff checklists and, as requested, assist the pilot with radio, navigation, and visual observation activities.
Follow safety standards and conduct aircraft safety briefings as needed to protect crew members, 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, planned outreach marketing, and education activities.
Serve 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.