Flight Nurse Float-Pac West Region

Air Methods•HOMEBASED, CA

2d•$89,407 - $109,275

About The Position

The Flight Nurse provides high-quality nursing care for critical patients during air medical transport, including assessment, triage, treatment, and thorough documentation. The nurse determines the nature and extent of illness or injury, prioritizes care, and transports patients safely to appropriate facilities in accordance with standards and guidelines established by Air Methods Community Base Services (CBS) Medical Directors. The position supports multiple Clinical Flight Teams at bases in all regions where the nurse is currently licensed, and safety remains the highest priority throughout the transport continuum. The role involves maintaining clinical competency, equipment and aircraft readiness, and compliance with licensing, certification, education, aviation and safety training, OSHA, and HIPAA requirements. Flight Nurses participate in flight operations, briefings, checklists, and safety activities; may serve as a resource to neonatal and pediatric personnel; and perform advanced procedures approved by the Medical Director. They also support community engagement, employee and student orientation, and program meetings and activities. This float position requires availability for at least two 24-hour shifts per week at any CBS base where currently licensed. Schedules are set by the Centralized Scheduling team 4–8 weeks in advance; self-scheduling is not permitted. The position involves 85% travel. Flight crew members must maintain a weight not exceeding 225 pounds, including an empty flight suit and boots. The role has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing.
Minimum of three years of recent critical care/emergency nursing experience within the last five years, or as required by state/local EMS regulations.
One year of full-time flight experience required.
Current RN license(s) for states of practice where Air Methods maintains CBS locations.
EMS or MICN certification/licensure as required by state regulations.
Current Healthcare Provider BLS/CPR, ACLS, and PALS or equivalent certifications, as required by state or county.
TNCC/ITLS/PHTLS advanced-provider certification when required by state or county.
Specialty certification in CFRN, CCRN, or CEN required.
One acceptable advanced trauma course certification: TNCC, ATLS/ATCN, TPATC, or a CAMTS-approved advanced trauma course; an additional trauma course may be required by state requirements, and some courses may require an advanced skills lab.
Maintain weight at or below 225 pounds, including empty flight suit and boots.
Possess nursing skills required by the applicable state scope of practice and advanced practice skills defined by the Medical Director(s) and Medical Standards.
Strong communication, collaboration, teamwork, and interpersonal skills with colleagues, EMS representatives, hospitals, and the public.
Strong critical-thinking and reasoning skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize tasks and manage complex situations in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes 24-hour shifts, overtime, and on-call rotations.
Dependable and self-motivated in a frequently changing environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Current NRP certification.
NIMS Training: IS 100, 200, 700, 800, and HazMat.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in a health-related field preferred.
Pre-hospital experience preferred.
Nurse compact license preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide nursing care within scope of practice from initial patient contact until care is transferred to the accepting medical facility, and maintain thorough patient care documentation.
Maintain clinical knowledge and psychomotor skills through ongoing laboratory and clinical experiences; communicate educational needs and keep required licensure, certification, training, and compliance documentation current.
Demonstrate proficiency with Air Methods CBS equipment and supplies, report equipment failures, coordinate repairs, maintain onboard patient-care supplies, and keep the aircraft clean and organized.
Attend pre-mission briefings and debriefings, complete required documentation and checklists, and assist the pilot with radio, navigational, and visual observation activities as requested.
Comply with safety standards and conduct aircraft safety briefings when needed.
Serve as a flight resource to neonatal and pediatric personnel during specialty-patient transports and perform approved advanced skills and procedures.
Participate in patient follow-up, referring-institution coordination, and outreach marketing and education activities.
Serve as a preceptor and/or participate in orienting new employees and students as assigned, and communicate program goals and objectives to new team members.
Participate in Air Methods CBS meetings, activities, projects, and committees, including research and publishing opportunities.
Maintain availability for a minimum of two 24-hour shifts per week at any CBS base where currently licensed.
Perform other duties as assigned.