FLIGHT RN

Covenant Health•Knoxville, TN

About The Position

The Flight Nurse provides advanced clinical care and critical care transport services to patients requiring air medical transport. Working in collaboration with a Flight Paramedic and under the supervision of the division Medical Director, the Flight Nurse delivers high-quality, safe, and compassionate care during interfacility transfers and emergency scene responses. This position requires advanced clinical judgment, leadership, and adherence to aviation safety standards and established medical protocols. The Flight Nurse represents Covenant Health Air Medical with professionalism and serves as a clinical and customer service ambassador for the program.

Requirements

None specified; however, must be sufficient to meet the standards for achievement of the below indicated license and/or certification as required by the issuing authority.
3 years of critical care experience in an ICU, CCU, or ED required within the last 5 years with strong knowledge of advanced pharmacology, ventilator management, and critical care monitoring required.
Must have and maintain license as a Registered Nurse in the State of Tennessee (or compact state equivalent).
Certification meeting all requirements of the State of TN is required.
Advanced Trauma Certification (ITLS, TNCC, or equivalent) required and must obtain CFRN or CCRN certification within 24 months of hire.
Employee must have a valid driver’s license and state mandated minimum insurance coverage.
Driving record must meet Covenant Health minimum standards at the date of hire and throughout employment tenure.

Nice To Haves

Flight or critical care transport experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Deliver high-quality critical care nursing to patients during air medical transports in accordance with established medical protocols.
Perform advanced clinical procedures including ventilator management, pharmacologic interventions, invasive monitoring, and advanced airway management.
Assess, treat, and document all patient encounters accurately in the electronic records system.
Operate and maintain proficiency with critical care equipment such as ventilators, infusion pumps, cardiac monitors, and invasive monitoring systems.
Collaborate closely with the Flight Paramedic partner to manage patient care during all phases of flight.
Ensure smooth transitions of care by communicating effectively with all healthcare facilities involved.
Participate in all pre-flight and post-flight briefings and adhere strictly to all aviation and safety standards (FAA, PHI, and Covenant Health).
Conduct pre-flight equipment checks, ensuring all supplies, medications, and equipment are functional and within expiration dates.
Comply with all regulatory or otherwise applicable operational and safety standards.
Maintain situational awareness and assist flight crew in maintaining an overall culture of safety.
Report any safety hazards, incidents, or equipment issues immediately to leadership.
Maintain compliance with all Tennessee Board of Nursing, CAMTS, and Covenant Health policies and procedures.
Ensure DEA and controlled substance accountability is properly documented and reconciled per protocol.
Participate in quality assurance and quality improvement (QA/QI) reviews to ensure continued clinical and operational excellence.
Maintain readiness for audits and inspections with current certifications, licensure, and training documentation.
Maintain required licensure and certifications per Covenant Health and Tennessee regulatory standards.
Participate in annual skills validations, clinical competency assessments, and continuing education programs.
Serve as a preceptor or mentor for new flight nurses, paramedics, or nursing students as assigned.
Maintain proficiency in clinical and aviation safety competencies including altitude physiology, CRM, infection control, and emergency egress/survival training.
Work collaboratively with the pilot, flight paramedic, communications center, and hospital staff to ensure mission success.
Communicate effectively with all internal and external healthcare providers to promote continuity of care.
Demonstrate professionalism, compassion, and leadership while supporting Covenant Health’s mission and values.
Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards.
Completes required education assignments annually.
Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
Performs other duties as assigned.