When critically ill patients are transported via medical helicopter or airplane, one of the first people they encounter is a flight nurse. These seasoned nurses ensure that transported patients are safe and comfortable and that they receive the care they need.
Working under pressure, these nurses must quickly assess and determine the best treatment or procedure for patients while accurately communicating with fellow medical staff about the patients’ status. Prior to the flight, they are responsible for completing a check to ensure that the vehicle is fully stocked with medical supplies and that all the medical equipment onboard functions properly.
Since these specialized professionals are registered nurses, they need to have earned a nursing degree, passed the national registered nurse exam, and obtained state licensure. The next step to becoming a flight nurse is gaining hands-on experience in intensive care, trauma, or emergency room settings. Certification isn’t mandatory, but it can enhance an aspiring flight nurse’s career and salary options.
What Does a Flight Nurse Do?
A flight nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who specializes in treating patients during emergency air transports. They’re part of a flight team — consisting of a pilot, paramedic, and physician — that provides life-saving medical care to a patient before the patient reaches their final destination. They’re responsible for several critical tasks, including:
- Evaluating, stabilizing, and documenting the patient’s condition
- Performing emergency medical treatments, such as first aid, life support, or wound care
- Administering medication, intravenous (IV) fluids, and/or blood products
- Completing a preflight inventory of medical supplies
- Ensuring the cleanliness of treatment areas
- Checking expiration dates of medications
Flight Nurse Work Settings
Companies like private medical transport companies hire flight nurses, as do some agencies of the federal government. Search-and-rescue teams, research facilities, fire departments, and the military hire flight nurses to treat injured civilians and military personnel. Military flight nurses are required to pass a medical examination and complete a commissioned officer training course to qualify for the job. Due to the size of the aircraft they fly in, military flight nurses may be asked to maintain a specific weight.
Steps to Become a Flight Nurse
The path to becoming a flight nurse starts with earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Employers have different criteria, but many require a BSN. Upon graduation, individuals must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN) before becoming licensed in their state.
While the minimum experience requirements vary by employer, many nurses need at least three to five years of related work experience before applying for flight nurse roles. To prepare for this career, nurses should gain experience in emergency room, intensive care, or trauma center settings.
Certification Option
While optional, prospective flight nurses can pursue certification to stand out to employers and boost their salary potential, as well as to demonstrate their passion and expertise. One option is through the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN). BCEN’s certified flight registered nurse (CFRN) credential is for RNs with a valid current license. BCEN recommends that nurses have two years of related experience (e.g., trauma or emergency room experience) before seeking certification, but it’s not mandatory.
BCEN’s 150-question certification exam covers topics that include perfusion, airway management, pulmonary medical emergencies, burns, and the treatment of special populations. The CFRN credential is valid for four years before recertification is required.
Fundamental Skills
Flight nurses work in a fast-paced environment, so they must demonstrate their professionalism and medical knowledge while working under extreme pressure. While all RNs should have excellent skills in communication, critical thinking, attention to detail, and physical stamina, more specific qualities integral to a flight nurse’s career include the following:
- Advanced life support skills. Nurses need to be proficient in advanced medical care, such as cardiac monitoring and airway management, as well as the use of specialized equipment like defibrillators and ventilators.
- Trauma life support skills. Flight nurses will need to use their medical training to stabilize patients with traumatic injuries.
- Resuscitation expertise. This time-sensitive skill is crucial for flight nurses.
- Level-headedness. Even in an adrenaline-fueled environment, nurses must be able to remain calm and have a clear head to accurately assess and treat patients.
- Collaboration skills. With a team of medical professionals caring for a single patient, nurses need to be able to work with the others to coordinate the patient’s care.
- Adaptability. Flight nurses work in various environments that range from cramped plane or helicopter spaces to extreme weather settings. They also deal with diverse patient populations.
Job Outlook for Flight Nurses
According to projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of RNs will grow 6% from 2022 to 2032. Job openings will remain plentiful as nurses retire or change careers, and as demand for healthcare services that require the expertise of trained nurses increases. Further, more RNs will be needed to care for patients with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and obesity.
Build Your Nursing Career With a Degree From Denver College of Nursing
Whether you’re just beginning your nursing career or you want to take your career a step further, Denver College of Nursing has several degree levels to consider.
Our Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program is available at our Denver campus, and, with a full-time commitment, it can be completed in as little as 18 months (with required prerequisites). Individuals can pursue a registered nursing career by completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at our Denver or Houston campus in as little as 21 months (with required prerequisites). All of these options help prepare students for the national nursing licensure exam through classroom and hands-on training. We also offer online RN to BSN and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees for nurses looking to advance their careers.
Learn more about these degree programs and discover how DCN can help you prepare to become a flight nurse.
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