How to Be Flight Nurse - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Nov 24, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The increasing need for specialized medical care during air transport has caused a rise in the demand for flight nurses. In order to meet this demand, healthcare providers, hospitals, and other medical organizations are all hiring more flight nurses and investing in the necessary equipment to provide care in the air. As a result, the presence of flight nurses has greatly improved the quality of medical care during air transport, providing patients with timely and specialized medical attention. This, in turn, has increased patient safety and satisfaction, as well as the overall success rate of air transport missions.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a bachelor's degree in nursing. A flight nurse must possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree in nursing, as well as be a licensed registered nurse (RN).
Gain experience as an RN. Generally, flight nurses must have at least two years of experience as an RN in the field of intensive care or emergency medicine.
Obtain certifications. After gaining the necessary experience, a flight nurse must obtain the appropriate certifications, such as the CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse) certification and the CFRN (Certified Flight Registered Nurse) certification.
Obtain a state and/or federal license. A flight nurse must obtain both a state and/or federal license in order to legally practice as a flight nurse.
Pursue additional training. Many employers require flight nurses to have specialized training in areas such as emergency medicine, trauma, and critical care.
Keep up with continuing education. In order to maintain their certifications, flight nurses must take part in continuing education courses.

The increasing demand for flight nurses has caused a rise in the number of specialized training courses available. Flight nurses are critical to the success of air ambulance services, providing key medical care to patients during transport. As a result of these specialized training courses, flight nurses are now better equipped to provide higher quality care and to respond quickly and effectively to medical emergencies. This, in turn, has led to improved patient outcomes and an overall increase in the efficiency of air ambulance services.

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Job Description

Assess patient condition and formulate a nursing plan of care
Perform emergency medical care and administer medications when necessary
Monitor and evaluate patient response to treatment
Provide patient education and counseling
Provide emotional support to family members
Maintain medical records and reports
Coordinate flight operations and aircraft safety requirements
Prepare aircraft for transport of sick and injured patients
Assist with loading and unloading of patients and equipment
Communicate with other healthcare professionals, flight crew, and other agencies involved in patient care

Skills and Competencies to Have

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
Knowledge of medical terminology
Familiarity with medical equipment, such as oxygen tanks, IVs, and monitoring devices
Ability to work in a high-pressure environment
Ability to make quick decisions
Excellent communication skills
Ability to work as a team member with other medical personnel
Ability to lift and move heavy equipment
Knowledge of flight safety regulations
Knowledge of aviation regulations
Knowledge of first aid and emergency medical procedures

The most important skill for a Flight Nurse is the ability to remain calm and collected in high-stress situations. Flight Nurses must be able to quickly assess medical situations and make decisions with confidence, while also providing compassionate and effective care to patients. The Flight Nurse must also have the physical strength and stamina to safely lift and move patients, and the ability to work in cramped and confined spaces.

Flight Nurses must have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, as they are often responsible for relaying important information to other medical personnel or to flight crew. Lastly, Flight Nurses must have knowledge of medical instruments and equipment, as well as aviation protocols, in order to ensure the safety of everyone on board the aircraft. All of these skills contribute to a Flight Nurse being able to effectively perform their job, which is critical in an emergency situation.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in a fast-paced environment?
How have you managed difficult situations while on the job?
What safety protocols have you implemented while working as a Flight Nurse?
How do you handle working with multiple medical teams during a flight?
How would you prioritize tasks and duties while in the air?
What protocols do you use to ensure patient privacy and confidentiality?
Describe a time when you had to make a tough decision while on the job.
What challenges have you faced while providing care in an airborne environment?
How do you stay up-to-date on medical advancements and trends?
What strategies do you use to remain calm and professional during stressful times?

Common Tools in Industry

Stethoscope. Used to listen to a patient's heart and lungs. (e. g. Listening for any abnormal sounds or rhythms)
Defibrillator. Used to restart a patient's heart. (e. g. Administering an electric shock to the heart in order to stabilize the rhythm)
Oxygen Tank. Used to provide oxygen to a patient. (e. g. Administering oxygen through a mask or nasal cannula)
Intravenous line. Used to deliver medications or fluids directly into the bloodstream. (e. g. Administering antibiotics or fluids to a patient)
Syringe. Used to inject medications into the body. (e. g. Injecting insulin into a diabetic patient)
Blood pressure cuff. Used to measure a patient's blood pressure. (e. g. Checking for any changes in blood pressure over time)
Pulse oximeter. Used to measure a patient's oxygen saturation levels. (e. g. Monitoring oxygen levels in patients with breathing difficulties)
Glucose monitor. Used to measure a patient's blood sugar levels. (e. g. Testing for hypoglycemia in diabetic patients)
Suction device. Used to remove mucus or other secretions from a patient's airway. (e. g. Clearing an obstructed airway in a critically ill patient)
Gurney. Used to transport patients safely and comfortably. (e. g. Moving a patient from the ambulance to the emergency room)

Professional Organizations to Know

Association of Air Medical Services (AAMS)
National Flight Nurses Association (NFNA)
International Association of Flight and Critical Care Paramedics (IAFCCP)
National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP)
Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association (ASTNA)
American Nurses Association (ANA)
Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)
International Council of Flight Nurses (ICFN)
National Board for Certification of Aeromedical Transportation (NBCAT)
American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)

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Common Important Terms

Air Medical Transport. The use of aircraft to transport medical personnel and patients between medical facilities.
Critical Care Flight Nurse. A nurse who provides specialized care to critically ill patients in the air, typically on board an aircraft or helicopter.
Aeromedical Evacuation. The process of transporting injured or ill patients from one medical facility to another using aircraft.
Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). An FAA-certified medical professional responsible for verifying the medical fitness of pilots, air traffic controllers and other aviation personnel.
Flight Physician. A physician who specializes in providing medical care in the air, typically on board an aircraft or helicopter.
Pre-hospital Care. The medical care provided to patients prior to arriving at a medical facility.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). A set of standardized protocols and skills used in the treatment of life-threatening cardiac emergencies.
Trauma Nurse. A nurse who specializes in providing care to patients with life-threatening or serious injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are needed to become a Flight Nurse?

To become a Flight Nurse, one must have a current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license and a minimum of two years of critical care experience, as well as certification in Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

What type of environment do Flight Nurses work in?

Flight Nurses typically work in an aircraft or helicopter environment, where they provide medical care to patients who need to be transported from one medical facility to another.

What type of medical treatments can Flight Nurses provide?

Flight Nurses are trained to provide a variety of medical treatments, including administering medications, providing emergency care and monitoring vital signs.

What type of skills do Flight Nurses need?

Flight Nurses need to be proficient in critical thinking, communication and problem solving, as well as having strong physical stamina. They also need to be proficient in using medical equipment and monitoring devices.

What are the benefits of being a Flight Nurse?

Flight Nurses have the opportunity to provide life-saving medical care in an exciting and rewarding environment. They also have the potential to earn a higher salary than other types of nurses, due to the specialized nature of their job.