Flight Nursing

Hi. I'm not sure where you are from, but I think as a rule you have to become pre-hospital certified(RN license, EMT and/or paramedic licensure); you typically are required to have at least 5 years of ICU and ER nurse experience. Also need to have the alphabet soup: ACLS, ITLS;PALS;CPR. Better by VERY proficient in EMS and ICU standards. These people are the ultimate in "grace under pressure". Pretty tough physical standards as well. Good luck.

The specific requirements such as PHRN will vary from state to state. For example; in Nevada, you will need to obtain an RN-EMS endorsement, while in New Mexico, no additional licensure is required to fly.

Most companies will want at least 3 years of solid experience.
The alphabet soup varies; however, PALS, ACLS, BCLS, and a trauma course are required by most services.

Many services do not require paramedic credentials to fly as an RN; however, paramedic credentials can never hurt to have.

the physical weight standards will vary from service to service. When dealing with aviation, you must take into consideration the amount of weight an aircraft can safely carry and concepts such as weight and balance and center of gravity. Many services do indeed have weight limits and will require scheduled weigh in periods. This is not to single people out, it is simply related to safety. Some companies do not have strict weight limitations. In some cases weight limitations will depend on the aircraft type and mission type, while other companies have an across the board weight limit.

I have recently joined a flight care team. I have 20 plus years experience in Nursing primarily ER some ICU and a good foundation in Med Surg And Management. When I tell you that flight nursing is proving to be the most challenging of my carreer it is no exaggeration. My suggestion is to perfect yourself with ICU an NICU, gather some ER experience and then move on to Flight CAre.

I recently became a flight nurse. I've been a nurse for 12 years and this is a job that I never thought I would have been able to get. Not because I dont have the experience, but because its a job thats held in high esteem and because someone either had to die or retire and you had to know someone in the biz to be even considered. I can honestly say that this is the COOLEST nursing job I've have ever had and that I hope I will be here for a long time to come. I hope this helps you. Flight nursing is an obtainable job, cause here I am, loveing the hell out of it!!!!! Good Luck!!!!