Lifting requirements?

flyaway · Sep 11, 2005

Hey just curious about something. What are the requirements for lifting ability for flight nursing? I know they have maximum weight limits for flight nurses, but do they also have requirements for how much weight the person is able to lift? Any info would be helpful![/quote']
The better shape you're in, the better for you, your team, and pt. I know there's usually some extra lifting help present, with EMS and firefighters, but you need to be able to carry a gear pack if needed, stretcher (with/without pt), push stretchers once at a hospital pad to the ED (which sometimes are up hill). Once in awhile in some of the "back woods", you may be the first on the scene. I know it gets hot here in FL and it doesn't take long to work up a sweat in that flight suit. The conditions aren't always the best...hot or cold. But it's a great job and incentive to take care of yourself, so you can do the best for others. Plus you know the job descriptions usually have lifting requirements.

Angie O'Plasty · Sep 11, 2005

Thanks for the info. I'm actually thinking about acute care NP but thought I should get some info about flight nursing as well since it sounds pretty interesting; I am planning to go into a direct-entry MSN program (I have a BS in biology). Do you have any idea what the lifting requirements usually are in the job descriptions? The reason this is a concern is that I am 5'2" and 105 lbs.--not exactly the bodybuilder-type physique! Do you know of anyone around that size who has been successful as a flight nurse, or is it pretty much impossible? I know I'd definitely have to do some weight lifting to build muscle.

flyaway · Sep 12, 2005

Thanks for the info. I'm actually thinking about acute care NP but thought I should get some info about flight nursing as well since it sounds pretty interesting; I am planning to go into a direct-entry MSN program (I have a BS in biology). Do you have any idea what the lifting requirements usually are in the job descriptions? The reason this is a concern is that I am 5'2" and 105 lbs.--not exactly the bodybuilder-type physique! Do you know of anyone around that size who has been successful as a flight nurse or is it pretty much impossible? I know I'd definitely have to do some weight lifting to build muscle.[/quote']
Experience, having the certifications/qualifications/"comfort zone" to be a flight nurse is of course the most important. On many of the helicopters, space can be limiting, so your size sounds good in that respect. You don't have to be a "body builder" necessarily...just some strength and endurance. Talk to some local flight medics/nurses in your area and they can give you more specifics. Best of luck!

LBEDRN, BSN, RN · Sep 12, 2005

Hey just curious about something. What are the requirements for lifting ability for flight nursing? I know they have maximum weight limits for flight nurses, but do they also have requirements for how much weight the person is able to lift? Any info would be helpful![/quote']
Angie, I like you am fairly small 5'3" but I weigh a bit more 150lbs and the second program that I flew with had a physical where you were required to demonstrate your lifting capabilities. It wasn't anything that stenuous, lifting a 50 lb box with special grips to show you could do it and had good technique. Most of the time when your patients are really heavy there are people to help you, but there were a few memorable occasions were as the flight crew of 2 with the pilot in front, we were it. I've climbed over fences, down into ditches, up the sides of mountains (not with technical gear but at 7,500 ft) schlepping a 35 lb pack of gear on my back just to get to the patient, then we have to bring the patient back out. Most of those times there are extra hands there for you, but as Flyaway said, it doesn't take long to work up a sweat in a Nomex flight suit!

Angie O'Plasty · Sep 13, 2005

Angie, I like you am fairly small 5'3" but I weigh a bit more 150lbs and the second program that I flew with had a physical where you were required to demonstrate your lifting capabilities. It wasn't anything that stenuous, lifting a 50 lb box with special grips to show you could do it and had good technique. Most of the time when your patients are really heavy there are people to help you, but there were a few memorable occasions were as the flight crew of 2 with the pilot in front, we were it. I've climbed over fences, down into ditches, up the sides of mountains (not with technical gear but at 7,500 ft) schlepping a 35 lb pack of gear on my back just to get to the patient, then we have to bring the patient back out. Most of those times there are extra hands there for you, but as Flyaway said, it doesn't take long to work up a sweat in a Nomex flight suit!

I suppose that if I end up deciding I want to pursue flight nursing (and the EMT in me certainly thinks it sounds good) I'll have to "bulk up" a bit! :) Or maybe I'm better off sticking to my original idea of working in cardiology, which also interests me a great deal, once I complete the ACNP program. At least with the ACNP I'll have a few options.

duwah · Sep 26, 2005

Flight nursing covers a lot of different things. You can be a flight nurse and fly only neonates. Or peds. Or crosscountry transports. Or intrahospital transport. All of these things you can do without being hercules. However, if you intend to do the down and dirty it would be REAL helpful if you were in great shape. You have absolutely no control when your patient is 300lbs and fell down a remote cliff.