Path to Flight RN

Specialties Flight

Published

I am currently a Junior in College. I am pre-nursing as well as going for my BS in psychology. I am currently an EMT-Intermediate and have been working in a very busy EMS system for about 2 years. I know I have a long way to go but I have alot of interest in flight nursing and I wanted to know if someone could give me a timeline from graduating college to your first day in the air. About how long it takes, certs you need, and training required.

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Specializes in Peds/Neo CCT,Flight, ER, Hem/Onc.

Congratulations on your interest in flight nursing. It's a great profession. I might suggest that you look at the thread topics on this particular forum as the path to flight nursing has been discussed repeatedly and in depth. Gila has laid out a nice progression. You might also check out Flightweb.com as they have also addressed this topic. Your EMS background will be of great help to you. I encourage you to maintain it even when you get busy with school. Good luck!

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Specializes in HEMS 6 years.
I am currently a Junior in College. I am pre-nursing as well as going for my BS in psychology. I am currently an EMT-Intermediate and have been working in a very busy EMS system for about 2 years. I know I have a long way to go but I have alot of interest in flight nursing and I wanted to know if someone could give me a timeline from graduating college to your first day in the air. About how long it takes, certs you need, and training required.

three years...

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This is straight off of our hospital's website for their requirements for nurses who want to apply for flight nurse positions:

Education - BSN required or actively pursuing. Licensed to practice professional nursing in the State of Ohio.

Certifications required:

Basic Life Support

Advanced Cardiac Life Support

Basic Trauma Life Support

Advanced Trauma Life Support (audit)**

Licensed EMT-P in the State of Ohio**

Pediatric Advanced Life Support

**Must be completed within one year of employment

Physical requirements - must meet visual, auditory, and weight specifications. Must pass a physical exam utilizing department criteria.

Experience - has a minimum of three years recent active experience in an Emergency Department or other Intensive Critical Care areas. Pre-hospital/transport experience recommended.

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