to fly or not

May 17, 2009 04:06 PM

by RNnAlpine

Hi, I am an RN of 13 years with 2 years of med ICU 4 yrs ago. Moved out of of a large metropolitan city to a small rural town and limited nursing challenges. Currently working in a struggling OR as a circulator past 2 years. Really feel led to help rural area. Do you guys feel the 2 years ICU along my other cardiac, medsurg and OR will be enough to be considered as a flight nurse. The pt is the most important part and they need the best trained they can get. Do I have enough with what a transport service would offer? Signed up for PALS already and PHTLS. Any advice guys? Just a 40+ girl wanting to fly.

*GilaRN* · May 17, 2009, 10:27 PM

Re: to fly or not

Generally, most good companies are looking for at least three years of ICU/ER experience. It sounds like you are on the right track however.

RNnAlpine · May 18, 2009, 08:37 AM

Re: to fly or not

Thanks for the reply. I am battling with the choice of leaving the position I have and commuting to another city for the experience or staying here and adding to my training, ex. PHTLS, NRP, PALS. any advice is appreciated.

*GilaRN* · May 19, 2009, 06:56 PM

Re: to fly or not

Can you not obtain experience in your current facilities ER or ICU? In addition, I would not discredit your OR experience. However, having a solid foundation in critical care will be a key component for success as a flight nurse in many cases.

jcampbell · Jul 03, 2009, 02:30 PM

Re: to fly or not

Hi, I also am a 40+ RN (but a male) that has wanted to fly. I just was offered a job as a Helicopter nurse (which I accepted) for the hospital that I currently work at. Lets face it age is not suppose to play a part in the hiring process but we are in the same boat and any advantage I can obtain fairly I will take. I agree with the previous post but just wanted to add if there is a hospital near you that has a flight program try working for them and then transfer into that department. Flight jobs are competitive and it is easier to obtain a job by transferring. The hospitals often take inside candidates due to cost and knowing an employees work habits. It is a much safer hire for managers and more cost effective for the hospital. The hospital that I just got my flight job at had 8 other nurses just from inside the hospital that applied. It had not been posted to the outside. I am sure I was not the most qualified if they looked outside the hospital but I was a known entity. They know my work ethic and knowledge base. They know I am not super nurse but is someone they can mold. Best of luck, I know you can get there, I did. Let me know if I can help in any way.

in2bate71 · Jul 04, 2009, 04:53 PM

Re: to fly or not

I'd work on getting the certifications and consider some more critical care time, but your diverse background will serve you well when you start flying.

Virgo_RN · Jul 21, 2009, 02:53 AM

Re: to fly or not

I want to fly. Flight company here requires a minimum of 5 years' ED/ICU/Trauma experience. I've got 2 years of cardiac under my belt, soon to start in the ED.

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to fly or not

to fly or not

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