what steps do I need to take to become a flight nurse??

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I am just curious about what steps I need to take ot become a flight nurse?? I was an adavanced EMT for a number of years, then an LPN, and now a RN in the ER. I have had this silly dream of being a flight nurse ever since my ambulance days when I had to call my first helicopter?? Any advice?? Jennifer

Specializes in ER.
That's a bummer! Is it like a year long school? Not sure if it is worth it to become a paramedic or just go on and get my master's. I guess I have awhile to think about it! ;)

It's *two* years in most places. I'd google "RN to Paramedic" to see what is out there.

Our local program won't credit you for RN unless you have CCRN or CEN to go with it (along with all the merit badge courses - ACLS, PALS, TNCC, etc.).

Good luck,

Chip

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Hi i was wondering if yall think i have enough experience to be a flight nurse?

i have 2 years as a er tech all ages,2 years icu tech adults, 2 years pedi er tech,2 years pedi iv team, 1 year RN level 1 trauma center emergency room exp, i have also been a paramedic for 5 years? im 27 and have been in the medical field since i was 19 maybe 20.. JUST CURIOUS:idea:

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Specializes in Rotor EMS, Ped's ICU, CT-ICU,.
Hi i was wondering if yall think i have enough experience to be a flight nurse? 1 year RN level 1 trauma center emergency room exp, i have also been a paramedic for 5 years?

You probably have a good deal of relevant exposure, but probably don't have enough actual experience.

1. One year of ED experience as an RN isn't enough when it comes to flying; few ED's (even Level 1 trauma's), do any amount of invasive monitoring. Level 1's tend to be busy, and I believe the goal is discharge from the ED (to home or the floor) as quick as possible and if care has progressed to the point where invasive lines are going in, they've been there too long. If you said 1 year of trauma/surg, cardio/thoracic surg, or something similar, I'd say you would be a strong candidate.

2. It may be an accreditation issue to be able to show on paper more than one year of experience as an RN in any kind of unit...I'm not positive about that, however. I know some programs will hire you; however, our program won't review a resume that doesn't show at least three years of critical care experience as an RN.

The emergent/trauma scene run rapid transport kinds of patients are USUALLY the easiest to transport. The acute-interfacility-obese post-surgical patients with an open chest or belly, balloon-pump multi-drip-vented with a Swan, A-line, CVP, and ICP monitor that has been poorly managed prior to your arrival are far more challenging. Working in a busy ED is a very tough job, definitely tougher than working in the ICU in my opinion, but it doesn't prepare you for this kind of challenge as much as working in a high-acuity ICU where you actually manage these kinds of patients for extended periods of time. The environment you prepare in is as important as the amount of time spent preparing.

Your EMS credentials will put you at the top of the list once you achieve the required experience.

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