[CommandSarMaj]

I am interested in becoming a flight nurse, but I am concerned that my actual or apparent age may be a hinderance to my aspirations. I am in my 40's and look it. I did spend 22 years as a US Army medic, including ten years in special operations (Green Berets), but I am a little hestitant in pursuing positions in a field that is probably populated with young and eager nurses.

I am sure that I can pass a flight phsyical and any physical activity requirements that our local medivac companies (Life-Flight and Calstar) could dream-up. However, I would like to know from if any of you have run into problems being accepted as older flight nurses.

Just as background, I am a "new" nurse, having returned to medicine in the last few years. I am MICN, CCRN, and NICU certified, and I was certified as a Flight Transport Medical Technican while in the Army (meaning that I proved my qualification and training allowing me to participate in over-water, long-distant transport of medically stable patients). I've participated in medivac operations in both peace- and war-time, and I've had battlefield experience. I've also been involved in rescue operations for both military and civilian personnel.

If any of you have some words of advice, please let me know.

Thanks

[TraumaICURN]

Originally Posted by CommandSarMaj

I am interested in becoming a flight nurse, but I am concerned that my actual or apparent age may be a hinderance to my aspirations. I am in my 40's and look it. I did spend 22 years as a US Army medic, including ten years in special operations (Green Berets), but I am a little hestitant in pursuing positions in a field that is probably populated with young and eager nurses.

I am sure that I can pass a flight phsyical and any physical activity requirements that our local medivac companies (Life-Flight and Calstar) could dream-up. However, I would like to know from if any of you have run into problems being accepted as older flight nurses.

Just as background, I am a "new" nurse, having returned to medicine in the last few years. I am MICN, CCRN, and NICU certified, and I was certified as a Flight Transport Medical Technican while in the Army (meaning that I proved my qualification and training allowing me to participate in over-water, long-distant transport of medically stable patients). I've participated in medivac operations in both peace- and war-time, and I've had battlefield experience. I've also been involved in rescue operations for both military and civilian personnel.

If any of you have some words of advice, please let me know.

Thanks

If I were you, I would not worry about the age issue. It seems to me that you are very well qualified with many years of experience.

[Shamira Aizza]

Depending on where you apply, I wouldn't worry. The standards for flight nurses is circling the drain due to the workplace shortage of RN's...which has splashed over to the flight nurse field. Some places are hiring flight nurses with as little as one year of questionable "critical care" experience.

I think a conscientious program would be pleased to have a competent applicant.

[nghtfltguy]

yeah.. what they said!!
sounds to me like you have great experience.. don't worry about the age thing...
we have many nurses and medics alike that are well into their 40's... WELL into them..

[travelinggrandma]

am well into my 50's and fly with air ambulance when traveling to florida every winter, love it as we fly lear jets out of the country and go everywhere so age is not a problem if the experience is there and the desire to just be a free spirit and go

[sjt9721]

I agree with the others. Along with your experience, you would bring a degree of maturity and sense of work ethic that would be appreciated.

No flames, please. Just a comment on the (well-documented) generational issues that are in the workplace today.


PS...I just looked at your profile. I think most flight programs require an RN (not LVN) license. What part of the country are you in?