From the hospital to the sky

[nightingale, RN]

Saw this and just had to share! Now $ 90.00 and hour sounds fair!

http://europe.cnn.com/2001/TRAVEL/NEWS/01/29/sky.nurses/

From Eric Philips

CNN Correspondent

(CNN) -- Nurses' rounds are about to be extended from the hospital to the sky.

When American Airlines launches Skycaare next month, ailing fliers will be able to bring a nurse along with them for a discounted fare.

"We're looking for people who are very stable for air travel that really just need a medical helping hand," said Dr. David McKenas, medical director for American Airlines.

Skycaare will provide a registered nurse for passengers who want or need one. Before the flight, the nurse will consult with the passenger's physician to learn about medical needs and make sure the patient can handle flying.

During the flight, the two sit together, with the nurse keeping tabs on the passenger's condition.

One-on-one care

Physician Larry Tune, who works with Alzheimer's patients, said this program could be just what the doctor ordered.

"The needs of someone who is demented really require one-on-one attention, especially in travel, because that is a unique experience for them," Tune said.

It can also be a challenging one for someone with a mental or physical illness.

Janet Cellars recently had to fly her father home soon after he underwent heart surgery.

"To have somebody who is available, who is knowledgeable about the medical status of the person and they know just what is involved in travel, I think would be very helpful to families," Cellars said.

$90 an hour

Most major airlines already have medical equipment on board, including first aid kits and portable defibrillators. But American Airlines is the first to take this additional step, starting in February for flights to or from Dallas and Chicago.

Passengers requesting a nurse would have to pay for the nurse's ticket at a 30 percent discount, plus a $90 hourly fee.

But that added expense could buy more freedom for people who are sick, and more peace of mind for family members.

B.

[kids]

I wonder what the $90/hr 'fee' translates in actual wages? Where do I get an application...I hate to fly with a passion but with a little dab of Ativan I could be willing to do it.

I can see insurance companies being a big user of this service...it would be a great cost saving alternitave is a great way for somebody not really sick enough to be life flighted but not quite well enough to fly alone.

[Jenny P]

Whoa, Kids, now THAT is a scarey idea: being the nurse who would assist a patient on a regular flight because the insurance company wouldn't pay for life flght!

[dawngloves, BSN, RN]

Just trying to imagine flying with an Altheimer's patient. A very confused person in an enclosed space amongst a few dozen strangers. Hmm...

[kids]

Originally posted by Jenny P

Whoa, Kids, now THAT is a scarey idea: being the nurse who would assist a patient on a regular flight because the insurance company wouldn't pay for life flght!

When you put it that way it does sound pretty scarey...what I had in mind was a situation like my ex...

Was in a trucking accident in MA...12 days post op ORIF hip...5 days hospitial, 7 days rehab for gait training etc...insurance (Teamsters Welfare Trust) paid to have him LIFE FLIGHTED from MA home to WA...and I do mean home, I picked him up on the tarmac at PDX and brought him home...he wasn't well/mobile enough to manage the flight alone so they (TWT) could't bring him home commercial.

[BBQvegan]

Had to revive this post.... Has anything come of this? Does Skycaare still exist? Are there any experienced Skycaare nurses on this forum?

[catlady, BSN, RN]

I sent a snowbird from a facility in AZ to her assisted living facility in NY, s/p hip fx. The only reason she was medically cleared to travel was that her insurance company arranged for an RN to travel with her on a commercial flight. Her husband wanted to transport her the first week but I got him to agree to stay three weeks before the transport. The nurse actually flew down from Canada to pick up the resident. Apparently this was nothing new for her. We provided paperwork and one day's supply of medication (except narcotics).

[Medic2RN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

I can tell you for certain that they did not do this in the Dallas area!

[ashfost, BSN, RN]

I came across this program online and was wondering if any nurses here are in it. If so, how do you like it? Do you do it full time or PRN. Seems like a pretty cool job, just curious! Thanks !