CRNA to Flight Nurse?

qanik1 · Jul 8, 2005

How hard would it be for a CRNA to become a Flight Nurse? I have worked prehospital as an RN on a Critical Care ambulance that also responded to emergent calls, have CCEMT-P cert, and have the hospital reqs. Other than getting EMS certification as either EMT or EMT-P, what else would I need? What is involved in the CRFN course? Sometimes it ain't all about the Benjamins. Any takers..?

Hey I guess we are taking opposite routes. I have been a flight RN and medic for 10 years and just completed my first year in CRNA school. I would say with your prehospital background and the fact that you must of had critical care experience to get into CRNA school plus your time as a CRNA you would be a prime candidate for any program. I would not think you would need anything else except to apply. I actually am a item writer for the CFRN exam - it is not that difficult. Some programs like you to have it. Where are you located as I sit in the National ASTNA board and know many people from many programs and could give you some ideas. I plan to continue to fly once I graduate CRNA school in a part time manner. Any other questions give a shout

Qanik

rn29306 · Jul 10, 2005

Hey I guess we are taking opposite routes. I have been a flight RN and medic for 10 years and just completed my first year in CRNA school. I would say with your prehospital background and the fact that you must of had critical care experience to get into CRNA school plus your time as a CRNA you would be a prime candidate for any program. I would not think you would need anything else except to apply. I actually am a item writer for the CFRN exam - it is not that difficult. Some programs like you to have it. Where are you located as I sit in the National ASTNA board and know many people from many programs and could give you some ideas. I plan to continue to fly once I graduate CRNA school in a part time manner. Any other questions give a shout
Qanik

Man I appreciate the response. While anesthesia is the best decision I have ever done, you know how EMS is and it just doesn't leave your blood. I figured my past + CRNA education would put me pretty close to what a company would want (uh-oh, we got ourselves a nurse that knows airway management..) but I didn't know how close it would be. Thanks again for the response. Good luck with school.

Pmdc · Jul 15, 2005

I'd bet that any program would love to have you on board with them. If I was the program manager my only concern would be that you might start to miss that CRNA paycheck.

Are you coming back to Atlanta?

rn29306 · Jul 15, 2005

I'd bet that any program would love to have you on board with them. If I was the program manager my only concern would be that you might start to miss that CRNA paycheck.
Are you coming back to Atlanta?

I see your point, hope others don't think that way also. It couldn't be a full-time gig. I certainly hope there are part-time flight positions available after anesthesia school.

Negatory on coming back to ATL. Signed here with anesthesia group at Erlanger. What a coincidence, isn't that not one but TWO copters on the roof? Hmmmm.

How are things going for you?

Shamira Aizza · Aug 5, 2005

Our flight program likes to hire CRNA's, and they make good flight nurses.

However, their tenure in our flight program is chronically short-term. Every CRNA that has come to work at our flight program has resigned in 1-2 years or less (usually less), most often citing time constraints.

I don't know what the con-ed requirements are for CRNA's, but our flight program has demanding con-ed requirements as well as multiple state licensure requirements. I've been running on that painful recertification treadmill for too long now and I can't imagine how frustrating it would be to have to do all that for a part-time job.

I am currently applying for CRNA school, and I'm pretty sure I'll look back on my years as a flight nurse as time well spent, but time to move one.

Good luck. I know we'll hire you.

rn29306 · Aug 7, 2005

Our flight program likes to hire CRNA's, and they make good flight nurses.
However, their tenure in our flight program is chronically short-term. Every CRNA that has come to work at our flight program has resigned in 1-2 years or less (usually less), most often citing time constraints.
I don't know what the con-ed requirements are for CRNA's, but our flight program has demanding con-ed requirements as well as multiple state licensure requirements. I've been running on that painful recertification treadmill for too long now and I can't imagine how frustrating it would be to have to do all that for a part-time job.
I am currently applying for CRNA school, and I'm pretty sure I'll look back on my years as a flight nurse as time well spent, but time to move one.
Good luck. I know we'll hire you.

Thanks for your reply and good luck with school. When I was in EMS as a RN doing CCT on the ground, it was indeed very hard keeping up alphabet soup for a part-time position, thanks for bringing that up. Let me know how school goes or if you have any questions about the application / interview process.

FLYRN · May 10, 2007

Hey I guess we are taking opposite routes. I have been a flight RN and medic for 10 years and just completed my first year in CRNA school. I would say with your prehospital background and the fact that you must of had critical care experience to get into CRNA school plus your time as a CRNA you would be a prime candidate for any program. I would not think you would need anything else except to apply. I actually am a item writer for the CFRN exam - it is not that difficult. Some programs like you to have it. Where are you located as I sit in the National ASTNA board and know many people from many programs and could give you some ideas. I plan to continue to fly once I graduate CRNA school in a part time manner. Any other questions give a shout
Qanik

Hi,

I had been searching for someone flying and in/finishing CRNA school. You are probably finished...congrats!!! I start in aug/sept would like to know how it was. hope you still visit the site.

thanks for any info