Flight Nurse experience adequate ?

Specialties CRNA

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I am getting my paperwork together to apply to CRNA school later this year, while trying to decide "where" to apply I am a little confused over requirements. All the schools require a minimum of 1 year ICU experience, some seem very strict on this, no ER, only ICU. Is there anyone on this board that was a flight nurse (helicopter) and was accepted using this as ICU experience. And which university's did you feel were very receptive to this experience?

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I am getting my paperwork together to apply to CRNA school later this year, while trying to decide "where" to apply I am a little confused over requirements. All the schools require a minimum of 1 year ICU experience, some seem very strict on this, no ER, only ICU. Is there anyone on this board that was a flight nurse (helicopter) and was accepted using this as ICU experience. And which university's did you feel were very receptive to this experience?

Uh......Check, check. Mike to the mike please......Mike to the mike please......Is Flight Nurse Mike in the house?

Seriously, he's probably got more insight on this than any of us. He'll be around shortly.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.
......All the schools require a minimum of 1 year ICU experience, some seem very strict on this, no ER, only ICU.....

The COA standard is actually "acute" care and, yes, that term is interpreted different ways by different programs.

.

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Specializes in I know stuff ;).

Hey EP

Hey from another FN.

That is actually sortof a loaded question. The AANA actually dosent say there is an ICU requirement but simply acute care which they say includes ICU, ER, PACU (and Flight). However, each program decides upon their own requirements and each can be different. For instance, some programs require an inferential stats class with a min B yet others do not.

Here is what i have learned about this over the last 6 months.

1) Depending upon the program director and what they believe flight is you may or may not be allowed to use that as your critical care experience. (someone whos not been in the ICU in 10 yrs and couldnt tell you what a FN does isnt accepting your experience and there is no point arguing it)

2) In my estimation about 60% of the programs i talked to did not accept ER or Flight experience in place of ICU. Oddly, all of those would take medical ICU experience without any actual proof of its quality. I assume that would come out in the interview but its a deceptive policy (in a way). You wouldnt want to be that ICU RN who got crappy experience (but didnt know it) and went to the interview only to be slaughtered with questions you couldnt answer. That would suck.

3) It is also important to consider the kind of experience you are getting as an FN. If you arent transporting the sick interfacilities then you may find yourself behind the 8 ball in an interview when it comes to hemodynamic monitoring etc. Scene work has no bearing on CRNA work.

4) There are a few places that were VERY FN friendly. You just have to find them. Maine and the majority of the PA schools are. I was also told there are a number in texas (wesland?) but i have since forgotten the names. When you call talk directly to the program director, they can give you the straight information about what you need.

So the short answer is yes. There are many that will take your FN experience as ICU. I also have ICU and ER experience as well as FN but certianly, the FN experience is most recent and my full time job.

If there is anything i can do please PM me here or use the email option here. Ill respond ASAP.

I am getting my paperwork together to apply to CRNA school later this year, while trying to decide "where" to apply I am a little confused over requirements. All the schools require a minimum of 1 year ICU experience, some seem very strict on this, no ER, only ICU. Is there anyone on this board that was a flight nurse (helicopter) and was accepted using this as ICU experience. And which university's did you feel were very receptive to this experience?
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I'm suprised you don't need ICU experience to be a FN. I heard flight nursing was really, really hard to get into. Plus, can't they do more than a regular RN? (like intubate?) Mike, please educate me!!

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Yeah, that's interesting that you have been given a hard time about your experience. I know some fn's and all have ICU experience. I know some schools want very recent ICU experience, but it seems with the whole package you've got it wouldn't be a problem. Might behoove you to befriend some folks at some of the na schools of your choice.

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Uh......Check, check. Mike to the mike please......Mike to the mike please......Is Flight Nurse Mike in the house?:rotfl:

Seriously, he's probably got more insight on this than any of us. He'll be around shortly.

LMAO!!

The stage is set...the spotlight is on...I know you'll make everyone proud.

Mike's da stud on this one.

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Specializes in I know stuff ;).

Hey E

Well it depends on the quality of the program. While most would have both ER and ICU experience there are many that will accept just ER or Just ICU. Nether is good enough by itself. They end up doing extensive clinical time where they are deficient and get on track. So for the most part yes.

There is a signifigantly expanded scope of practice with autonomy. Its alot of fun really and exciting. Gives you a severe wake up call from regular nursing when all of the sudden there are no physicians to talk to or get orders from etc. I imagine thats similar to how CRNAs feel, its all on you. Scary, but exciting!

The general expanded scope includes:

Chest tubes

Pericardiocentesis

Needle thorancentesis

central lines

around 50 - 60 drugs given at the disgression of the FN

Intubation inclusing RSI

multiple back up airway techniques like bougies, crics, light wands, ILMA, combi tubes etc etc

monitor/manage IABPs VADs

monitor/manage swans, arts, ETCO2 and the like

Its a fun job, im sure it will be a good primer to get started for CRNA school. While I believe that a good program would certainly prepare you better than any ICU or ER experience, at the end of the day the choice is in the hands of the program directors and their knowledge/bias/opinions etc. Some are very pro, others are not. Just have to find the right "fit" for you i think.

I'm suprised you don't need ICU experience to be a FN. I heard flight nursing was really, really hard to get into. Plus, can't they do more than a regular RN? (like intubate?) Mike, please educate me!!
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I should have clarified my post. I did have 6 years of surgical ICU experience prior to being a flight nurse, and I work in a busy ER part time on the side. My post was because most schools stressed the "recent" part.

Mike, your right about the skills and certifications. We are not allowed the light wand though, ha ha.

Thanks for all the replies, I anticipated it being school dependent, just did not know if any where advanced skill/practice "friendly".

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Specializes in I know stuff ;).

EP

hey i hope it helped. I also want to impart some info i got from some members here.

Go in with the attitude that youve got some accomplishments, but that it has only been the START of your career which has lead you to CRNA school. While I have a high opinion of FNs, the fact is CRNA is a large step up. If they think you already know everything about being a CRNA based on your FN experience, your never getting acceptance.

I know you probably dont feel that way at all, but many of us A - Types get excited talking about our FN experience because its so fun. Just tone down the excitement a little is all. Thats my plan for my interview.

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epccrn...........sending you a pm

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I know FN's that are in or have been through TX Weslyan, and Arkansas State....

You can get in with recent flight/past ICU

;)

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