Flight nursing....Too tall? Heavy?

Medic/Nurse, BSN, RN · May 9, 2008

Depends.

I think that you may be less than comfortable depending on the airframe. As most providers are using light single engines, space is small.

Weight is important (under 200# is ideal), but the height may be what hurts you most. I know that most have limits on both. Our program does not have formal limits - but, if a 6'4" 300# showed up otherwise qualified (and everything being equal) I think they would be passed over for smaller candidates.

I have seen some taller/larger folks be great at this job - so, it all depends.

If the program that you are considering has limits, there is not much you can about that.

Also, if you bring extraordinary qualifications to the job, that may allow them to overlook a bit of extra weight. Rare but it happens.

Reality - weight matters. All aircrafts have max weight capacity (the airframe, equipment, fuel, crew, patient) Height matters, too. You are in a very limited space wearing a helmet (adds a couple of inches to your height) and will have to move in a manner that will allow for safe patient care.

The job is better suited for smaller physical types.

Sad, but it may be impossible for larger folks to even do.

Good Luck.

bigjim · May 18, 2008

Would that apply to fixed wing as well, or just helicopter?

I'm almost 6'4" and fat. The fat part is my problem, and I'm working hard to fix it, but there's nothing much I can do (or want to do) about being 6'4 and built like a defensive tackle.

I'd like to do flight at some point, but if it's a no-go I'll do something else.

Medic/Nurse, BSN, RN · May 18, 2008

Wow, my post does seem a bit negative.

I think that it all matters.

Height.

Weight.

Physical conditioning.

But, none of these things are important unless you are otherwise qualified. Lots of threads on the qualifications - and go to your intended program. Most will share the academic/experience requirements. Even above academics/experience and physical req's - attention must be given to your communication abilities.

For every physical absolute - I can find someone that is tall, heavy, etc.

Ask around - the program that you are considering will be able to give you the best answer.

Weight is less important in fixed wing operations, but even if you weigh 350-400# and cannot sit/move comfortably in a confined space - you may find the reality of the job very difficult.

Good Luck!

diveRN · May 19, 2008

As mentioned, it depends on the equipment.

We have two hospitals here in town. The flight program where I work has a weight limit of 200lbs fully dressed. The limit at the other place is 225 fully dressed. Difference is the helo. One is a twin with 1500hp, the other is a single engine with 700hp. I qualify for the "other" program, but not for ours.

... in the same boat as you. I'm 6'4", 215lbs, and built like a DE.

keaton90 · May 30, 2008

Hey everybody. I just applied for a flight nurse position, but I think that I may have wasted my time. Why you ask? Well, I didn't think about it, but apparently there is a weight limit/height limit for flight nursing. I am not overweight, but I am about 6'3", 215-220. Is that too big for flight nursing? I'm going to be a little upset if it is cause I was kind of excited to do it. Oh well, what do you all think. Thanks ahead of time.

What program are you applying for? and where at? I saw your name kyboyrn.. if its in the eastern ky region i might be able to help...

fire_911medic · Jun 21, 2008

You mention eastern Ky - is there further expansion planned to bring birds to that area besides medflight?

keaton90 · Jun 23, 2008

You mention eastern Ky - is there further expansion planned to bring birds to that area besides medflight?

Well as of now Air Methods owns all operators in Eastern Ky, that I'm aware of. There is Lifenet Ky4 which is based in Hazard, Medflight 1 which is based at Big Sandy Regional Airport, and Medflight 2 which is based in Ashland, Statcare, and Healthnet also does alot of flights here. May I ask where you are located?

I'm not for sure about expansion, but I do believe that all the aircraft are new, or only a few months old... Some are now equipped with Night Vision.