Flight RNs

MmacFN · Mar 30, 2006

Hey

Well it sounds like you have the pre reqs. Typically, FNs have to have 3-5 years of experience with a mix of ICU/ER. Here is the local jobs desc.

Minimum of 3 years (5 years preferred) current critical care/emergency experience. Current BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP certifications. CFRN within 18 months of hire

They also prefer instructor certs as well.

I think you would have an easy time of it, especially as a CRNA. You may have to brush up on your trauma, IABP, peds as well as ER depending on how long you have been away from it all.

Do it man, i plan to fly after i graduate as a CRNA one day as well. Its a great job.

Hey Mike,
How hard would it be to take a CCEMT-P RN with prior EMS training as CCT ground transport who is just a few months from CRNA graduation and transition into a flight RN? I would like to have a dual license at some point. Just wondering.

jwk · Apr 1, 2006

I think you would have to be very careful being a CRNA yet working as a flight nurse, and it has nothing to do with whether or not you're qualified. Would you be held to a higher standard because of your training as a CRNA? You have a significantly higher level of training and expertise (master's degree, APRN status in many states, etc.) than the typical flight nurse (no offense intended Mmac ). Would your anesthesia malpractice carrier cover your actions as a flight nurse, or would you be even able to get another insurance carrier to cover you just for your actions as a flight nurse?

MmacFN · Apr 1, 2006

Hey Jwk

No offence taken and these are valid concerns.

We have a number of NPs who work for us in the capacity of flight RN. It turns out that all of us (the FNs) are held to the same standard as they are when making tx decisions so it wasent a change in liability for them or us. I cant speak for all states, but the majority place FN practice under the advanced practice acts which is the same for NPs.

I cant imagine it would be any different for a CRNA (we dont have any at our program but i know a few who do). I believe CRNAs fall under the same rules as NPs in regards to liability and such. Though when i think about it, NPs (like an acute care NP) have a much wider practice than CRNAs and i would think they would be at higher risk? I know our company looked into it and the nsg board (and company lawyer) came to the conclusion that there was no difference between the NP role and the FN role when working in flight.

Make sense?

I think you would have to be very careful being a CRNA yet working as a flight nurse, and it has nothing to do with whether or not you're qualified. Would you be held to a higher standard because of your training as a CRNA? You have a significantly higher level of training and expertise (master's degree, APRN status in many states, etc.) than the typical flight nurse (no offense intended Mmac ). Would your anesthesia malpractice carrier cover your actions as a flight nurse, or would you be even able to get another insurance carrier to cover you just for your actions as a flight nurse?

jabsmom · Apr 1, 2006

Just my perspective...but as an NP and a former flight nurse and now a SRNA ... I think that once you get out of the flight world you will realize it was the funnest and most challenging position you have ever held...until CRNA. Make a decision and put all of your energy behind it.

IF CRNA is what you really want to accomplish, fly extra shifts and kill two birds with one stone...make extra money having a great time and getting an extra fix as a flight nurse.

MmacFN · Apr 1, 2006

Well said

Thats the plan :)[

quote=jabsmom]Just my perspective...but as an NP and a former flight nurse and now a SRNA ... I think that once you get out of the flight world you will realize it was the funnest and most challenging position you have ever held...until CRNA. Make a decision and put all of your energy behind it.

IF CRNA is what you really want to accomplish, fly extra shifts and kill two birds with one stone...make extra money having a great time and getting an extra fix as a flight nurse.