Interested in flight nursing

PMFB-RN, RN · Sep 1, 2014

Thanks FlyingScot and PMFB-RN for your input. Do you both still actively fly or have you since moved back into the hospital setting full time?
I have heard that pay isn't as high as many hospitals as the law of supply and demand is in effect with transport nurses. Honestly, I would be okay with it and likely supplement my income with maintaining a per diem status within an ICU.

I am still casual with the transport service but my full time job is in hospital rapid response nurse. I no longer fly for two reasons. Forst after being on one helicopter that simply decided to quite flying, and another one that was shot down I nevere really like them anyway. Second there are so many compentencies related to flying that it's pretty much impossible to keep up with them unless you are at least half time. I still work ground ambulance, mobile intensive care for them part time.

You are right that there are plenty of nurses who want to fly. Staying part time in ICU is a good idea.

FlyingScot, RN · Sep 6, 2014

I no longer fly. I quit in 2008 after 36 people died in HEMS crashes that year. The industry has changed so much. I'm not risking my life to transport patients the actually walk to the aircraft. Add to that was the issue of commuting nearly two hours, 12 hour night shifts, unpleasant co-workers (not the norm in adult flight services, rampant in peds/neo arena). Plus the stress was getting to me. I work in an ambulatory clinic now. Not even close to as interesting or exciting but I'm enjoying actually having a life.

PMFB-RN, RN · Sep 6, 2014

I no longer fly. I quit in 2008 after 36 people died in HEMS crashes that year. The industry has changed so much. I'm not risking my life to transport patients the actually walk to the aircraft. Add to that was the issue of commuting nearly two hours, 12 hour night shifts, unpleasant co-workers (not the norm in adult flight services, rampant in peds/neo arena). Plus the stress was getting to me. I work in an ambulatory clinic now. Not even close to as interesting or exciting but I'm enjoying actually having a life.

One of the things that attracted my to transport nursing in the first place was that the nurses there worked seven 24 hour shifts a month and were full time. Tons of time off was great. But of course since it was so nice for the nurses and medics they did away with it and made us do 12 hour shifts like any other nurse.

I hear you. I have been on two helicopter crashes. One the helicopter simply decide to stop flying, one where we were shot down (I was in the army for both). I never got the romance of flight nursing:)