Is there an age cutoff for flight nursing?

CraigB-RN, MSN, RN · Mar 23, 2008

Nope, as long as your doing the job. At 50 I'm still going stong, although I can't imagine doing it for to much longer. I have gone from rotory to fixed wing.

Rio, ASN, RN · Mar 25, 2008

Nope, as long as your doing the job. At 50 I'm still going stong, although I can't imagine doing it for to much longer. I have gone from rotory to fixed wing.

Whew ! Thanks Craig:bowingpur... I thought I was the oldest. :no: .but then I'm still flying rotor...:redbeathe

GilaRRT · Mar 26, 2008

I agree, my wife can throw down in the plane like a big dog all day and night long and she is pushing 50.

mt3 · Mar 28, 2008

Thanks for those replies! By the time I get out of school and get enough experience I will be at least 47. Is it too much on you physically after 50 or are you just ready to slow down? I really want to do this and age has been my only concern.

CraigB-RN, MSN, RN · Mar 28, 2008

Nope not slowing down at all. The biggest reason for me is that the RW aircraft are smaller and at 50 I find it much harder to keep my weight below the minimums. The King Air and the Lear don't care how much I weigh. I do find that personally, I prefer I have found that I don't get the rush I used to on scene flights. II'l lteach and precept, but 2am in snow and mud on the side of the road isn't were I"m at right now.

It doesn't have anything to do with age.

mt3 · Mar 28, 2008

What about strength? I am an average sized female..125lbs 5'6'' am really trying to increase my upper body strength for lifting those heavy pts. I am a dental hygienist who has been mostly a stay at home mom for 8 yrs. My kids are all in school (oldest just started college) and now it is time for me to follow my dreams. I have heard that comment about weight but what about strength? I am ready for the rush!! I am looking to bridge to paramedic when almost finished with nursing school. Does anyone know what that takes?

mt3 · Mar 28, 2008

CraigB

Just noticed you are from Georgia! I am a GA native! Grew up in Griffin and lived in Roswell/Cumming until 5 yrs ago.

CraigB-RN, MSN, RN · Mar 28, 2008

First off all, slow down. :) Just worry about finishing nursing school and getting some experience. Then while your doing that, START to look at the EMS training. You have to konw the market your looking to get started in, to find out what hoops you have to go through. But for now, just focus on becoming the best nurse you can be.

I'm just north of Atlanta, and am the new guy here.

mt3 · Mar 29, 2008

yeah right....nursing school and kids....slow down is not a part of my life right now :)

CraigB-RN, MSN, RN · Mar 29, 2008

Slowing down and focusing on becoming the best ER or Critical Care Nurse you can be wasn't' a joke. Don't worry about bridging the paramedic till you get the critical care experience. The EMT-P may not be needed,depending on were you are. Here in GA there aren't enough EMT-P/RN's so being both isn't needed.

1. Finish Nursing School

2. Get a job in a high acuity/progressive ICU (my preference is a SICU, but that's just were I like to be)

3. Study hard while working so after a year you can take (and pass) the CCRN exam

4 Or you could get a job in high acuity ER and take CEN. It's all your choice.

5. After you get the job down, start collecting the alphabet soup. ACLS, TNCC, PALS, ENPC and when possible, get your instructor card in them.

6. Take an EMT class at local community college ot fire dept.

7. Network, network, network. go to CEU offerings by flight services, ENA meeting, etc. If your in a part of VA that uses volunteers, start volunteering as an EMT

8. Then start looking at flight services.

9. Then start looking at EMT-P programs. he most popular bridge program requires you to have critical care/ER experience to get into it.

Age is just a number. DOn't worry about it. Be health, and in good shape. If your worried about upper body strength then start working out. You may just find that you like ICU or ER and not want to fly after you get into it. There is also ground critical care transport to try also.

mt3 · Mar 29, 2008

CraigB

Thank You for all the great advice. I didn't mean to sound like I was joking...I'm just the type of person that needs a detailed plan, even if it takes 5+ years. It is a list of goals for me to accomplish. I try to be the best at everything I do.