Next steps? Thanks for commenting!

[harrird]

I'm obviously very interested in a career in flight nursing. I'm trying to work my way through the myriad of certs.

Here's a brief resume.

BA in Poli Sci.

2.5 years Patient Care Tech on Transplant ICU

ADN Took boards in Feb 12.

Current ED RN (Lvl 3) 7 mos experience.

Just accepted PRN position at a Lvl 1 Pediatric ED (and Express Admit Unit)

BLS, ACLS, Triage, Moderate Sedation Certs.

PALS next month.

ENA Member.

Planning on TNCC, and ENPC classes ASAP. Trying to work out scheduling for ITLS class in October as well. I've also got CEN on the agenda, but want to tackle that after 2 years experience.

I'm seriously considering a Paramedic Bridge program, but I'm also a divorced father of two, so my free time is disappearing quite quickly, and to my knowledge no programs are available in AL. I looked into Creighton's 2 week class, but I'm a little weary of the price, and the 2 weeks vacation/room board/flight fare I would have to figure out. Anyhow, I know anything worth having is going to require some sacrifice. Any tips?

[FlyingScot, RN]

I'm going to say this as kindly as possible, please understand that I am just giving you the truth. You don't even come close to having the necessary requirements to fly at this time. Most flight programs will only consider an ED nurse who also has an extensive critical care background. Some may accept an ED nurse with a significant amount of ED experience in a Level One center. You will need a minimum of 3 years in a busy, tertiary CVICU, MICU or maybe an SICU before you would even be considered. An NREMT-P on paper is just that, a piece of paper. Unless you have street time in a busy 911 service it means little. Your PRN position might help but given it's PRN and you don't have any peds experience you won't be getting the critical patients you need to show a flight program you have the chops to do the job. In addition, unless you plan on only doing peds transport your peds only ED experience unfortunately will not work in your favor. Not to say that any of this is insurmountable but if you really want to do flight nursing you may need to reconsider your current job choices. I would focus on that rather than your paramedic certification. You have too much to learn as a nurse yet to add an entirely different educational process on top of it. Good luck to you.

[harrird]

Thanks for your honest assessment. Maybe I wasn't clear, but I'm not looking to fly for at least 5-10 years. I in no way feel currently qualified. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.