Path to Flight RN

Congratulations on your interest in flight nursing. It's a great profession. I might suggest that you look at the thread topics on this particular forum as the path to flight nursing has been discussed repeatedly and in depth. Gila has laid out a nice progression. You might also check out Flightweb.com as they have also addressed this topic. Your EMS background will be of great help to you. I encourage you to maintain it even when you get busy with school. Good luck!

I am currently a Junior in College. I am pre-nursing as well as going for my BS in psychology. I am currently an EMT-Intermediate and have been working in a very busy EMS system for about 2 years. I know I have a long way to go but I have alot of interest in flight nursing and I wanted to know if someone could give me a timeline from graduating college to your first day in the air. About how long it takes, certs you need, and training required.

three years...

This is straight off of our hospital's website for their requirements for nurses who want to apply for flight nurse positions:

Education - BSN required or actively pursuing. Licensed to practice professional nursing in the State of Ohio.

Certifications required:

Basic Life Support

Advanced Cardiac Life Support

Basic Trauma Life Support

Advanced Trauma Life Support (audit)**

Licensed EMT-P in the State of Ohio**

Pediatric Advanced Life Support

**Must be completed within one year of employment

Physical requirements - must meet visual, auditory, and weight specifications. Must pass a physical exam utilizing department criteria.

Experience - has a minimum of three years recent active experience in an Emergency Department or other Intensive Critical Care areas. Pre-hospital/transport experience recommended.