PRO's/CON's USAFR Flight RN

[amiodarone3]

I am currently a critical care nurse looking to take on a new challenge and gain a different perspective and challenge my critical thinking skillset. Additionally I want to be a part of something bigger and work on a more global scale (so to speak).

I have thought about going active but for now, reserve or air guard is a better fit at this point and time. I have looked into both CCAT and Flight nursing with the AF and recognize both are a big time commitment. Both require weeks of training that would take me away from my current ICU job. I was also informed that since 80% of AE units do transport there is a almost guaranteed chance of getting deployed. I am also good with that. I also enjoy the aspect of being able to be a part of the "crew" as I love flying and being a part of the team. Figuring out what to take, load, weight, capacity for patients/flight crew is great! Along with training I take with me for a lifetime!

Where I start to see an issue is job duty. If I am taking care of med/surg patients I would feel my clinical skills would suffer as the "time commitment" in the reserve as a flight nurse is heavy. I was told a realistic grasp is drill 1 weekend/month + 1 weekend (2-3 days) of flying, THEN deployment for 4-6 months.

That is a full time job and some! So, if I am going to be spending that much time with it, I want to ensure I am using my skills and testing my knowledge. Can anyone shed light on this?!

As for the other edge of the sword. CCAT is not in my immediate area and going for that would be great but with the same commitment AND driving 4 hours one way to the nearest squadron seems unmanageable.

If anyone has insight to

a) their current job and how it relates to CCAT, flight nursing or air guard...please indulge

b) PRO's/CON's of everything

c) deployment opportunities with each

d) general satisfaction with current job and being reserve or air guard please pm me or reply!

Much appreciated!

[jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA]

It's good that you want reserves/guard, because you can't direct commission and automatically start flight or CCATT if you choose active duty. I'm an AD AF nurse currently applying, therefore I can't tell you much about the lifestyle. From what I hear, the training for both is pretty worthwhile.

My problem with flight nursing is that you are often taking med-surg level patients and just happen to be flying. CCATT always involves critically ill patients. You only get your wings from flight nursing, however.

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

Maybe you should think about how your skills can best serve the wounded warriors. You describe the commitment as 2 weekends per month which is not the case. You will have more requirements if you are a flight nurse though, because you must maintain your flying status. This usually can be accomplished at drill. If not, you might fly once extra per month. You can, of course, fly much more if you wish. CCAT would probably be a better fit, and better use of your skills. Extra days would not be required, although I think CCAT deploys for 6 months, while we deploy for 4 (not sure). As CCAT you are also not protected by duty day limits, mandatory crew rest, and alert requirements. CCAT can be grueling, they can and will work you hard. But you will never serve a better group of patients in my opinion. Here's and article I wrote on flight nursing https://allnurses.com/government-military-nursing/day-life-air-754221.html

[amiodarone3]

what do you mean by "wings"?

[amiodarone3]

Maybe you should think about how your skills can best serve the wounded warriors. You describe the commitment as 2 weekends per month which is not the case. You will have more requirements if you are a flight nurse though, because you must maintain your flying status. This usually can be accomplished at drill. If not, you might fly once extra per month. You can, of course, fly much more if you wish. CCAT would probably be a better fit, and better use of your skills. Extra days would not be required, although I think CCAT deploys for 6 months, while we deploy for 4 (not sure). As CCAT you are also not protected by duty day limits, mandatory crew rest, and alert requirements. CCAT can be grueling, they can and will work you hard. But you will never serve a better group of patients in my opinion. Here's and article I wrote on flight nursing https://allnurses.com/government-military-nursing/day-life-air-754221.html

Yeah thank you for the info/reply. I think after careful consideration and review, in conjunction with my life currently what is best for me is flight nursing. Meaning, non CCAT. Either way the experience and care I will deliver will be fun and exciting. Not to mention the patient population that I get to work with :)

[jfratian, DNP, RN, CRNA]

You actually get a patch with wings on it that goes on all your uniforms, since all of your job as a flight nurse involves flight/flying. CCATT is generally a part-time gig and you go back to your ICU when you aren't on an assignment.

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

what do you mean by "wings"?

"Wings" are more than a patch. It signifies that you are part of the flight crew, a flyer. It entitles you to crew rest, regulated flight duty day, and you always stay with the aircraft. It also signifies that you have been trained on aircraft emergencies, and received special training like SERE (although nowadays medical take an abbreviated course). CCAT teams stay with the patient and go where they do.