do i have what it takes?

Specialties Flight

Published

I have been an ER nurse for 10 years. Worked peds and adult. I also work as part time house supervisor. I have ACLS, PALS, NRP, TNCC, ATCN AND CEN.

Recently a flight nurse job has opened up at the sister hospital that I work for. I want to apply for it, but I'm worried that I dont have the qualifications. I've never worked ICU.

In your experiences and the very little you have read about me, should I apply?

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Yes you do. You are more than qualified. Not all flight nurses have ICU experience. You are transporting and stabilizing patients. Which is what you do in the ER 24/7. If they start coding, you know what to do. If it makes you feel better, sit for the CCRN exam.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

You probably do... but there might be a bit of a learning curve when dealing specifically with ICU-ICU transfers. Also unless you've got EMS experience and the flight program does scene work, you'll have a similar learning curve doing that as well. If the flight program is any good, they'll put you through a curriculum that will provide you the specific education you'll need to thrive there after you're hired. It's probably worth it to apply to the program. Worst case is they tell you "no." They may even tell you now what they consider a competitive candidate is for their program, if you ask them.

My own background is several years of work as a Paramedic (with a lot of work alongside flight crews) and a year of ER work as an RN. Believe me, I know I'm not ready to step up to being a flight Nurse. Nowhere close...

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I am taking the CCRN next month!

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Specializes in Critical Care (ICU/CCU).

If you don't mind me asking what state are you applying in?

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In iowa

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Specializes in Critical Care (ICU/CCU).

Ok I'm in Illinois. I've casually looked into it and it seems like western and southern states want more specific things. Good luck if you apply!

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Specializes in BSN, RN, CCRN - ICU & ER.

Are you comfortable and familiar with critical drips? Many times ICU transport pt's have multiple drips, so it would be helpful to understand titration and pharmacology of pressers, sedation, etc....

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Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency, Education, Informatics.

Go for it. Check out the job posting and make sure you know the requirements. The mandatory vs nice to have things. Put your best foot forward and put in that application. The requirements are flexible sometimes, depending on the need. Although the applicant with experience and has 100% of the requirements is the idea, most services are aware that's hard to find that person.

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