What does a flight nurse do?

Flight nurses are highly skilled registered nurses (RNs) who care for patients during transport by air. They work in a variety of settings, including medical helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and commercial airliners. Flight nurses are responsible for assessing and monitoring patients, administering medications, and performing medical procedures. They also work with pilots and other flight crew members to ensure the safety of all passengers.

Duties of a flight nurse

Flight nurses perform a variety of duties, including:

* Assessing patients: Flight nurses assess patients' vital signs, physical condition, and mental status. They also review patients' medical records and consult with doctors on the ground.

* Administering medications: Flight nurses administer medications intravenously (IV), intramuscularly (IM), and subcutaneously (SC). They also monitor patients for side effects of medications.

* Performing medical procedures: Flight nurses perform a variety of medical procedures, including airway management, defibrillation, and CPR. They also assist doctors in performing more complex procedures, such as surgery.

* Working with pilots and other flight crew members: Flight nurses work closely with pilots and other flight crew members to ensure the safety of all passengers. They provide information about patients' medical conditions and needs, and they help to coordinate care between the flight crew and the medical team on the ground.

Qualifications to become a flight nurse

To become a flight nurse, you must meet the following qualifications:

* Registered nurse (RN) license: You must be a licensed RN in the United States.

* Critical care experience: You must have experience working in a critical care setting, such as an intensive care unit (ICU) or emergency room (ER).

* Flight training: You must complete flight training and obtain a flight nurse certification.

* Physical and mental health: You must be in good physical and mental health.

Salary for a flight nurse

The salary for a flight nurse can vary depending on your experience, location, and employer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for flight nurses is $93,070.

Job outlook for flight nurses

The job outlook for flight nurses is expected to be very good over the next few years. As the demand for air medical services continues to grow, more flight nurses will be needed to staff helicopters and airplanes.