How do you become a life flight nurse?
Becoming a life flight nurse is a challenging but rewarding career path that requires specific education, training, and experience. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Education:
- Obtain a nursing degree: Start by earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited nursing program. Some life flight programs prefer candidates with a BSN, while others may accept nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and relevant experience.
2. Nursing Experience:
- Gain critical care nursing experience: Work as a registered nurse in a critical care setting, such as an intensive care unit (ICU), emergency department, or trauma unit. This experience will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary for life flight nursing. Aim for at least 2-3 years of critical care experience.
3. Continuing Education:
- Complete Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. These certifications demonstrate your proficiency in managing critical care situations.
- Earn a critical care nursing certification, such as the Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification. This certification validates your expertise and knowledge in critical care nursing.
4. Flight Nursing Programs:
- Research flight nursing programs: Various institutions and healthcare organizations offer flight nursing programs. Look for accredited programs that meet your needs and preferences. Some programs may require a BSN and a certain amount of critical care experience, while others may offer bridge programs for nurses with an ADN.
- Apply for a flight nursing program: Submit your application, transcripts, and other required documents. Some programs may require you to take an entrance exam or participate in an interview.
5. Flight Training and Education:
- Complete the flight nursing program: Typically, flight nursing programs last 12 to 18 months and involve both didactic and clinical training. You'll learn about aeromedical nursing, patient assessment and management in flight, pharmacology, and safety procedures.
6. Clinical Rotations:
- Participate in clinical rotations: Flight nursing programs often include clinical rotations in various settings, such as the emergency department, ICU, and trauma unit. These rotations provide hands-on experience and help you apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios.
7. Flight Simulation Training:
- Undergo flight simulation training: Flight nursing programs incorporate flight simulation training to familiarize you with the unique challenges of providing critical care in a helicopter or airplane. This training helps you respond effectively in different flight conditions and emergency situations.
8. Licensure and Certification:
- Obtain relevant nursing license(s): Depending on the state or country you plan to practice in, you may need to obtain a specific nursing license or endorsement for flight nursing.
- Earn the Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN) certification from the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN). This certification demonstrates your expertise and proficiency in flight nursing.
9. Continuing Education and Professional Development:
- Stay updated: Flight nursing requires ongoing education and training. Regularly attend conferences, workshops, and courses to keep your skills and knowledge current.
10. Apply for a Life Flight Nursing Position:
- Search for job openings: Once you've completed the flight nursing program and obtained the necessary certifications and licenses, start applying for life flight nursing positions at various healthcare organizations or air medical services.
The journey to becoming a life flight nurse involves rigorous training, dedication, and a passion for providing critical care in a unique and challenging environment.