POSITION SUMMARY: The Flight Nurse is accountable for the completion of all OptimuMedicine work assignments. S/he is responsible for the safety of patients prior to and during transport to medical care facilities. This includes provision of basic as well as advanced life support and critical care measures required to stabilize the critically ill or injured patient. This position requires proficiency in critical care nursing and knowledge of the interventions necessary for patient management in the aircraft/ambulance and during transport/flight. Additionally, the Flight Nurse is accountable to perform community/customer outreach, and for the completion of base duties as assigned. The Flight Nurse must also be familiar with aircraft operating procedures and safety practices. The ability to establish positive interpersonal and professional relationships is essential.
REPORTS TO: Base Supervisor
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Pass medical evaluation, drug screening, and background check.
Acquire and maintain a strong knowledge base in critical care practice.
Acquire and maintain extensive knowledge of policies, procedures, and protocols related to OptimuMedicine flight program.
Has knowledge of the applicable sections of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
Is proficient in the use of radios and other communication devices and giving concise reports.
Responsible for checking bags, equipment, and aircraft at beginning of the shift, immediately following shift briefing.
Ensure base daily duties, including base cleanliness, will be completed in a timely fashion.
Upon receipt of a flight request, the Flight Nurse responds immediately to the aircraft or facility without delay, unless safety dictates otherwise.
On arrival at the referring location, introduces transport personnel, assists with stabilization procedures and preparation of the patient for flight.
Continually monitor patient status in coordination with the Flight Paramedic and intervene as necessary.
Maintain written records of patient condition and care provided according to established standards and guidelines.
Assist in additional patient care as required on arrival at the receiving hospital.
Transfer all records and reports to receiving personnel.
After transport of the patient is complete, the Flight Nurse is responsible for working in coordination with the Flight Paramedic to restock flight bags and aircraft, as well as clean and maintain equipment so that it is ready for further flights. Any problems with equipment and/or patient management will be immediately reported to Leadership.
Complete flight records and all documents per OptimuMedicine policy.
Participate in post-flight debriefing with Flight Paramedic, Pilot and Communications Specialist.
Attend all scheduled flight team meetings and classes as required by the Base Supervisor or Leadership team.
Participate in teaching and training of new hires on orientation.
Participate in public education programs and public relations functions.
Arrive at the place of duty before assigned shift well rested and ready to assume flight status.
All charting in EMS charts and the uploading of pertinent documentation will be completed within 48 hours of the flight.
Embrace OptimuMedicine values.
Embody the OptimuMedicine culture.
MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:
Work on a variety of special projects as assigned.
Participate in follow-up activities as indicated
Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Three (3) years of nursing experience in ICU and/or emergency department.
BLS, ACLS, PALS, approved trauma course.
NRP within six (6) months of hire date.
CFRN within eighteen (18) months of hire date.
RN license in the state served by the assigned flight program.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum of one (1) year flight experience.
Instructor’s certifications (BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP, etc.)
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Advanced knowledge of emergency medical procedures.
Understanding pathophysiology, pharmacology, and medical terminology.
Familiarity with trauma care, cardiac life support, and pediatric advanced life support.
Knowledge of the principles of aviation medicine and how flight affects the human body.
Awareness of the unique challenges of providing medical care in an airborne environment, including altitude physiology and the effects of hypoxia.
Proficient in the use of advanced medical equipment and technology used in flight, including ventilators, defibrillators, monitors, and infusion pumps.
Knowledge of safe operation and troubleshooting of medical devices in an aircraft.
Familiarity with local, state, and federal regulations, as well as NAAMTA and OSHA guidelines.
Understanding of clinical protocols, medical guidelines, and standard operating procedures for flight nurses.
Expertise in advanced airway management, intravenous access, and medication administration.
Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to make rapid, evidence-based decisions in high-stress situations.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team, including pilots, paramedics, and other healthcare providers.
Strong awareness of safety protocols and procedures to ensure the well-being of patients, crew, and oneself.
Ability to recognize and mitigate potential hazards in the flight environment.
Embrace OptimuMedicine values.
Embody the OptimuMedicine culture.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The flight environment can be challenging both physically and mentally.
As such, the Flight Nurse must meet the following requirements:
Must be able to withstand stress/demands of an active position.
Must be able to withstand many hours of standing, sitting, walking, bending, and lifting.
Must be able to lift and move patients and equipment used.
Must be able to read, write, and speak English fluently.
Must have manual dexterity, good eye-hand coordination, and adequate vision.
Must have no medical conditions that would be exacerbated by altitude changes.
Must be able to function effectively while exposed to the elements of the environment.
Must not have any problem with motion sickness caused by flying in a fixed-wing aircraft.
Conditions which differ from the normal office environment include:
Exposure to blood, bodily fluids and tissues.
Exposure to operating aircraft, ground transport vehicles, loud noises, vibrations, and hot exhaust gases.
A small cabin area to deliver patient care in ambulances and aircraft with limited ability to maneuver.
Carrying transport equipment, lifting patients and stretchers and performing patient care for extended periods in possibly adverse situations.
Space constraints in a constantly moving environment.
Emergency exits are specific dimensions.
Exposure to hot/cold environments.