Flight Nurse Job Description

Position: Flight Nurse

Responsible To: Chief Flight Nurse

Description: The Flight Nurse is accountable for the completion of all Airlift Northwest work assignments. They are 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 measures required to stabilize the critically ill or injured patient. The position requires proficiency in critical care nursing and knowledge of the adaptations necessary for patient management in the aircraft and during flight. 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.

Requirements:

• B.S.N. preferred.
• Five years experience in critical care, emergency department, and/or special care areas.
• Patient transport experience preferred.
• Current license in Washington State. (Washington nursing license takes approximately 6 weeks to obtain).
• Excellent physical health with full use of all extremities and no back limitations. No visual limitations or hearing deficit. The Flight Nurse must also be in excellent mental health with the ability to cope with extreme emotional and physical stress.
• Appropriate weight for height.
• Adherence to physical standards and dress code.
• Adherence to all Airlift Northwest policies and procedures.
• Must be available on-call and as scheduled for both rotary and fixed wing aircraft, fulfilling all flight nurse duties. Airlift Northwest is a dynamic flight program who may in the future choose to position/move aircraft to distant locations.
• Must be able to respond to Boeing airfield within 20 minutes from time of page at all times when on fixed-wing call.
• Required to work at several distant satellite locations.
• No drug/alcohol use 24 hours prior to and during all on-call assignments.
• Pre-employment physical required.
• Special Skills: proficient clinical assessment, prioritizing and stabilization skills. Ability to communicate well and promote positive interpersonal relationships with patients, families and other health care professionals. Desire to promote and maintain favorable public opinion of the flight program and consortium hospitals.
• Two year commitment to Airlift Northwest.
• Must become proficient with setting up and utilizing all ALNW transport equipment.

Additional Requirements:

• ACLS, PALS, TNCC, NRP preferred. All must be obtained within six months of employment.
• Professional certification (CCRN/CEN/CFRN) preferred. Must be obtained within one year of employment.
• ATLS audit. May be obtained within six months of employment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Acquires extensive working knowledge of policies, procedures and protocols related to the Airlift Northwest program.
• Acquire and maintain strong knowledge base in critical care practice. The Flight Nurse must be able to stabilize and manage patients involved in air transport. This includes field emergency stabilization, ICU interhospital intervention, as well as management of specific aeromedical problems in flight
• The Flight Nurse is expected to have knowledge of applicable sections of the Federal Aviation Administration regulations.
• Reviews available information on patient status and consults with a physician on every transport.
• Selects and prepares special equipment for transport according to patient needs and aircraft used. Is responsible for checking bags, equipment and aircraft prior to departure.
• Prepares aircraft environment for anticipated patient needs on the outbound trip: 1)oxygen therapy, 2) equipment for airway management, 3) IV fluids, 4) specific medications, etc.
• On arrival at referring site, introduces transport personnel, assists with stabilization procedures and preparation of the patient for flight. Compiles necessary documents/data to be transported with patient.
• In-flight, is responsible for delivery of total patient care. The Flight Nurse continually monitors patient status in coordination with another Flight Nurse, and intervenes as necessary. The Flight Nurse maintains written records of patient condition and care provided according to established standards and guidelines.
• The Flight Nurse is accountable to the Chief Flight Nurse for adherence to written standards of care.
• The Flight Nurse assists in additional patient care as required on arrival to the receiving hospital. All records and reports are transferred to receiving personnel.
• After transfer of the patient is complete, the Flight Nurse is responsible for restocking flight bags and aircraft. Equipment must be cleaned and maintained so that it is ready for further flights. Any problems with equipment and/or patient management will be immediately reported to the Airlift Administrator on Call.
• Completes flight records, charge documents and trauma registry if appropriate.
• Participates in debriefing meeting with Medical Director, Chief Flight Nurse and other staff as appropriate when requested.
• Attends all scheduled flight team meetings and classes as requested by the Chief Flight Nurse.
• Participates in teaching and training of orientees.
• Participates in public education programs and public relations functions.
• Becomes proficient in the use of radios and giving short reports.

Comment: Extensive training of required skills, altitude and flight physiology, and stabilization standards will be provided.

Environmental Conditions

• Seasonal exposure to extreme cold and heat. Frequent temperature changes from outside to inside. Exposure to noise and vibrations during flight. Exposure to hypoxia during flight.
• Exposure to high ionized radiation during flight.
• Possible exposure to toxic/caustic chemicals during transport of patients who have been exposed.
• Possible exposure to dehydration, motion sickness, gas expansion, sudden decompression during flight.
• Possible exposure to undiagnosed communicable disease.