Flight Nurse (Registered Nurse)

Job Summary

The Flight Nurse provides direct nursing care during the transport of patients by fixed-wing airplane and ground ambulance in accordance with established policies, procedures, and patient care guidelines of the organization and works within the established scope of practice of the designated governing nursing body. The Flight Nurse maintains the knowledge and skills necessary to provide critical care appropriate for the patients served and facilitates the coordination of patient care with our partners in the region.

Essential Job Functions

Responds to requests for and conducts patient transports in fixed-wing aircraft and ground ambulances. Provides high quality critical care in accordance with the patient care guidelines established by the organization. Demonstrates ability to function as a member of the flight crew and ensure the safety of the crew, patients, and other passengers during transport. Serves as a resource and safety officer for specialty teams conducting transport of neonatal patients by fixed-wing aircraft and ground ambulance.

Identifies the early warning signs of a change in a patient's condition and responds appropriately to a deteriorating patient, including contacting responsible clinicians as indicated by standard operating procedure. Assists with or institutes emergency measures for sudden adverse developments in patient conditions.

Assesses, intervenes, and reassesses the patient's condition promptly and takes appropriate action in accordance with patient care guidelines.

Assists Pilot in Command (PIC) with any emergency measures/procedures for sudden adverse developments in aircraft operational conditions as directed by the PIC. Participates in PIC shift change safety and operational briefings while on duty. Completes all required documentation prior to the end of duty period.

Reports pertinent observations and reactions regarding patients to the appropriate multidisciplinary team member and records those observations accurately and concisely. Ensures that intervention or referrals are made promptly. Completes and submits all incident reports (patient, visitor, staff) prior to the completion of each shift.

Establishes and maintains communication and utilizes educational opportunities with patients and other significant individuals.

Assigns or delegates, within the scope of practice, education and experience, the responsibility for performance of nursing interventions to other persons for which that person has the necessary skills and competence to accomplish safely.

Demonstrates ongoing competency in the use and routine maintenance of all medical equipment, procedures, and supplies utilized. Works within established scope of practice applicable to the governing body of the state of transport.

Performs other duties as assigned or needed to meet the needs of the department/organization.

• Demonstrates understanding and follows infection control policies and procedures according to standard operating procedure.
• Maintains requirements for age specific competencies for the position and demonstrates the knowledge or principles of growth and developments and the skills necessary to provide patient/customer care/services.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of and compliance with:
  • All pertinent safety, health and environmental policies, procedures and guidelines.
  • Working safely, without causing harm or risk to self, others or property.
  • The work environment safety procedures and prompt reporting of unsafe practices, procedures, accidents, injuries or other safety violations to the Leader.
  • The use of all safety equipment and personal protective equipment.

License, Certification & Registration

Registered Nurse - North Dakota Board of Nursing (NDBON) or Compact State Agreement; Prior to Start Date

Registered Nurse - Minnesota Board of Nursing; Prior to Start Date

Registered Nurse - Montana Board of Nursing; Within 6 Months of Start Date

Registered Nurse - South Dakota Board of Nursing; Within 6 Months of Start Date

Basic Life Support (BLS) - American Heart Assoc. or American Red Cross CPR for Prof. Rescue; Within 2 Months of Start Date

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) - American Heart Assoc. or American Red Cross CPR for Prof. Rescue; Within 2 Months of Start Date

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - American Heart Assoc. or American Red Cross CPR for Prof. Rescue; Within 2 Months of Start Date

Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) - Altru Health System; Within 6 months of Start Date

Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC), Transport Professional Advanced Trauma Course (TPATC), Transport Nurse Advanced Trauma Course (TNATC) or other Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS) approved advanced trauma course required prior to start.

Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN), Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN), or Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) within 24 months of hire.

Knowledge & Skills

A minimum of 3 year of related experience preferred.

Demonstrates the ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in written format.

Able to manage noninvasive positive pressure ventilation and positive pressure ventilation.

Experience with maintenance and titration of vasoactive medications and sedation/pain management.