What Do Flight Nurses Do?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Flight nurses are

responsible for checking vitals, keeping records, administering medication, performing medical procedures, and more

. Often aircrafts will have flight physicians that nurses assist in caring for patients, but in the event that there is no flight physician on board, a flight nurse takes charge.

How much does a life flight nurse make?

Salary Ranges for Life Flight Nurses

The salaries of Life Flight Nurses in the US range from

$28,246 to $746,993

, with a median salary of $135,479 . The middle 57% of Life Flight Nurses makes between $135,493 and $339,116, with the top 86% making $746,993.

How many years does it take to become a flight nurse?

It can take anywhere from

5-12 years

to become a flight nurse. Some can become a flight nurse in five years with an ADN and three years of experience. However, because of the intense nature of the job, it usually takes more preparation to enter this career.

What is required to be a flight nurse?

Flight nurses can earn their

nursing degree via a 2-year ADN or 4-year BSN program

. Upon graduating, they must pass the NCLEX-RN in order to become licensed. Some flight nurses find it valuable to continue their education by earning an MSN degree.

What kind of shifts do flight nurses work?

These RNs work on-call shifts from

12-24 hours in length

, and if they are not standing by at their takeoff location, they must be able to get there within an hour of receiving a call. Flight nurses usually work a minimum of seven on-call shifts per month, averaging two per week.

Do flight nurses make more money?

Flight nurses are

typically paid higher salaries than other nurses

due to their specialized trauma training and unpredictable hours. Flight nurses typically work full time, but due to the inconsistent nature of emergencies, their hours will vary.

How much do you have to weigh to be a flight nurse?

Is there a weight limit for flight nurses? Yes, most programs require that flight nurses weigh

250 pounds or less

.

What is the highest paying nurse?


The certified registered nurse anesthetist

consistently ranks as the highest paid nursing career. That is because Nurse Anesthetists are advanced and highly skilled registered nurses who work closely with medical staff during medical procedures that require anesthesia.

Can flight nurses intubate?

In flight nursing, you have the same capabilities as you would in an ICU.

Flight nurses can intubate

, do rapid sequence intubation and put in chest tubes. When we aren't on a call, we are usually studying or working on continuing education.

How much does a flight nurse make per hour?

Job Title Salary Air Methods Flight Nurse salaries – 22 salaries reported

$32/hr
Air Evac Lifeteam Flight Nurse salaries – 20 salaries reported $30/hr PHI Air Medical Flight Nurse salaries – 10 salaries reported $35/hr REACH Air Medical Flight Nurse salaries – 10 salaries reported $39/hr

Who do flight nurses work with?

Civilian flight nurses might be employed by

medical facilities

like hospitals and trauma centers. However, many flight nurses can also find employment in fire departments, search and rescue organizations and independent medical evacuation firms.

Do airlines employ nurses?

Flight nurses are

trained to handle medical emergencies

while traveling. … As in the case with Flying Angels, the best NEMT companies employ flight nurses who are registered nurses who have graduated from accredited nursing programs and obtained their RN license.

Can a nurse be a paramedic?

Becoming a paramedic nurse, or flight nurse, requires an

associate or bachelor's degree

, work experience, EMT certification, the completion of an RN-to-Paramedic bridge program, earning a paramedic license, and maintaining certification every two years.

What procedures can an RN perform?

  • Venipuncture. …
  • Intubation. …
  • Blood Transfusion. …
  • Tracheostomy Care. …
  • Lifting Patients. …
  • Wound Care. …
  • Splints and Casts. …
  • Catheterization.

Where do trauma nurses work?

In hospitals, Trauma Nurses typically function

within the Emergency Room or a dedicated trauma department

. Here, Trauma Nurses receive those being brought in by emergency transport, and maintain and improve the vital stabilization provided by their patient's first responders.

Where do flight nurses make the most money?

City Annual Salary Hourly Wage
Norwalk, CT

$94,864 $45.61
Seattle, WA $94,560 $45.46 Vallejo, CA $94,536 $45.45 Concord, CA $94,337 $45.35
David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.