RN, Flight Nurse - LifeForce 4 - Blue Ridge, GA - Full-time

About the Role

As a member of a highly trained and proficient team, the Flight Nurse is responsible for direct and indirect care of patients during pre-hospital and inter-facility transports on board the aircraft or as deemed necessary within the hospital. This includes assessment of trauma or medical patients and initiation of indicated treatment modalities in accordance with written guidelines and verbal medical control direction.

You will demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to patients of all ages, from neonate to geriatric populations, and assess data reflective of the patient's status to identify age-specific requirements. You must also work in and around helicopters in all phases of flight and assist with maintaining the cleanliness and efficiency of the air medical department.

Refer to LIFEFORCE guideline Standards of Professional Performance of LIFEFORCE Air Medical Crew '7136.2001 for detailed job responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct and indirect patient care during pre-hospital and inter-facility transports.
• Assess trauma or medical patients and initiate treatment modalities per written guidelines and medical control direction.
• Demonstrate knowledge of growth and development principles across the lifespan to provide age-appropriate care.
• Assess and prioritize patient care based on LIFEFORCE guidelines and procedures.
• Work in and around helicopters during all phases of flight.
• Maintain cleanliness and efficiency of the air medical department.
• Perform both Basic and Advanced Life Support practices in patient care execution.
• Maintain proficiency as an FAA-designated crewmember.
• Tolerate the stresses of flight, including unpressurized helicopter flight in VFR and IFR weather conditions, motion sickness, and temperature extremes.
• Perform physical tasks such as lifting, twisting, bending, and working in small or hazardous environments.
• Comply with FAA requirements, including initial and random drug screening.
• Wear installed safety belts, helmets, Nomex flight suit, and boots.

Requirements

• Graduate of a School of Nursing accredited by a State Licensing Agency (BSN or MSN preferred).
• Minimum of 3 years of continuous experience in an ICU or Emergency Department.
• Flight Paramedics with 3 years of full-time flight experience transitioning to a Flight Nurse position must have 1 year of RN experience prior to transition.
• Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in state of residence; must obtain Alabama, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia RN licensure prior to starting clinical orientation or hold a compact license covering these states.
• Certifications: BLS, ACLS, and one of the following: PALS, PEPP, PBTLS, or ENPC.
• Certification in one of the following: ITLS, PHTLS, TNCC, or TNATC.
• AL, GA, NC, and TN EMS license or certification (EMT/EMT-Intermediate/Paramedic) must be obtained within 12 months of hire.
• CFRN certification required within one year of employment (current flight nurses with CEN or CCRN must obtain CFRN by November 1, 2012).
• Due to weight limitations onboard the aircraft, maximum body weight of 250 lbs including gear for EC145, EC-135, or Bell 407 aircraft bases.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of rotor wing air medical flight experience.
• One year of experience as a Paramedic on an Advanced Life Support Unit.
• Nationally Registered Paramedic (NRP) or Intermediate (NREMT-I).
• Instructor certifications in BLS, ACLS, ITLS, PHTLS, PEPP, PALS, TNCC, or TNATC.

Skills

• Sound judgment and organizational ability.
• Above-average written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to maintain provider certifications (ACLS, BLS, and others as listed).
• Physical fitness to lift, twist, bend, and work in confined or hazardous environments.