Becoming a flight nurse is a challenging and rewarding career path. Flight nurses provide critical medical care at the scene of an emergency or during long-distance transport of patients. Flight nurses must have the skill and dedication to handle various medical and logistical tasks while in the air, making it an ideal career choice for experienced nurses looking to take on a new challenge.
So, how long does it take to become a flight nurse? The process is complex and can take a few years, depending on the nurse’s experience and qualifications. Before a nurse can become a flight nurse, they must first become a Registered Nurse (RN). This involves completing a nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Those with an RN license can begin the journey toward becoming a flight nurse.
The next step is to become certified as a critical care registered nurse (CCRN). This requires at least 1,750 hours of direct patient care in a critical care setting and the successful completion of the CCRN exam. After becoming CCRN-certified, nurses must complete a specialized training program for flight nurses. Depending on the program, this can take from one to two years.
Flight nurses must also complete recurrent training every year to keep their skills and knowledge updated. This includes refresher courses on emergency medical care, aviation physiology and safety, and radio communication. Flight nurses must also be certified in basic life support (BLS), advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), and pediatric advanced life support (PALS).
Becoming a flight nurse is an exciting and rewarding career choice. With the right qualifications and training, you can become a flight nurse in a few years. Flight nurses are highly skilled professionals who provide critical medical care while in the air, making it a great career choice for those looking to take their nursing career to the next level.
