Flight nurses help keep patients stable during transit and search and rescue efforts in a high-pressure environment. If you’re wondering how to become a flight nurse, University of the Incarnate Word ABSN can help you earn a degree and attain licensure.
When emergencies occur and medical facilities are out of reach, someone must step in to provide lifesaving care. That’s where flight nurses come in. These highly trained nurse professionals deliver critical care during air transport, stabilizing patients and supporting them every step of the way until they arrive at the appropriate medical facility. Their work bridges the gap between the scene of an emergency and hospital care.
If you’re wondering how to become a flight nurse, your first step could be as simple as enrolling in a program that prepares you for this high-stakes career, like the University of the Incarnate Word’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing track.
What Is a Flight Nurse
What exactly does a flight nurse do? In short, a flight nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who provides medical care to patients during transport by air. They are often the only nurse on a given flight since crew sizes are small, and they are trained to stabilize and treat patients with serious injuries or illnesses while being flown to a medical facility.
Sometimes, the treatments they administer involve critical procedures, like intubation, where a tube is inserted into the patient’s airway to help them breathe. The role is dynamic, and flight nurses must be ready to respond to a wide range of medical situations in the air, keeping patients safe and stable until they reach care on the ground.
How to Become a Flight Nurse
Becoming a flight nurse requires the same foundation as any other nursing career: RN licensure. To earn your license, you must earn a nursing degree, pass the NCLEX and become a registered nurse. Most nurses receive a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing, though there are ways to speed up the process.
For example, the Accelerated BSN track at UIW allows you to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in as few as 16 months, making it a great option for those who want to become a registered nurse as soon as possible.
Beyond the basic RN licensure, aspiring flight nurses often need three to five years of experience working in high-intensity environments like the ICU, emergency room or a trauma center. Experience in critical care or emergency nursing is vital for flight nurses, as they will encounter serious medical situations where every second counts.
While certifications are not required to work as a flight nurse, having additional credentials can help you stand out. Useful certifications for flight nurses include:
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support
- Basic Life Support
- Certified Emergency Nurse
- Certified Flight Registered Nurse
- Critical Care Nurse
Find ways to prepare for nursing school.
Flight Nurse Requirements and Skills
Flight nurses must have a blend of technical and soft skills to excel in their role. Hard skills include advanced training in neonatal resuscitation, pediatric advanced life support and advanced cardiac life support.
Soft skills are just as critical, especially in high-pressure environments like an emergency medical flight. Communication skills, the ability to think quickly, and strong decision-making skills are essential for flight nurses to perform effectively with limited resources. Top-performing flight nurses can quickly assess patients, recognize critical symptoms, and deliver appropriate care, even in high-stress situations and under tight time constraints.
See the curriculum that will give you the proper skills to become a flight nurse.
Is Flight Nursing the Right Career for You?
Flight nursing requires a person who craves responsibility, can think on their feet and remain calm under pressure. Flight nurses can be the difference between life and death for patients in critical condition. If you’re someone who is passionate about nursing and ready for an adrenaline-pumping career, flight nursing could be the perfect fit.
Lay the Foundation for Flight Nursing with UIW
Flight nurses play a vital role in healthcare, serving as a critical link for patients who need urgent care during air transport.
If you're inspired by this fast-paced, high-stakes field, the first step is earning your BSN. Admissions representatives are available to help you get started with the BSN application process—not to become a flight nurse immediately, but to begin the journey toward this specialized career.
With dedication and experience, you could one day be saving lives in the sky, because when every second counts, the sky truly is the limit.
Contact an admissions representative to take the next step toward this career path.