How We Became Flight Nurses: Flight Nursing 101

>>Listen to “Flight Nurse 101: How to Get Started and What to Expect (With Stephanie Suzadail and Everett Moss II)”

Flight nursing is a unique and dynamic field that combines critical care and emergency medicine with the excitement of aviation. In a recent episode of Nurse Converse, Stephanie Suzadail and Everett Moss II dive into their own journeys, offering insight into what it takes to become a flight nurse.

Both Stephanie and Everett started their careers in Emergency Medical Services (EMS), where their unique experiences ultimately guided them toward flight nursing. 

Stephanie’s Journey: Her path began in high school with a challenging EMT course, which she nearly didn’t complete. But she persisted, gaining experience in EMS and discovering her calling after a life-changing patient transfer incident. Witnessing a flight nurse manage a traumatic situation firsthand, Stephanie knew this was the career she wanted to pursue.

Everett’s Journey: Coming from EMS and fire services, Everett was driven by a desire to deliver the highest quality care. Transitioning from a flight medic to a flight nurse, he embraced the challenge of flight nursing as a way to push his skills and make a meaningful impact.

Flight nurses provide critical care in pre-hospital environments, usually while en route to a medical facility. Often working with limited resources, they stabilize patients, make swift, life-saving decisions, and ensure safe transport. It’s a job that calls for a broad skill set, as flight nurses encounter everything from trauma cases to high-risk obstetrical patients.

Breaking into the world of flight nursing takes time, experience, and the right certifications. Here are some of the essential steps Stephanie and Everett highlighted:

1. Critical Care Experience

• Most flight nursing programs recommend at least three years of critical care experience. This experience is crucial as it prepares nurses to handle the high-stakes environment of flight nursing.
• Preferred Backgrounds:
  • Emergency Departments (ED): Nurses with ED experience are often well-prepared for the fast-paced nature of flight nursing, as they are accustomed to dealing with a variety of acute conditions and emergencies.
  • Intensive Care Units (ICU): ICU nurses bring valuable skills in managing critically ill patients, including the administration of complex medications and the use of advanced medical equipment.

2. Certifications

• Flight nurses are expected to hold several key certifications that validate their skills and knowledge in critical care:
  • ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support): This certification is essential for managing cardiac emergencies and advanced life support techniques.
  • PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support): Given that flight nurses may encounter pediatric patients, PALS certification is crucial for providing appropriate care in emergencies involving children.
  • NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program): This certification is particularly important for those who may work with newborns or in obstetric emergencies.
  • Trauma Courses: Many flight programs also require trauma certifications such as PHTLS (Prehospital Trauma Life Support) or TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course), which equip nurses with the skills to manage trauma patients effectively.

3. Diverse Patient Experience

• Beyond the minimum qualifications, it is beneficial for flight nurses to have a diverse range of patient experiences. This includes exposure to various age groups and medical conditions, as well as familiarity with different types of emergencies. 

4. Continuous Learning and Adaptability

• Flight nursing is an evolving field. Being able to learn quickly and adapt to changing situations is key. Flight nurses must be prepared to handle a wide array of scenarios, from transferring patients with heart conditions to managing trauma cases. 

For anyone interested in flight nursing, networking is a game-changer. Everett stresses the value of connecting with current flight nurses, visiting bases, and learning directly from their experiences. By building a network, aspiring flight nurses can gain valuable insights and better navigate their way into this challenging role.

The journey to becoming a flight nurse is intense but incredibly rewarding. It requires a blend of experience, a passion for learning, and an ability to handle rapid change. Stephanie and Everett’s stories remind us that the path isn’t always straightforward but can lead to a deeply fulfilling career for those who persevere.

Connect with Stephanie & Everett on social media:

Stephanie, Instagram: @pyrovixi

Everett, Instagram: @the_paramurse