Are you interested in the field of flight nursing? You’re not alone; this is an increasingly-popular branch of the overall nursing field. People who both aspire to work in the medical field and who also enjoy travel are great fits for this kind of position – and they’re finding more and more available positions to fill.
Here’s what you need to know about becoming a certified flight nurse and how to get started yourself:
Education
All nursing positions require medical training through a university or school of medicine and nursing. Talking to your local advisor about setting up nursing classes if you haven’t already. These programs are typically very flexible, so don’t be afraid to ask for courses to be tailored to your own schedule or needs.
Training
In addition to the traditional education you need to become a nurse, there are typically several other qualifications you’ll have to have to land the job. Flight nurses will need to undergo some degree of flight experience or training; talk to your local hospital about opportunities to come along on routine medical flights to gain experience as you train.
Likewise, most flight nurses will need several years of nursing experience under their belt to begin working on flights. The best area to gain this experience is in the emergency department, though almost any area will usually qualify.
Job Opportunities
There are many positions available to those in the field of flight nursing. Whether you’re interested in working with a flight nursing company that partners with both hospitals and commercial airlines or would rather take your skills to areas that have been devastated by war, famine, or poverty, there are millions of lives waiting for you to do your part to change and improve them through nursing.
For more information about available certified flight nurse positions in your area, contact your local school of nursing. You might be surprised at just how many jobs are waiting – you’ve just got to be willing to take to the skies to find them!