BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY

To provide care and treatment for life support and/or stabilization of chronically or acutely ill and/or injured patients transported by Survival Flight.  The nurse collaborates with other health team members and associated resource persons to provide continuity in patient care.  The nurse participates with health team members for problem solving in area management.

To provide care and treatment for life support and/or stabilization of acutely ill and/or injured patients requiring care at a regional referral center or higher level trauma center.

The nurse collaborates with other health team members and associated resource persons to problem solve, implement treatment modalities and interventions in an effort to maximize patient outcomes.  For these reasons it is vital that Survival Flight nurses are committed to safe operations, premier customer service and clinical practice, and leadership in education.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Autonomously evaluate critically ill or injured patients of all age groups (neonatal through adult), provide therapeutic intervention, emergency interventions, and preparation for transport (via ground, helicopter, or airplane) from hospitals or accident scenes.

Provide patient care within the policies, protocols and guidelines developed by Survival Flight.

Assess for and detect changes in the status of patients and demonstrate a proactive approach to solving patient and family problems.

Maintain complete and accurate records, participate in unit quality assurance programs, perform data collection and participate in research activities.

Communicate effectively in working with outside institutions/agencies, including hospitals, EMS, police and fire departments.

Plan, organize and position equipment and supplies for use in emergency conditions before, during and after transport.

Maintain contact with patients, families and referring facility physicians, nurses and pre-hospital personnel.

Participate in clinical instruction for internal and external groups.

Collect, compile and assess clinical and demographic data on the Survival Flight program.

Maintain clinical competence across all aspects of the Survival Flight scope of practice including but not limited to cardiac assist devices (IABP, Abio-med, Tandem Heart, Heartmate, etc..), ARDS treatment including advanced ventilator management and nitric oxide implementation, ECMO support, obstetric emergencies, trauma patient care across the lifespan, critical care across the lifespan, and any other patient populations Survival Flight transports.

Perform all physical requirements of job in confined spaces and under adverse environmental conditions.

Participate in monthly education sessions, Grand Rounds, surgical skills labs, unit competencies, and maintenance of educational requirements for nursing and paramedic certifications.

Flight nurses expected to complete transport missions initiated with in the timeframe of your shift, understanding that completion of these missions might require you to work beyond normal work hours.

Obtain and maintain passport for International transports.

Demonstrated knowledge of and adherence to safety procedures set forth by Survival Flight and the FAA including annual AMRM attendance.

Active involvement in one or more departmental committees.

Represent Survival Flight as a customer service ambassador for UMHS.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Supervision is received from Nurse Manager or designated official.  Clinical supervision off-site is provided by an Attending physician of the Emergency Department or designee in conjunction with the referring physician.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Functional supervision is exercised over Clinical Nurse I's and II's, LPN's, Nurse Aides, students, Emergency Medical Technicians and other support staff.

QUALIFICATIONS

Current licensure to practice in the State of Michigan.

Minimum of 5 years nursing experience.

Minimum five years critical care/emergency department experience in a tertiary setting or Level I or II trauma center. Minimum two years experience in a pediatric intensive care or emergency department setting at a Level I or II trauma center or regional referral/tertiary care center.

Ability to demonstrate critical thinking skills and autonomous practice as evidenced by successful completion of selective testing tools in areas of advanced practice nursing including hemodynamically unstable patients, critically ill pediatric patients, patients with airway or respiratory compromise, acute trauma, multi organ system failure patients, etc…

Demonstrated leadership abilities as evidenced by peer review and annual evaluation (including charge nurse role and/or preceptor experience).

Demonstrated problem solving skills and independent decision making in working with peers, residents and/or attending physicians within and outside institutional boundaries(specific examples with references required).

Demonstrated outstanding interpersonal skills as evidenced by feedback from others/evaluation and interview process.

Paramedic licensure (education process should be in place) with state licensure achieved in 6 mos. (external candidate) or 1 yr. (internal candidate).

Current ACLS/PALS/NRP certification.

This classification requires Primary Source Verification.