Flight nurses have numerous names in the air force. The air force flight medics are called the aeromedical evacuation team occasionally. But irrespective of their names, their job remains the same. Their job is to come in aid of their injured or fallen airmen brothers and sisters and transport them in a secured place while treating them mid-flight in the cabin or cargo bay of any military aircraft.
The role of an air force nurse is very crucial in any military mission and in their daily activities. Just like the civil nurses, the air force nurses provide care to ill or injured patients as well. The difference is that air force nurses care specifically to military service members and their families.
The nurses are able to serve both domestically and internationally. These nurses also have the option to participate in humanitarian missions such as responding to natural disasters or traveling to serve in underprivileged nations.
Nursing Responsibility of the Nurses
Even within the air force, the core duties and responsibilities of a nurse don’t change a bit. They are held responsible and accounted for a patient’s health and treatment procedures. Their treatment might be very fast-paced due to the emergency situation but the care plan remains the same.
- Diagnosing and carefully following a proper nursing care plan.
- Providing treatment in collaboration with other health service personnel, such as physicians, trauma nurses, emergency nurses etc. As well as carrying out diagnostic and therapeutic procedures prescribed by licensed practitioners authorized to order such procedures.
- Teaching aspiring nurses and other healthcare professionals.
- Making a nursing care plan that identifies the needs of an individual, family, or group.
- Administering a nursing care plan through selection.
- Performance and management of proper nursing practices.
- Administering, supervising, delegating, and evaluating nursing and medical technician actions.
Additional Certification for Flight Nurses
It is not mandatory to complete all of them. However, doing some of them will definitely put you in the front row.
- Certification in CFRN (Certified Flight Registered Nurse) from the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN).
- Completing Nationally recognized trauma program such as Pre Hospital Trauma Life (PHTLS).
- Critical Care certification (CCRN).
- Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN).
- Basic Trauma Life Support (BTLS) or Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC).
- Transport Nurse Advanced Trauma Course (TNATC).
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
- Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS).
While there is no end to learning, some of these certificates/courses will give you the edge over other employees. You’ll be able to demonstrate your competence in flight nursing to your respective employers.
Salaries and Benefits of Flight Nurses
The flight nursing job provides amazing facilities, training, limited military access. Moreover, there are many other great benefits provided by the air force for the flight nurses.
Compensation and pays: The air force tends to pay competitive salaries comparatively with the civilian sector. As you progress in your career, getting promoted and adding years to your military service time, your pay will increase. Your experience and education determine what rank you’ll enter the Air Force. If you have previous experience of being a civil nurse, then you’ll be more likely to move up in the rank. They also provide monthly food and housing allowances as well as free medical benefits for you and your family. They get earn annual pay raises approved by Congress and the President just like the military service members.
Earn 30 days of vacation with pay each year: The air force provides 30 days of vacation every year to enjoy your off-duty times.
Salary: According to the bureau of labor statistics, an Air Force nurse can expect to make a yearly income of $86,644. The salary range of an air force nurse can range from $50,000 – $120,000. However that depends on their expertise and past experience and potential. Even apart from the salary, an air force nurse receives countless benefits that cannot be accounted in monetary terms!
Other Benefits
Tax-free housing and food allowances: After joining the air force, you’ll be provided a military quarter which is actually the local air force community. You’ll be given the option to live on base or in any local community. The rent is absolutely free of cost inside the quarter. If you live off-base, the Air Force provides you with a monthly housing allowance. Even apart from the rent, there are on-base facilities such as grocery store which is available off-base as well!
Insurance: The flight nurses can purchase life insurance policies up to $400,000 for up to about $30 per month. Temporarily disabled or injured nurses will receive salaries despite off-duty.
Daycare while you’re at work: Flight nurses are extremely busy individuals. That’s why the administration has established various day-care centers and youth centers for their children at almost every on-base facility.
Conclusion
Air force flight nurses are one of the core members of a full-fledged military team. Their contribution towards military service and humanitarian works cannot be measured in numbers.
A career in an air force is not only about giving. The lifestyle of an air force flight nurse is very rewarding. They hold a prestigious and vital position in the military. They are provided with attractive facilities and a pay scale that keeps them going. As an Air Force Nurse, you’ll gain the respect of your civilian colleagues and your military co-workers. You might be a nursing student pursuing your goals or a functional nurse working in the field.
You might have decided to enter this field because you care about people and want to make a difference in the world. The air force provides full support towards you reaching your goals and exceeds any expectations you may imagine for yourself.
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