How to become a flight nurse

The RCN Critical Care and In-flight Nursing forum gets numerous queries about how to become an in-flight nurse. This section will help interested nurses working in the UK understand the steps required to be prepared for in-flight work.

Professional Registration & Competency

Following qualification, nurses wishing to become an in-flight nurse need to satisfy a period of consolidation in a branch of nursing. This is usually in general nursing in acute/critical care, but also can cover acute Mental Health, Acute Paediatrics/neonates or midwifery. The period of consolidation is around 3 years following initial registration and will be set by the training institution.

The NMC in its consultation on post registration education consultation has defined competency as:

"the skills and abilities to practice safely and effectively without the need for direct supervision" (NMC 2004)

The same consultation goes on to say about proficiency as:

"Programmes that develop nurses working at a level beyond initial registration must be professionally led and practice-focused. The role of theory is to provide the supporting expert knowledge relevant to the nurse's field of practice" NMC 2004

The RCN Critical Care and In-flight Nursing forum are working on amending the current In-flight competencies. Please continue to monitor this site for further updates.

There are two avenues of work in the United Kingdom to work as an in-flight nurse:

Commercial In-flight Nursing

The majority of nurses wanting to work in-flight use this option. This is where nurses work for commercial companies (commonly referred to ‘assistance companies’ or ‘air ambulance’ companies) to provide repatriation and aeromedical logistics for insurance, overseas companies and embassies as well as some private individuals.

Each company currently sets its own requirements some of which may be different to what is listed here. However, we are advising practitioners of what is expected of a registered nurse in the UK under current professional regulatory requirements as set by the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC).

Following a period of consolidation of registration onto the NMC register, nurses need to be able to demonstrate they have had appropriate training to develop their competencies and proficiency for in-flight nursing work. Such programmes should be specific to their needs and will prepare them to practice in the environment in which they will work.
Commercial assistance companies usually are linked to insurance companies as this is where the bulk of commercial repatriation is generated from. Work can be freelance (as and when) or working for them full time, usually a balance with office and flying duties.

Military (Armed Services) In-flight Nursing

In the UK, the Princess Mary's Royal Air Force Nursing Services (PMRAFNS) provides training for nurses working in the Royal Air Force engaged in aeromedical services. Their website is www.pmrafns.org

FAQ (frequent Asked Questions) on in-flight nursing

Q: Do I need to do a course to become an in-flight nurse?

A: It is advisable to ensure you have the appropriate training in the area of work. You should be able to demonstrate basic competency for the role of flight nurse. Without this, there is a risk you may be covered by liability insurance. There are various ways to obtain competency, either through external courses or via joining a company and being trained in-house.

Q: Where can I get a list of assistance companies in the UK?

A: There are a number of sources within the industry. Journals such as the ITIJ (International Travel Insurance Journal) have information on companies. You may also wish to contact the RCN committee if you have a particular interest but are unable to find local companies.

Q: I have trained overseas and am interested in becoming an in-flight nurse. Is this possible?

A: You should ensure you have adapted as required by the NMC to gain registration. Following any adaptation requirements, unless you have been trained in in-flight nursing you would be expected to train as above.

Q: I am a registered nurse - in general, can I repatriate patients with mental health needs?

A: In-flight courses prepare you to work in the aeromedical environment and provide you with the skills to transfer your current knowledge and competencies in that environment. It does not give you the knowledge, skills and competencies to nurse patients in another branch of nursing, i.e. mental health. Therefore such patients would need a registered nurse already trained with these competencies