In-flight Nursing Requirements

The minimal requirements stated are those which the RCN Course Team at London Southbank University requires to be considered for the IFNA course.

The additional requirements, are those which are known requirements to comply with health and safety that most assistance companies prefer. However, this list is not exhaustive, and suggestive. The key issue is that you are and can prove competence as a registered nurse working in the in-flight environment.
With the development of the in-flight competences nurses should be able to demonstrate the competences to practice.

What are the minimum requirements

  • full NMC Registration - RGN/RMN/RSCN/RM.(Parts 1 and 2 of the revised register August 2004)
  • full RCN membership or equivalent professional indemnity.
  • minimum of three years
  • post Basic Course (acute area) i.e. Care of the Adult in A&E, ITU, etc., formerly ENB 199/100/124 courses
  • experience in one of the critical care areas such as ITU, A&E or Mental Health preferred.
  • evidence of mandatory updates if a Registered Midwife as per Midwifery Rules.

In addition most assistance companies require

  • RCN In Flight Nursing Award
  • and/or previous in flight experience with the intention of undertaking the RCN In Flight Nursing Award Course.

A few companies prefer (in addition to the above)

  • BLS (essential)
  • ILS
  • ALS/ATLS/PALS/ATNC/TNCC only required for ITU type transfers.

Other useful qualifications

  • diploma/certificate in travel health

Other key documents

  • NMC Statement of Entry (card not evidence of entry)
  • Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Enhanced disclosure
  • Vaccination records (plus evidence of Hep B immunity)
  • BLS or ALS (if ITU type transfers) certificates
  • Manual Handling Update
  • curriculum vitae
  • evidence of professional development.

Personal abilities/attributes.

  • availability at short notice
  • cool headed under unexpected stressful circumstances
  • working knowledge of a couple of languages (especially useful are Spanish and or French).
  • personal fitness with weight in proportion to height.
  • possession of a full passport.
  • full clean UK/EU driving licence
  • ability to improvise
  • ability to recognise your limitations
  • sense of humour
  • last probably most important is a love of flying