A flight nurse sometimes referred to as a transport nurse, is an RN who is specially trained to provide medical care to patients during aircraft transportation. As part of a team that usually includes flight medics, physicians, and other medical providers, flight nurses board helicopters, rescue flights, and more to give medical attention to injured or ill patients in emergency situations. These nurses must keep patients stable until the aircraft arrives at the proper healthcare facility. Flight nurses work in both civilian and military environments.

Becoming a Flight Nurse

Flight nurses must first earn their nursing degree and become licensed as an RN. Beyond that, most employers want at least a few years of hands-on experience as an RN, especially in emergency or trauma settings. In some instances, international travel may be involved, so prior flight experience and a valid passport may be required.

A typical flight or transport nurse job description can include any of the following:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in ICU/ED/Trauma
• Ability to work autonomously in a confined space with other team members
• Advanced critical care knowledge including ventilator experience
• Fitness ability for the physical requirements of the job
• Ability to work varied shifts including overtime and 24/7 on-call rotation
• Strong leadership skills and ability to communicate and work with a variety of people, often in stressful situations
• Flight experience preferred

To search and apply for open flight nurse positions, visit our job boards.

What Are the Education Requirements for Flight Nurses?

Flight nurses can earn their nursing degree via a 2-year ADN or 4-year BSN program. Upon graduating, they must pass the NCLEX-RN in order to become licensed. Some flight nurses find it valuable to continue their education by earning an MSN degree. RNs looking to break into flight nursing are advised to start their careers in emergency or ICU units to gain the critical care experience needed to become transport nurse.

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Where Do Flight Nurses Work?

Flight nurses can work in civilian or military environments. Civilian flight nurses usually work for hospitals or private medical transport companies. They can also be employed by the federal government, fire departments, or organizations focused on search and rescue operations. On the military side, flight nurses may work overseas or in the reserves.

What Does a Flight Nurse Do?

Flight nurses are responsible for providing efficient quality care to patients who need to be transported via aircraft. They may assess illness or injuries and devise a plan to provide the appropriate treatment needed to get the patient to his or her destination safely. In a non-trauma situation, they may collect and keep track of paperwork and physician instructions for the duration of the flight and in some cases may provide assistance to the pilot. Because medical aircraft is often utilized in emergency situations such as accidents, fires, or rescue endeavors, flight nurses must be prepared to administer first aid and ventilation procedures, assist with getting patients into the aircraft, and ensure that the gurney is safely secured once inside. Once onsite at the hospital or destination, transport nurses must carefully unload patients and brief the receiving medical staff on the patient’s condition.

What Are the Roles and Duties of a Flight Nurse?

• Provide immediate medical care to patients needing air transport, including assessment, triage, and treatment
• Organize and maintain patient charts and paperwork
• Provide first aid, insert IVs, perform resuscitation, and more en route to the destination
• Maintain supplies and equipment on aircraft
• May assist the pilot with radio communication or other tasks
• Assist in getting patients into and out of the aircraft safely
• Ensure that the patient is safely secured onboard
• Monitor vital signs
• Communicate effectively with team members and patients

Flight Nurse Salary & Employment

Flight nurses can expect to earn between $50,161 and $95,605 annually. The median annual salary for this type of nurse is $68,050. Exact salary amounts depend on location, experience, and type of employer.

With nursing a growing field in general, flight nurse employment outlook is good. While there isn’t a huge amount of turnover with this type of position, new private companies are emerging and looking to hire nurses into the specialty. Nurses who enjoy providing emergency care and want a more dynamic environment than a hospital or medical office will be successful in transport nursing.

Because flight nurses often respond to trauma/emergencies, one of the first safety precautions they need to be cognizant of is the environment. For example, when responding to a motor vehicle accident, flight nurses must ensure there are no gas or oil leaks or fires. They also need to make sure that when patients are extracted from vehicles, they are safe from metal and glass debris that may injure them. Another example is a rescue in a remote area. Flight nurses need to assess for ice, wetness, and loose gravel. They must also be dressed appropriately based on the weather and situation, and have methods of communication.

The actual flight itself can be risky. Flight nurses are called in at any time – rain or shine, fog or thunderstorms, and night or day. Visibility is a factor for pilots and can present a safety risk. Turbulence can make it challenging to provide care as well, and flight nurses should ensure equipment and patients are secured. Luckily, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has safety training available for pilots and medical responders to enhance safety awareness. Continuous communication, environmental awareness, and preparedness are the cornerstones for flight nurse safety.

Cardiac care nurses treat and care for patients with a variety of heart diseases or conditions. This can include patients suffering from coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure, or those recovering from angioplasty or bypass surgery. Cardiac care nurses monitor the hearts of patients of all ages and may help administer heart medications and perform stress-test evaluations on a regular basis, or take care of more urgent heart issues, such as assisting in defibrillation. This type of nurse works closely with a cardiologist to expedite quality care for heart patients.

Becoming a Cardiac Nurse

RNs who want to go into cardiac care nursing must first gain some hands-on experience. Nurses with a clinical care background are well poised to enter cardiac care, as they typically have experience handling acute injuries and illnesses. A medical-surgical or OR background is also helpful, as many cardiac care nurses look after patients who have just gone through heart surgery. Communication skills are also a big part of the cardiac care nurse’s job, as situations can be urgent and miscommunication between the patient and the care team could cause major problems.

What Are the Education Requirements for Cardiac Care Nurses?

The minimum education requirement to become a cardiac care nurse is an ADN, although many hospitals prefer at least a BSN. Nurses must also take and pass the NCLEX-RN and hold an active license. To advance as a cardiac care nurse, an MSN should be pursued. RNs interested in being long-term cardiac care nurses should also gain experience so that they can become certified.

Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

There are a few certifications that cardiac care nurses can receive. The first is an RN-BC via the Cardiac-Vascular Nursing Certification. To be eligible for this certification, an RN must have practiced nursing full-time for at least 2 years, have a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice in cardiac-vascular nursing within the last 3 years, and have completed 30 hours of continuing education in cardiac-vascular nursing within the last 3 years. Most hospitals also want their hires to be certified in Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support as well.

Where Do Cardiac Care Nurses Work?

Most often, cardiac care nurses work in hospitals taking care of cardiac patients in post-op or ICU environments. They can also work in cardiovascular centers, private clinics, or home health agencies. Nursing homes, correctional facilities, schools, and the military are other places where cardiac care nurses may find employment.

What Does a Cardiac Nurse Do?

Cardiac care nurses provide ongoing care to help patients manage heart conditions, such as administering medication and performing health assessments, as well as providing post-op care to patients who are recovering from heart surgeries. They perform stress-test evaluations, monitor heart activity and electrocardiograms, and insert IV drips. Pain management post-surgery is a big part of their job, as well as helping patients manage discomfort from heart issues.

What Are the Roles and Duties of a Cardiac Care Nurse?

• Perform health assessments on cardiac patients
• Administer medication
• Perform stress test evaluations
• Provide cardiac and vascular monitoring
• Treat chronic health conditions
• Monitor electrocardiogram readings
• Provide post-op care following bypasses, pacemaker implants, and other heart surgeries
• Insert and remove IV drips
• Monitor use of a defibrillator
• Work alongside cardiologists and surgeons to provide cardiac care

What Does a Pediatric Cardiac Care Nurse Do?

Pediatric cardiac care nurses care for infants and children with cardiac and congenital heart disease. Their role involves collaborating with other members of the health care team to provide specialized care, from admission to discharge. This includes supporting the patient and family during all stages of diagnosis and treatment.

Pediatric cardiac care nurses are often employed in specialty pediatric clinics and children’s hospitals. In the hospital setting, they may work on inpatient cardiac units, in the cardiac catheterization lab, operating room, or on the cardiovascular intensive care unit. They receive continued education, training, and support to provide evidence-based care to the pediatric population.

Cardiac Care Nurse Salary & Employment

Cardiac care nurses can earn between $46,404 and $106,393 annually. The median salary for a cardiac care nurse is $66,466 per year. This salary fluctuates based on location, place of employment, and the RN’s experience level. Advanced cardiac care nurses who hold an MSN can expect to earn at the top of the pay range.

With many Americans suffering from heart conditions, and with heart disease being one of the leading causes of death in the country, cardiac care nurses are in demand. Employment in this specialty is projected to grow steadily, making it a stable career path for RNs.

A case management nurse oversees the long-term care plan for his or her patients. Often working with a specific type of patient requiring ongoing medical care (e.g., geriatrics, HIV/AIDS or cancer patients), the case management nurse collaborates with other medical professionals to create and implement a long-term care plan that insures a patient gets comprehensive care they need. Case management nursing is a particularly rewarding field that allows nurses to develop long-term relationships with their patients, often working with them for the entire course of their illness and treatment.

Becoming a Nurse Case Manager

Once a nurse earns a nursing degree and secures an RN license, obtaining hands-on experience is the next step, often through an internship in case management. Many nursing students also have the opportunity to perform clinical rotations that include case management work. Prior to obtaining a full-time case management nursing position, many nurses seek to obtain a professional certification in case management from an accredited organization such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

A typical job posting for a case management nursing position would likely include the following qualifications, among others specific to the type of institution and patient population:

• Active RN license, BSN or MSN preferred
• Minimum 1-2 years professional nursing experience
• Professional experience in case management, utilization reviews or discharge planning experience preferred
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for working with patients, caregivers and medical teams on an ongoing basis
• Strong organizational skills, coupled with solid computer skills needed to coordinate appointments and maintain a patient’s care plan

To search and apply for open case management nursing positions, visit our job boards.

What Are the Education Requirements for Case Management Nurses?

Most case management nurses hold a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree, which is a requirement for many case management nursing certifications. While a few employers may only require an Associate of Science in Nursing degree, applicants with a BSN likely have a competitive advantage. Case management nursing is also an option for advanced-practice nurses who hold a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree. All case management nurses must hold an active RN license, which can be achieved by passing the NCLEX-RN. Most hospitals and healthcare employers prefer case management nurses to have prior professional clinical experience.

Learn more about MSN in Case Management programs.

Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

While not all healthcare employers require case management nurses to be certified, applicants with relevant certifications will certainly have an advantage when competing for case management nursing positions. The American Nurses Credentialing Center offers the Nursing Case Management Certification, the Accredited Case Management Credential is offered by the American Case Management Association and the Commission for Case Manager Certification offers the Certified Case Manager credential.

Eligibility requirements for these certifications vary, and generally include a blend of education, practical training and clinical experience.

Where Do Nurse Case Managers Work?

Case management nurses have the unique opportunity to work in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, clinics and private practices. Case management nurses also work in facilities for patients with long-term medical issues such as nursing homes, hospice care facilities and home healthcare companies. Case management nurses interested in a high level of autonomy may also consider becoming independent case management consultants.

Nurse Case Manager FAQs

An emergency room is a fast-paced environment that includes a variety of staff including doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, registration/front desk, environmental service workers, laboratory staff, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and in some hospitals, even a case manager.

A case manager in the emergency room is most commonly filled by a registered nurse due to their clinical experience. The essential job functions of the nurse case manager are to manage patients to the appropriate level of care (which may or may not include hospitalization), ensure optimum utilization of resources to promote cost-effectiveness, safe discharge planning, and the overall improvement of patient satisfaction in a timely manner. It is important to note that not all ERs require case managers due to their patient population.

Depending on the position, a case manager may be asked to complete a Utilization Review (UR). UR is the process of reviews and audits that ensure patients do not receive any unnecessary care to increase the cost of their healthcare.

Emergency room case managers have a unique role in that not all patients who enter the ER meet inpatient criteria for admission, but may require additional services for a discharge.

What Does a Nurse Case Manager Do?

Case management nurses partner with a patient and their medical team to create and implement a long-term care plan tailored to the patient’s specific illness, medical history and lifestyle. An advocate for the patient and their caretakers throughout the course of their illness, case management nurses coordinate doctors’ visits and surgeries, educate patients on their treatment options and the latest research and often act as emotional support to patients in need of long-term care. Case management nurses often specialize in a specific group or type of patient; for example, working with patients suffering from cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDs, Alzheimer’s disease or physical disabilities. Case management nursing offers a unique opportunity for nurses to develop deep connections with patients, often working with them throughout the full course of their illness.

What Are the Roles and Duties of a Case Management Nurse?

• Work with a team of medical professionals to develop and implement a comprehensive care plan based on patient’s illness and medical history
• Coordinate doctor’s appointments and schedule surgeries
• Monitor medication usage by a patient
• Educate patients and caretakers on different treatment options and resources available to them
• Monitor and update treatment plans to reflect the latest in a patient’s condition or lifestyle
• Research the latest treatments and procedures in their chosen area of specialization
• Work with insurance companies to help patients receive the most cost-effective care available
• Learn more about case management via our NCLEX-RN case management section

Nurse Case Manager Salary & Employment

Case management nurses make a median salary of $69,233 with a range of $54,565 – $86,446. Factors affecting a case management nurse’s salary include geographic location, certification status, and education level as well as the type of employer (e.g., hospital, nursing home, or private practice).

The employment outlook for case management nurses is very positive, due to an increase in the aging population and the rising prevalence of medical conditions that require long-term care, such as diabetes and heart disease. There is also a wide range of employers looking for professional case management nurses, from hospitals and clinics to nursing homes and hospice care facilities.

As the first healthcare provider that a prisoner comes into contact with, the Correctional Nurse is responsible for the initial prisoner assessment and determining whether the offender needs to be transferred to a more intensive level of care, often outside the correctional facility. Traumatic injuries, mental health, and communicable diseases are common in this setting and the nurse is often sought to stabilize the prisoner until they can be transferred. Managing chronic conditions and medication administration is another key aspect of the role.

Becoming a Correctional Nurse

To be considered as a good candidate for a correctional nursing position, it’s important to make sure your credentials and experience are in order. After all, this isn’t the easiest nursing assignment on the roster. Generally, an individual will have to have considerable experience as well as specialized correctional training in order to be deemed competitive.

What Are the Education Requirements for a Correctional Nurse?

With a college or university degree that leads either to an ADN or BSN, nurses become eligible to sit their state’s NCLEX-RN examination which qualifies them to use the title Registered Nurse or RN. These requirements are a minimum for consideration for the role, though BSN credentials are preferred.

Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

Ideal credentials for Correctional nurses often require experience and appropriate certification or professional development in Emergency nursing, Medical-Surgical nursing, and interest in corrections work. Because of the intensity of this position, newly licensed nurses should be wary of taking on a position in this field without prior hospital experience. In many situations, the nurse is the only healthcare professional on-site and must be able to map out the appropriate course of action, with adequate safety measures, as well as consideration of the therapeutic role of nursing in a corrections setting – all without consulting a physician. Nurses in corrections settings must also have a deep understanding of the mental health and social perceptions and biases at work in offenders, as well as an understanding of prison culture, norms and procedures.

The National Commission on Correctional Healthcare (NCCHC) offers the CCHP-RN certification in correctional nursing.

Eligibility requirements for the CCHP-RN include:

• Current CCHP certification
• Current, active RN license within a U.S. state (for Canada and U.S. territories, credentials will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis); the license must not be restricted to practice in correctional settings only
• The equivalent of two years of full-time practice as a registered nurse
• 2,000 hours of practice in a correctional setting within the last three years
• 54 hours of continuing education in nursing, with 18 specific to correctional health care, within the last three years

Where Do Correctional Nurses Work?

Typically, Correctional nurses work in jails and penitentiaries, juvenile facilities, and secure group homes for young offenders. Correctional nurses may be employed by the state, or through third-party contractors that provide correctional services to the state.

What Does a Correctional Nurse Do?

The Correctional or prison nurse works with juveniles and adults who have become a part of the correctional system. Required to be the first-on-scene healthcare provider, it’s important to recognize that the correctional nurse is working with limited resources in a potentially dangerous situation. Like other environments, providing quality healthcare is of high priority, however, it is balanced with the need to maintain facility security and public safety. Correctional nurses must work closely with Correctional Officers to ensure the safety of all.

What Are the Roles & Duties of a Correctional Nurse?

• Assume charge nurse duties in lieu of supplementary staff
• Rely on evidence-based findings and sound ethical judgment to meet patient needs
• Ensure compliance with established standards of the facility in question
• Ensure that information is conveyed to appropriate personnel regarding patient/offenders
• Monitor treatment to ensure that patient/inmate exploitation of facilities and procedures does not occur
• Work to improve cost-effectiveness without sacrificing safety or security
• Manage physical safety requirements for patient/offenders and corrections staff
• Provide other services and duties as assigned by the charge nurse or supervisor
• Maintain records of medications, patient records, and supplies in accordance with the facility procedures and state regulations
• Provide health counseling to patient/offenders
• Provide a mental health referral to patient/offenders
• Provide an initial diagnosis and treatment for some illnesses and injuries as approved
• Adopt a therapeutic approach to promote and restore patient/offender well being

Correctional Nurse Salary & Employment

Both corrections and nursing are fields that are projected to experience rapid growth throughout the next decade. As long as incarceration is in existence, having nurses that serve this population will be a requirement. Correctional nurses make an average salary of about $68,000 as surveyed by Indeed.com – this is determined by the state in which they work and their qualifications. Years of experience, additional certifications, and type of correctional facility can influence salary and opportunities for advancement.

Known also as a Special Needs nurse, the Developmental Disability nurse works with patients or populations that have developmental disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, cerebral palsy and many other developmental disorders. Working with patients from newborn to adult, Developmental Disability Nurses are an important point of contact for patients and their families as well as the rest of the interdisciplinary care team.

Becoming a Developmental Disability Nurse

Registered nurses may find success in looking for job postings through hospitals and specialist offices, as well as through government and community agencies. While some nurses apply for the role of Developmental Disability Nurse right after graduation and licensure, many wait until they have some nursing experience before applying.

At present, there are no formal internship opportunities for new graduates who apply for the role, though hospitals may have their own procedures in place, or have an agreement with local nursing programs to facilitate intake and training. Internships typically include both a didactic and practical component.

As previously stated, nurses with more experience often find the role of nursing individuals with special needs to be a fulfilling career choice. With some additional training on developmental disabilities, rights of individuals under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association (DDNA) and other factors, nurses will be ready for the challenges of the role.

What Are the Education Requirements for a Developmental Disability Nurse?

Post-graduation from a 2-year college ADN program or with your 4-year BSN degree, nurses must of course become licensed through the NCLEX examination. Nurses must work for two or more years with patients that have developmental or intellectual disabilities prior to becoming eligible for certification through the Developmental Disabilities Nurses Association (DDNA).

Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

While not a requirement, seeking certification through the DDNA means that you have attained a level of competency and experience with a vulnerable population. Certification articulates that you have specialized knowledge in the field and with regard to disabilities and related conditions.

Where Do Developmental Disability Nurses Work?

Developmental Disability nurses work primarily in patient-facing roles, either in the clinic, in the community, with families or possibly in the group home or institutional setting. Some nurses who work with the special needs population do choose to pursue teaching, administration, and policy work – however, most jobs are patient-focused.

What Does a Developmental Disability Nurse Do?

In addition to advocacy, the Developmental Disability nurse will work closely with the interdisciplinary team made up of medical personnel, social workers, support staff members, language therapists, and occupational therapists to help patients attain a good quality of life and health, whether they live independently, in a group setting or in an institution. Nurses may also work or volunteer as community advocates and points of contact for families of patients in their childhood years, teens or as adults.

What Are the Roles & Duties of a Developmental Disability Nurse?

• Works with parents and caregivers to develop an evidence-based plan for school or work
• Coordinates various aspects of care
• Analyze health information and makes recommendations accordingly
• Manages health screenings at school or in the workplace according to established guidelines.
• Provides health-related education and advocacy to various stakeholders involved in the patient’s life
• Develop health-related policies and procedures
• Manages professional nursing services
• Records accurate records for the interdisciplinary team
• Refers patients to other staff or services for a variety of developmental, social, and mental health support
• Acts as a liaison between family, educators, external health and advocacy organizations as well as the medical team
• Researches and recommends modification of educational or workplace programming and roles

Developmental Disability Nurse Salary & Employment

While standards of preventative care have risen over the past generation, resulting in fewer individuals with developmental differences and special needs, diagnostic tools for genes and behavior have vastly increased the amount of knowledge that we have about best treatment and outcomes for patients with special needs, resulting in the need for nurses who are highly skilled, certified and most of all compassionate toward their chosen patient population. Individuals with special needs and facilities that support them are found throughout the country, however, nursing salaries may increase in urban areas where the cost of living is higher.

At present, the average salary for a Developmental Disability Nurse ranges from $42,000 to $86,000 depending on location, experience, and qualifications. Many nurses receive a mileage stipend as there is often a home-care component to the job.