CFRN Exam 2026

Certified Flight Registered Nurse

Flight nurses work for search-and-rescue agencies, hospitals and trauma centers, the military, or private medical transport companies. They must be registered nurses (RNs) and hold a minimum of an associate degree in nursing, though many employers prefer or require a BSN. They should have extensive emergency/critical care experience, either in the ED or ICU. Try our NCLEX practice test.

They provide medical care for patients while transporting them via helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft. These specialized nurses are part of a team that includes paramedics and physicians. They often have to triage patients and then develop a plan for their treatment based on the results of the evaluation. They must work in a limited space with few resources.

They can expect to work 12- or 24-hour shifts. They can work in a variety of environments and conditions, from blazing summer heat to subzero winter cold. They must be able to think on their feet and cope with stress. They also need to inventory supplies used on a trip and restock before the next flight. Their patient population can range in age from neonates to the elderly.