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RCN Certificate
In-Flight Nursing (Short Course)

Location
Southwark

Duration
15 weeks

Mode of study
Part-time

Start date
May

Number of places
20

How to apply
Direct to LSBU

LSBU code
3111

Non-standard entry requirements

Nurses on Part 1, 2 or 3 of the register held by NMC or equivalent if obtained overseas AND a minimum 3 years post-qualification. Critical care qualification is an advantage and you must be confident to work alone in isolated conditions. Current or recent experience working with assistance companies or as aeromedical nurses within industry will be advantageous. All candidates must be computer literate and have a good command of spoken and written English.

Course Units

There is a prescribed sequence of study. Self-directed: In May you must be computer proficient to use the e-Learning package provided in preparation for the taught component of the course. You will be expected to answer questions posed in the e-Learning package and communicate weekly with the Course director. Taught: In July you will attend classes that are facilitated by experts in aviation nursing. You will also undertake practical conducted in major airports. You will undertake a written examination on the last day. Reflect on practice: In August you are expected to reflect on your experience of repatriation and compile a care study.

Course description

This course is designed and developed for experienced nurse in the repatriation of acutely ill patients and is the only one in Britain. The course is unique in that it provides you with a RCN certificate recognised as the kite mark for In-Flight Nursing. The course prepares competent and reflective nurses who have adapted their existing skills to practice more competently in the in-flight domain.

The course content promotes leadership and confidence to enable you to deliver appropriate, effective, efficient and evidence-based health care to individuals and families before during and after air repatriation.

The course will prepare you to:

– Utilize your existing nursing knowledge and skills to practice inflight domain, providing care before, during and after repatriation

– Adapt your analytical and problemsolving skills

– Advise on repatriation strategies based on a risk assessment of patients and the health and safety of others before air repatriation or air transport

– Work autonomously, professionally and safely within the in-flight domain

– Develop effective working partnership with organizations in disparate parts of the world for the benefit of the patient, significant others and organisations you work for

– Identify and practice within administrative and legal aspects of national and international air travel.

Career opportunities

Career opportunities are endless. You can work in aeromedical assistance companies as office coordinators or as flight nurses. You can work as nurses on cruise liners or work for insurance companies assessing travel insurance risks. You can work in airline industry as trainers for cabin crew.

Many aeromedical assistance companies will not employ you if you do not have this qualification.

Typical background of applicant

Most of the applicants are qualified nurses with post-registration qualification in critical care and have undertaken repatriation. Most flight nurses are also interested in traveling and like flying.

Professional contacts/industry links

This is the only course specifically designed for in-flight nurses. You will meet representatives from the Aeromedical Assistance Company, and be introduced to the RCN In-Flight Nursing Forum which conducts post course study days designed to meet the changing needs and challenges faced by in-flight nurses.

– Dr. M Glandfield, Civil Aviation Authority

– Dr. P Summers, CEGA, Aeromedical Assistance Company

– G Bolger, RCN In-Flight Nursing Forum