Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Flight Nurse Roles – 2025

Are you ready to take flight and save lives? As a flight nurse, your role is critical in providing emergency care at high altitudes and transporting patients to medical facilities. This guide offers a comprehensive list of up-to-date questions and answers to help you showcase your skills, experience, and passion for this specialized nursing role.

General Questions

• 1. Tell me about your experience as a nurse. Why did you choose this profession?
  Nursing is my true calling. I have always had a passion for helping others and being there for people during their most vulnerable moments. I chose this profession because it allows me to make a positive impact and provide compassionate care to people in need.
• 2. What inspired you to become a flight nurse?
  As a nurse, I knew I wanted to go beyond working in a hospital setting and expand my skills to provide care in outdoor and emergency environments. Flight nursing combines my love for nursing and my passion for adventure and adrenaline, making it the perfect fit for me.
• 3. How do you handle the stress and pressure of emergency situations?
  As a nurse, I have trained extensively to handle high-stress and high-pressure situations. I remain calm, focused, and prioritize patient care in any emergency. I have experience in effectively communicating with my team to ensure efficient and effective treatment for our patients.
• 4. How do you stay updated on new medical advancements and procedures?
  As a healthcare professional, it is crucial to stay current with the latest medical advancements and procedures. I attend conferences, participate in ongoing education, and read various medical journals and resources to stay informed and enhance my skills as a nurse.
• 5. What do you think makes a great flight nurse?
  In my opinion, a great flight nurse should have strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, excellent communication and teamwork abilities, a calm demeanor in high-stress situations, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing environments. A passion for helping others and a thirst for knowledge and continuous learning are also important qualities for a flight nurse.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Describe a particularly challenging situation you encountered as a nurse. How did you handle it?
  During my time working in the emergency department, I encountered a critically ill patient who required immediate intubation and resuscitation. Despite the high-stress and chaotic situation, I remained calm and coordinated with my team to provide the necessary care and stabilize the patient. The patient was successfully transferred to the ICU for further treatment.
• 7. How do you handle conflicts with patients or their family members?
  As a nurse, I believe in effective communication and empathy. I listen patiently and openly to concerns and work with patients and their families to find solutions. I believe in treating individuals with kindness and compassion, even in difficult situations.
• 8. Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision in patient care.
  In my role as a flight nurse, I had to quickly make a decision to divert to a closer hospital due to a patient's sudden decline during transport. I communicated effectively with the pilot and my team and made the executive decision to change course, ultimately saving the patient's life. It was a challenging decision, but it was one that had to be made in the best interest of the patient's health.
• 9. How do you handle stress and burnout in a demanding job like nursing?
  As a nurse, I make sure to prioritize self-care and take breaks when necessary. I have a support system of colleagues and friends in the nursing field who understand the emotional and physical toll it can take. I also engage in activities that help me decompress, such as exercise, reading, and spending time with loved ones.
• 10. Tell me about a time when you had to provide care for a patient with conflicting beliefs or cultural background.
  I had a patient from a different cultural background who refused medical treatment due to their personal beliefs. I took the time to understand their perspective and explained the importance of the recommended treatment. I also sought the assistance of a translator and a cultural liaison to bridge any communication gaps and ensure the patient received the necessary care. In the end, the patient and their family expressed gratitude for my efforts and the care provided.

Situational Questions

• 11. Imagine a scenario where you receive a call for an emergency transport, but the weather conditions are not ideal. How would you handle this situation?
  Safety is always a top priority for both the patient and the flight team. In this scenario, I would consult with the pilot and perform a thorough risk assessment to determine if it is safe to proceed with the transport. If the conditions are deemed too risky, I would communicate this to the necessary parties and consider alternative options for transportation.
• 12. You are transporting a critical patient to the hospital when they suddenly go into cardiac arrest. What steps would you take to stabilize the patient?
  In this situation, I would immediately call for assistance and initiate CPR while my team prepares the necessary equipment and medications. I would also communicate with the receiving hospital to inform them of the situation and to request for a team to be ready upon arrival. I would continue monitoring the patient and providing necessary interventions until we reach the hospital.
• 13. How do you handle a patient who is not responding to treatment?
  In this scenario, I would reassess the patient's condition and consult with a physician to discuss alternative treatment options or further testing. I would also communicate with the patient and their family and explain the situation in a transparent and empathetic manner. I would continue to provide compassionate care and advocate for the patient's best interests.
• 14. You notice a mistake in a fellow team member's charting. How do you address this situation?
  As healthcare professionals, it is our responsibility to ensure accurate and thorough documentation. I would approach my colleague respectfully and privately, pointing out the error and offering assistance if needed. If the mistake is not rectified, I would report it to the appropriate supervisor to ensure proper documentation and patient safety.
• 15. You are working with a new team member who seems inexperienced. How do you handle this situation?
  As a team player, I would offer guidance and support to the new team member and make sure they are comfortable and have a good understanding of their role. I would also communicate openly with the rest of the team to ensure proper teamwork and patient care. If any issues arise, I would address them promptly and professionally.

Technical Questions

• 16. What kind of medical equipment and supplies do you typically use in-flight?
  Some common medical equipment used during flights includes portable oxygen, ventilators, defibrillators, and basic medical supplies for wound care and medication administration. As a flight nurse, I am trained in the proper handling and use of all necessary equipment.
• 17. What are the steps you take to assess a patient's condition during transport?
  As a flight nurse, I conduct a quick initial assessment upon arrival, followed by a more detailed primary survey. I gather information on the patient's vital signs, airway, breathing, and circulation, and check for any injuries or other conditions that may impact the patient's condition. I also reassess the patient regularly throughout the transport.
• 18. In a medical emergency, how do you prioritize patient care?
  In a medical emergency, my priority is always to stabilize the patient and ensure their safety. I follow the ABCs – airway, breathing, and circulation – and address any life-threatening conditions or injuries first. I also consider the severity of the patient's condition and the potential impact of their injury or illness on their overall health.
• 19. How do you handle the safe transfer of a patient from your aircraft to a medical facility?
  Upon arrival at the facility, I coordinate with the receiving staff and ensure proper communication and handover of the patient's condition and any necessary documentation. I also assist with the safe transfer of the patient from the aircraft to the medical facility, following all necessary safety protocols and using proper equipment and techniques.
• 20. How do you stay calm and focused during turbulent flights?
  As a flight nurse, I understand that turbulence can be a normal part of the job. I use various techniques such as deep breathing, focusing on my patient and their needs, and reminding myself of my training and experience to stay centered and focused during turbulent flights. I also communicate with the pilot and team if necessary to ensure the safety and comfort of the patient and the flight team.