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Flight Nursing Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Flight Nurse (Non-Exempt)

Oelwein, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A Flight Nurse is responsible for providing high quality critical care including assessment, triage ... Accredited school of nursing completion. Licensure: Current RN Licensure in state of practice and ...

New

Flight Paramedic-PRN-Mercy St. Robert

Oelwein, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This Flight Paramedic will share the responsibility with the flight nurse to provide care during each mission, accurately assessing and dealing with life-threatening situations. The flight paramedic ...

Provides flight following throughout the mission, either by satellite tracking or by communicating ... Notifies the appropriate nursing unit of incoming patients who are direct admissions and provides ...

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Showing results 1-20

Flight Nursing information

See Iowa salary details

$58.7K

$103K

$136.2K

How much do flight nursing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for flight nursing in Iowa is $103,046.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,800.00 and $124,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a flight nurse?

Flight nurses are registered nurses who provide critical care to patients during air medical transport, such as in helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft. They are responsible for stabilizing and monitoring patients, administering medications, and assisting with emergency procedures while en route to medical facilities. Flight nurses work closely with paramedics, pilots, and other medical professionals to ensure safe and efficient patient care during transport. Their role requires advanced clinical skills, the ability to work in high-pressure environments, and specialized training in aeromedical operations.

How much money does a flight nurse make?

A flight nurse's salary typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. They often work in high-stress environments requiring advanced skills and specialized training, which can influence compensation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a flight nurse, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Nurse, you need advanced clinical expertise in emergency and critical care, a nursing degree, RN licensure, and certifications such as CCRN, CEN, or CFRN. Familiarity with aeromedical equipment, patient transport protocols, and electronic health record systems is essential. Strong problem-solving, adaptability, and effective communication skills are vital for handling high-stress situations in unpredictable environments. These abilities ensure safe patient care and effective teamwork during critical air medical transports.

What are some common challenges flight nurses face during air medical transports?

Flight nurses often encounter unique challenges, such as working in confined and unpredictable environments, managing critically ill patients with limited resources, and adapting quickly to changing medical and weather conditions. The role requires strong problem-solving skills, effective communication with pilots and other crew members, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Additionally, flight nurses must be prepared for irregular schedules and physically demanding tasks, making adaptability and resilience essential for success.

What is the difference between Flight Nursing vs Critical Care Nursing?

AspectFlight NursingCritical Care Nursing
CertificationsRN license, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Flight Nurse certificationRN license, ACLS, PALS, Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification
Work EnvironmentAir ambulance, helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, emergency scenesHospitals, intensive care units (ICUs), emergency departments
Employer & IndustryAir medical services, hospitals, emergency response teamsHospitals, specialized ICUs, healthcare facilities

Flight Nursing involves providing emergency care during air transport, often in challenging environments, requiring specialized certifications. Critical Care Nursing focuses on caring for critically ill patients within hospital settings. While both roles demand advanced skills and certifications, Flight Nursing emphasizes aeromedical transport, whereas Critical Care Nursing is hospital-based.

What are popular job titles related to Flight Nursing jobs in Iowa?

For Flight Nursing jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Flight Nursing job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,046 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Flight Nurse (Non-Exempt)

Mercy

Oelwein, IA • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Mercy rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 209 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

606th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Find your calling at Mercy!A Flight Nurse is responsible for providing high quality critical care including assessment, triage, and treatment while transporting patients under stressful situations. Working with the Flight Paramedic, this position requires the ability to administer medicine and provide advanced life support in a helicopter's confined and noisy space. Come live your life's work and passion by connecting critically ill and injured patients to needed higher levels of care. All while preserving and protecting the confidentiality, autonomy, dignity, and rights of patients and families from in and around your own communities.Position Details:

Education: Accredited school of nursing completion.
Licensure: Current RN Licensure in state of practice and compact for other states. Base may determine at discretion.
EMT required in Arkansas. state EMT is required at Life Line state-licensed bases before completing Life Line orientation. Base may determine at discretion.
Experience: Three years ER or Critical Care experience.
Certifications: certified emergency nurse (CEN), critical care registered nurse (CCRN) highly encouraged, certified flight registered nurse (CFRN) is required within two years of hire.
Must have or be able to complete within first six months of service, PALS, NRP, ITLS or PHTLS (taken one time), Hazmat, and extrication class. (Taken one time).
Current after 6 months: BLS, ACLS, NRP, PALS, ATLS or equivalent Life Line Trauma Course
Other: Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:
Must be able to use a Cardiac Monitor, Non-Invasive and invasive BP Monitor, Mechanical Ventilator, C02 monitor, IABP, Impella, Intubation, Infusion Pump, and computer.
Preferred Education: Bachelor's of Nursing.
Preferred Experience: Previous flight nurse experience preferred.
Physical Requirements:
Must pass an annual fitness test completed as part of fit-4-duty program.
As of 7/1/2017, the new weight requirement will be 230 pounds or less in full uniform (flight suit and boots).
Tolerates the stressors of flight, including but not limited to, motion, vibration, and temperature variations and other environmental conditions. Perform prehospital duties in many different environments.
Position requires the ability to push, pull, and/or lift 50 pounds on a regular basis.
Position requires prolonged standing and walking during each shift.
Position requires the ability to grip, reach, bend, kneel, twist, and squat to perform duties.

Why Mercy?

From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.

Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.


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About Mercy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our mission is clear. We bring to life a healing ministry through our compassionate care and exceptional service. At Mercy, we believe in careers that match the unique gifts of unique individuals - careers that not only make the most of your skills and talents, but also your heart.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chesterfield, MO, US

Year founded

1827