Critical Care Flight Nurse / Clinical Coordinator in Bristol

Position: Critical Care Flight Nurse / Clinical Coordinator
Location: Bristol
Working Hours: Rostered basis of 40 hours per week

Gama Aviation is currently looking for an experienced Intensive Care Nurse to join us in a full-time position (40 hours) based primarily at Bristol Airport, as a member of our fixed-wing air ambulance team. There will be an element of overnight stays abroad from time to time, with all expenses covered by the company. Proximity to the Bristol Base is a prerequisite (<60>

This is an exciting opportunity that will involve coordinating the logistics of aeromedical transfers between countries, case management and bed resourcing, as well actively working as a Critical Care Flight Nurse on air ambulance missions within the UK and overseas. We are looking for a dynamic, self-motivated, and experienced Critical Care Nurse that would be capable for autonomously organising all aspects of the logistics of an aeromedical transfer, then executing the transfer alongside a Doctor/Nurse/Paramedic. All necessary ‘On the Job’ Training will be provided for this position.

Due to the nature of the role, proven experience of organisation and management within a clinical setting is essential. The successful candidate would be able to demonstrate at least five years of Critical Care nursing in an acute hospital setting, consolidated with a post graduate qualification as evidence of this. Experience in the complexities of transportation of critically unwell patients by air or road would be an advantage.

About us:

Gama Aviation is a hugely diverse business that offers much more than perhaps its name would suggest. Yes, we fly but we also save lives, provide mission critical intelligence, and build systems that deliver decisive advantage.

With operations in the UK, Jersey, Europe and the Middle East, a career with us can offer travel, personal growth opportunities and the ability for long-term progression in a fast paced and dynamic service industry.

Responsibilities:

Flight Medical Crew Coordination and Management

• Assist the Clinical Services Manager with management and coordination of the team of nurses and paramedics employed by the company / and or subcontracted as a bank of in- flight medical crew.

Medical Operational support

• Assistance with case handling as requested by the Clinical Service Manager and/or Medical Director.
• Liaising with clients and providers on active cases.
• Arranging the logistical (in conjunction with the operations team) and clinical details of aeromedical repatriations to the appropriate specifications of our clients and the Medical Director.
• Take responsibility for operational and medical management of Commercial and Air Ambulance transfers.
• Act as the initial point of contact for Flight Medical Crew on assignment, dealing with enquiries/problems and, when required, seeking advice and guidance from the Clinical Service Manager, Medical Director and/or other relevant managers.
• Audit completed (closed) case files.
• To track current cases, review progress and deal with or refer problems in order to safely expedite the mission.
• Operate a priority ‘tagging’ system, so that urgent actions are not overlooked.
• To be responsible, or to nominate a person to be responsible, during each duty period for checking the logistics/arrangements of newly organised repatriations.
• Act as referral point for critical/high risk cases in terms of case management. These will be referred to as ‘Serious Cases’ and may be subdivided into three types of risk category: Clinical, Logistic (Operational) and Financial.
• To record and notify all Clinical Serious Cases to the Medical Director.
• To source beds and manage the bed management cases as requested by the client.
• Any other reasonable tasks requested by Clinical Service Manager or Medical Director

Clinical Duties

• To operate as a Flight Nurse (ICU/Level 3), ensuring safe and efficient clinical practice within their scope of practice set out by their registration body (NMC/HCPC).
• To maintain Level 3 skills and competencies and ensuring currency by working at least 1 day per month in a ICU environment.
• To be able to dispense under the powers of Patient Specific Directives.
• To be active in the implementation of Infection Control and Decontamination procedures within the company.

Equipment Manager

To share the following responsibilities under the direction of the Clinical Services Manager:

• Take responsibility/accountability for the safety and operation readiness of all medical equipment and medical materials and consumables, including oxygen cylinders
• Ensure all electrical equipment has been maintained, serviced and charged as per manufacturer’s instructions
• Ensure all equipment has been checked for function prior to undertaking a transfer and that spare working batteries and mains power cables are carried
• Ensure all time-limited equipment and drugs are within date
• Ensure all single use items are discarded after use, and that all single patient items are discarded after patient hand-over or left with the patient at the receiving facility
• Ensure the safe disposal of all clinical waste
• Arrange laundry, decontamination and/or sterilisation of all items that are reusable
• Ensure all items of equipment are safely returned and refurbished after each mission

Skills, Qualifications and Experience required:

Essential

• Full and unrestricted registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council in the UK
• Post graduate qualification in critical care nursing
• At least 5 years of Critical Care Nursing experience in an acute hospital setting
• Resuscitation training (ALS) within the past 4 years (ILS within 1 year)
• Ability to think on your feet
• Can-do attitude
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent medical documentation skills
• Enthusiasm and commitment
• Dynamic and self-motivated
• Ability to work efficiently under stressful conditions
• DBS clearance (enhanced)

Advantageous

• Transfer course
• Previous experience in transportation of critically unwell patients (by road or by air)
• RCN Membership

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary
• Competitive Group Pension Scheme
• Comprehensive Life Assurance
• Comprehensive Income Protection
• Comprehensive Travel Insurance
• Comprehensive Private Healthcare (after successful passing of probation)
• Free Car Parking
• 2 Paid Volunteering Days each calendar year (subject to line manager approval)
• Investment in Training, Qualifications and Professional Development

Gama Aviation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. We are committed to providing a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment, and where all employees are treated with dignity and respect.