Quite a few, unfortunately.
Pay: Incredibly below market. Their ads entice candidates with “new (higher) pay.” For nurses, that was ~$40 a day before taxes (24hr shifts). If the advertised pay is ~$100,000, and your schedule is 182 days (24hr shifts), do the math. It’s not pretty. And the average pay for nurses is $15-17/hour with OT calculated for part of the day and straight time the other part. Nearly all other air medical companies pay more as a base rate than Guardian pays for an overtime rate. And most programs work several days less a month.
Benefits: You will start with less than a week of PTO. And the insurance pays nothing until you meet your deductible. No copays, $30 doctor visits, nothing.
Training: If you are new to air medical, be prepared to be cut loose early, as in after a week at most of third rider. Rotor crews start as second riders with an partner cleared for independent status. New hires are set free after a week, 2 at most. Needing any more orientation is considered subpar performance. If you are lucky your fellow crew members at the crew house with help you review and practice. If not, you’ll be lucky if they finish the daily check on the aircraft, let alone help you work on your binder of check-offs. Be cognizant of everything, because some crews will leave behind essential equipment such as IV pumps and meds. Your license and career as a nurse is in your own hands.
You will fly a range of patients in some beautiful areas of the country. There are significant risks for nurses from a professional standpoint. Know what you are getting into before signing up.
