Critical Care Transport Nurse Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the crucial field of healthcare, the role of a Critical Care Transport Nurse is essential.

As medical technology progresses, the demand for skilled professionals who can ensure patient safety during transport grows.

But what is truly expected from a Critical Care Transport Nurse?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager envisioning the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of critical care nursing,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Critical Care Transport Nurse job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Critical Care Transport Nurse Duties and Responsibilities

Critical Care Transport Nurses are registered nurses who specialize in caring for critically ill or injured patients during transport.

These professionals must work quickly and efficiently in high-stress situations to provide medical support and coordinate with other medical professionals during the transport of patients.

The duties and responsibilities of a Critical Care Transport Nurse include:

• Providing initial and ongoing assessment of patients’ condition and implementing appropriate interventions
• Administering medications and treatments as prescribed by a physician
• Maintaining advanced life support equipment and ensuring its proper functioning during transport
• Collaborating with physicians, paramedics, and other healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care during transport
• Monitoring vital signs and responding to emergency situations during transport
• Documenting patient care accurately and completely
• Communicating effectively with patients and their families, providing emotional support and education about their conditions
• Complying with transport policies and procedures to ensure patient safety
• Participating in continuing education and training to keep up with advances in critical care transport nursing

 

Critical Care Transport Nurse Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Critical Care Transport Nurse to join our team.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in critical care and be able to provide high-quality patient care during transport.

Critical Care Transport Nurses are responsible for monitoring patient’s condition, performing medical procedures and providing emergency care as necessary while transferring patients to medical facilities.

The successful candidate should be able to work under pressure, have excellent interpersonal skills and be committed to providing outstanding care to patients in critical condition.

 

Responsibilities

• Monitor and stabilize patients during transport
• Administer medications, start intravenous lines, provide ventilator care and other necessary treatments
• Communicate with healthcare professionals at the receiving facilities
• Document patient’s condition and treatment
• Ensure that the transport vehicle is clean and well-stocked with medical supplies
• Cooperate with emergency medical team
• Follow health and safety standards and precautions
• Provide emotional support to patients and their families

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Critical Care Transport Nurse
• Current registered nurse (RN) license
• Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Completion of a critical care training program
• Excellent knowledge of emergency care
• In-depth knowledge of health and safety guidelines and procedures (sanitation, decontamination etc.)
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
• Physical and mental fitness to handle stressful situations
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in nursing

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Critical Care Transport Nurse
• Work Environment: This job primarily operates in a mobile clinical setting, and involves exposure to various elements including weather conditions and potentially infectious diseases.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Emergency Services.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $68,450 minimum to $96,060 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time, Shift work including nights, weekends, and holidays
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Critical Care Transport Nurse Do?

Critical Care Transport Nurses work primarily in medical transport vehicles such as ambulances or helicopters, responsible for providing care to patients who are being transported to healthcare facilities.

Their primary responsibility is to monitor the patient’s vital signs, administer medications, and provide emergency medical interventions as needed during transport.

This may involve using advanced medical equipment, administering oxygen, or performing life-saving procedures.

They work closely with other healthcare professionals like paramedics, physicians, and respiratory therapists to stabilize patients during transport.

They also coordinate with receiving facilities to communicate the patient’s condition, treatments performed, and expected time of arrival.

Critical Care Transport Nurses also prepare and maintain detailed reports of the patient’s condition and the care provided during the transport.

In addition, they play a significant role in comforting patients and their families, explaining the procedures and treatments being performed, and providing emotional support during stressful situations.

They must remain calm under pressure, make quick decisions, and demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills due to the critical and often unpredictable nature of their job.

 

Critical Care Transport Nurse Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Critical Care Transport Nurse needs to have the skills and qualifications that align with the job role, including:

• Comprehensive knowledge of critical care nursing principles, practices, and procedures to provide effective patient care in transit.
• Strong physical endurance and dexterity to move patients and operate critical medical equipment.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with patients, their families, and medical staff in stressful situations.
• Acute attention to detail and observational skills to monitor, record, and report patients’ vital signs and health condition.
• Excellent problem-solving skills to quickly assess and handle emergencies during patient transport.
• Ability to stay calm, make critical decisions and work efficiently in high pressure situations.
• Advanced skills in operating and maintaining life support systems and emergency medical equipment.
• Proficiency in administering medications, performing life-saving procedures, and providing advanced life support.

 

Critical Care Transport Nurse Experience Requirements

Critical Care Transport Nurses are required to have a significant amount of experience in the field of nursing before they specialize in transport.

Generally, an entry-level candidate may have 1 to 2 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, preferably in an emergency or critical care setting.

These professionals typically gain on-the-job experience in roles such as Staff Nurse, Emergency Room Nurse, or Intensive Care Unit Nurse.

It is also expected that they have a solid foundation in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have developed their clinical and technical skills in high-stress environments and are more familiar with the specialized equipment used in patient transport.

They may also have completed additional certifications like Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN) or Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN).

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have leadership experience and could be ready for a managerial or supervisor role within a critical care transport team.

Furthermore, they may possess experience in air medical safety, rescue operations, and aeromedical evacuation, which are critical for advanced critical care transport nursing roles.

 

Critical Care Transport Nurse Education and Training Requirements

A Critical Care Transport Nurse must first obtain a Registered Nurse (RN) degree through a nursing diploma, an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

After earning their RN, these professionals need to gain at least two years of experience in critical care or emergency nursing.

They must also possess a valid nursing license in their state of practice.

Additionally, obtaining a certification in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) is necessary.

Further, most employers require Critical Care Transport Nurses to obtain the Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN) certification, which demonstrates a high level of expertise and knowledge in critical care transport.

To stay updated with the latest nursing practices, continuing education courses in critical care are recommended.

Some nurses may also choose to pursue a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) for advanced roles.

Finally, skills such as quick decision-making, physical stamina, and excellent communication are essential for success in this role.

 

Critical Care Transport Nurse Salary Expectations

A Critical Care Transport Nurse can expect to earn an average salary of $67,790 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can fluctuate depending on the nurse’s experience, the geographical location, and the employing healthcare institution.

 

Critical Care Transport Nurse Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Critical Care Transport Nurse need?

A Critical Care Transport Nurse should have a nursing degree and be licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN).

They also need to have an additional certification in Critical Care Transport Nursing (CCTN), which involves specialized training for emergency situations.

Many employers require several years of experience in a critical care setting.

 

What are the daily duties of a Critical Care Transport Nurse?

Daily duties can vary, but generally, a Critical Care Transport Nurse is responsible for responding to emergency calls and providing medical care during transport to a healthcare facility.

This can include assessing a patient’s condition, administering medications, and performing life-saving procedures if necessary.

They also coordinate with other medical professionals and assist in the transfer of patients.

 

What qualities make a good Critical Care Transport Nurse?

A good Critical Care Transport Nurse must have excellent critical thinking and decision-making skills, as they often work under high-pressure situations.

They should have strong communication skills to interact effectively with patients and other medical professionals.

Physical stamina is also important, as the job can be physically demanding.

Compassion and empathy are also vital in dealing with patients and their families.

 

What should you look for in a Critical Care Transport Nurse resume?

Firstly, verify that they hold a valid RN license and have a CCTN certification.

Check for their experience in critical care settings.

Any specialized training or additional certifications, such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), would be a bonus.

You should also look for evidence of their ability to work in high-stress situations, and their skills in communication and teamwork.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Critical Care Transport Nurse?

Given the specialized nature of the role, finding qualified Critical Care Transport Nurses can be challenging.

The job requires specific certifications and experience in critical care.

Additionally, the high-stress nature of the work means it is not suitable for everyone.

Therefore, the hiring process may take longer, but it is essential to find the right candidate who can perform effectively in this critical role.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unearthed the true essence of what it means to be a Critical Care Transport Nurse.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about medical interventions.

It’s about delivering life-saving care, one patient at a time.

With our one-stop Critical Care Transport Nurse job description template and real-world examples, you’re more than ready to step into your career journey.

But why halt here?

Go beyond the surface with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting precision-tailored job listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Always remember:

Each patient care decision you make adds up to a larger impact.

Let’s save lives. Together.

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