Stuart Phillips
Career development biography
Current medical assistance experience
Having spent many years working as a medical case manager and clinical lead for other companies, I decided to launch my own medical assistance company, Med ResQ, in 2018. Following many months of development, we are now actively working in a variety of sectors with different clients, which is very exciting. My role is varied between medical casework, logistical work and business development for the company.
Previous work experience
Critical Care, Cardiology and Cardiothoracic, Head and Neck ICU and Complex Learning Disabilities
How did I get into medical case management/flight nursing?
I had a friend return from working on cruise ships and he started flying and got a job as a case manager at a large assistance company. Whilst catching up, he told me of the places he had flown to and the patients he had helped repatriate home. It sounded amazing! I love travel and flying and the concept of being a nurse whilst doing these things really interested me. I got a job as an office nurse at AXA as well as signing up to several others as a 'freelancer'. Over time I moved from one company to another, developing my skills and gaining lots of experience.
Education
- Diploma in Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Professional Clinical Practice
What do I enjoy most about being a flight nurse?
The 3 most enjoyable aspects of being a flight nurse for me are:
- Flying to another country/destination, even if I have been before, and going for an explore.
- Managing the varied logistical challenges that are encountered in almost every repatriation.
- Most importantly, the satisfaction of walking into a hospital room and telling the frightened patient and family that "I am going to get you home and that I will look after you from door to door". The sense of relief that they display and the reassurance that they visibly show is both humbling and rewarding.
What important character traits are needed as a flight nurse?
- Calm and confident
- Good at managing logistical challenges
- Punctual and a good awareness of driving distances and times
- Clinically astute and in current clinical practice
- Good negotiator with an affable personality
- Loves travel
- Thrives on delivering excellent patient care
- Good sense of humour
Top Tips
- Read the notes well before you arrive and make a plan of what order you will do things.
- Confirm that you personally feel capable to take the case.
- Clarify any special equipment needed - e.g. stretcher
- Confirm the location, destination, ground time and travel time from airports to hospitals and any additional overnights
- Charge your phone and have a battery pack for additional charging.
- Carry several debit/credit cards, $50 USD is also a good back up.
- Once in the overseas location, note the driving time between the airport and the hotel to guide your planning for the return journey
