Rachel Shearer spends her days keeping critically ill patients stable at 25,000 feet, but the Taranaki Base Hospital nurse used to be terrified of flying. Now, she is celebrating a major career milestone after completing her 1000th patient transfer flight.
Working as part of the Taranaki Flight Nurse team for the past six years, Shearer regularly transfers unwell patients between New Plymouth and major hospitals in Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington. The role requires immense clinical expertise, independence and the ability to make rapid decisions under pressure.
Shearer also works as a Clinical Nurse Coordinator in the hospital's Intensive Care Unit and says her confidence in aviation has completely transformed since she started.
She described herself as a former "seat-gripping, white-knuckled, terrible flier" in a recent Health New Zealand media release.
"I totally trust the pilots," she said. "If they say it’s OK to fly, I trust them."
Flight days are notoriously unpredictable and demand long hours. On one recent shift, Shearer cared for and transferred seven different patients across the North Island. Operating primarily as a solo flight nurse, she treats everyone from two-month-old infants to elderly patients with severe cardiac or trauma conditions.
Because aircraft cabins are small and restrictive, Shearer noted that thorough assessment and careful planning are critical to anticipate a patient's needs before take-off. Bumpy flights are common, making clear communication and reassurance a vital part of her job.
"I really like having quality time with patients during their transfer, getting to know them, and understanding what is important to them while providing support and care," she said.
Shearer is one of seven flight nurses based in New Plymouth. Fellow team members Hamish Hardy and Carolyn Jackson have completed 2713 and 1237 flights respectively, while retired nurse Sue Deakin completed 1758 flights during her career.
Colleagues describe Shearer as incredibly passionate about her work, noting she consistently brings a smile to patients' faces during their most difficult moments.
Despite the early starts and time away from her family, the job offers unique rewards. Shearer said one of the biggest highlights is the return journey to New Plymouth.
"The patients love it too," she said. "Seeing the mountain is really lovely, and there is a real sense of coming home."
