02/09/2026
Taranaki Flight Nurse Rachel Shearer joins the 1000 flight club
For Rachel Shearer, every flight is about much more than getting a patient from one hospital to another.
It is about providing expert care, reassurance and a sense of calm during what can be one of the most difficult times in a person’s life.
Rostered to fly one or two days each week, Rachel reached the milestone over six years. Her role involves the transfer and repatriation of unwell patients between Taranaki Base Hospital and hospitals throughout Aotearoa.
On one particularly busy day recently, Rachel cared for and transferred seven patients between New Plymouth, Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington.
It is a role that demands clinical expertise, independence and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure – qualities Rachel has developed over more than 25 years working in critical care.
Having graduated as a nurse in Wellington in 1995, Rachel says nursing has always been about supporting people and making a meaningful difference when they need it most. Nursing is also very much in the family, with Rachel’s mum, aunties and sister all having worked as nurses.
Her journey to becoming a Flight Nurse, however, involved overcoming a personal challenge of her own.
Rachel describes herself as once being a “seat-gripping, white-knuckled, terrible flier”. Six years and more than 1,000 flights later, her confidence in aviation has changed considerably.
“I totally trust the pilots. If they say it’s OK to fly, I trust them,” says Rachel.
That confidence is important, particularly when caring for patients in the unique environment of an aircraft.
“We definitely do have some bumpy flights, so part of my role is to explain the process, giving the patients explanations about what to expect and providing reassurance.”
No two flight days are the same. The majority of Rachel’s transfers are undertaken as a sole Flight Nurse, carrying a high level of responsibility making her critical care experience invaluable.
Patients can range from cardiac and trauma cases to surgical and paediatric patients. She has cared for patients ranging from two-month-old babies through to 92-year-old grandmothers.
Rachel says it is the combination of clinical knowledge, autonomy, problem-solving and quick decision-making that makes the Flight Nurse role so rewarding.
Flight days can be long, with early starts, late nights and time away from home. But one of the things Rachel values most is the opportunity to spend meaningful time with her patients throughout their journey.
Rachel is one of seven Flight Nurses based at Taranaki Base Hospital and is part of a highly experienced team.
For Rachel, one of the highlights is the flight home and the sight of Taranaki maunga, particularly at sunset.
“The patients love it too. Seeing the mountain is really lovely, and there is a real sense of coming home.”
After 1,000 flights, Rachel still knows what makes the job special. For her, it is the people and the privilege of caring for patients when they need it most.
