David Miller's career as a flight nurse was inspired by a patient whose life he saved more than two decades ago. While working as an emergency medical technician, Miller defibrillated a young man in cardiac arrest-a man who survived to rejoin his wife and children.

"Most of us in AirCare have a story like that to remember because that's what we do," Miller says. "That particular circumstance made me realize I wanted in a career in nursing involving the most seriously injured or sick patients."

Miller pursued his nursing dream, got his degree, and worked for a time in the Medical Intensive Care Unit before joining the AirCare team. Now a 20-year AirCare veteran, Miller was honored in early 2004 for completing 2,000 flights.

"You either like this type of nursing a lot or you don't," he says. "There's no in-between. Personally, I really enjoy the opportunity to work in the field and the challenge of making independent decisions in an uncontrolled environment."

Many nursing colleagues apparently agree. AirCare nursing is a coveted position that attracts many applicants whenever an opening occurs, which isn't too often.

"To me, this is the perfect clinical job," he says. "It's been great for me and I plan to stay with it until I retire. I wouldn't have it any other way."