Objective To explore the feasibility and effect of setting up a full-time nurse post for inter-hospital transport of critically ill patients in emergency department. Methods A total of 35 full-time transport nurses were selected and trained in a standardized way. A series of transfer systems and procedures were formulated to clarify the work content and job responsibilities for the nurses. Within one year into the setting of the post, the nurses fulfilled an inter-hospital transport capacity of 4 503 critically ill patients. Before the setting of the post, 2 378 critically ill patients were transferred by emergency nurses. The incidence rates of adverse events during inter-hospital transport of critically ill patients before and after the establishment of the full-time transport nurse post were compared. Results The incidence rates of adverse events during inter-hospital transport of critically ill patients after the establishment of the full-time transport nurse post were significantly lower than before (P<0.05,P<0.01). Conclusion The establishment of the full-time transport nurse post ad hoc for inter-hospital transport of critically ill patients can reduce the incidence rate of adverse transport events and guarantee the safety of critically ill patients.