Travel opportunities for psych nurse

Specialties Psychiatric

Published

Hello...

Currently working in psych/mental health facility in GA. I enjoy working with this unique population. However, I'm also interested in travel. Anyone know if there is a need for travel psych nurses? I know there are numerous openings for ER, CCU, med/surg, etc. Haven't really been able to find much for psych nurses. It seems like the demand for qualified psych/mental health nurses would be high.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN

4 Articles; 7,907 Posts

Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Based on all the advertisements I see in my nursing journals (both psych and non-psych) it seems as though experienced psych nurses are in demand for travel assignments. But I haven't actually applied for any travel positions, so I couldn't tell you if it's fact or just overeager advertising :/

gnursjr2

73 Posts

Travel for Psych RNs is not plentiful. They are few, and lots of competition. My first contract was by lots of phone calls all over to recruiters, took tons of work. So, in my personal opinion, don't up and quit your job thinking you will be able to pick up a travel job right away. Good luck.

nf0772

12 Posts

Thanks for the information. Perhaps the best thing to do at this point is continue researching all the options.

Whispera, MSN, RN

3,458 Posts

Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

Yes, research the options. I used to get mail from a travel nursing company that specializes in psych. The positions were always in state hospitals or prisons. I think you need to be careful what you get yourself into. Before you sign up, do lots of research. Talk to people who have worked for the company as well as at the place where you'll be assigned. There's a reason there are positions available and sometimes the reasons are that the placement isn't nurse friendly or is downright dangerous.

fawnsternurse

211 Posts

Specializes in psych, medical, drug rehab.

Hi I have been traveling for 12 years in Psychiatry/Addiction: Rehab and Detox and even a few medical things. (Please psych nurses do whatever you can to maintain some skills and assesment skills) We treat the whole person not just 1/4 of them.

Anyway, what was said in above post is correct, there are not a lot of travel nurse jobs in psychiatry. BUT they are there. You have to sign up with more than one agency. Make a spread sheet, send EVERYONE an updated TB and physical at same time every year. hahah. I do it in my Birthday month. Stay current on studying and knowing your math convesion ETC Because unfortunately (only in Nursing) Each facility may give you a math test/ Nursing emd test.

There are two agencys that are more well known for psych travel jobs, but be informed. Some of these places are facilities no one wants to work and that is why they have such a need for psych nurses.

Whispera is correct some of these jobs are in Prisons. Personally I am not prison nurse material and there is no amount of money that I can be paid to entice me to work in them. I tried it twice and each time I was so grieved in my heart that it made it a horrible experience for me. But its different strokes for different folks and there are those that may enjoy it.

Good Luck with your search. My very first job I was scared to death and didn't think I would last a week and here I am 12 yrs later and totally hooked on Travel nursing ! I love the variety, constantly being challenged to learn new information, thinking outside the box, meeting new people and going to different locales. It may not be for everyone but I have most definitely found my nitch~

Angel79

10 Posts

Hi I have been traveling for 12 years in Psychiatry/Addiction: Rehab and Detox and even a few medical things. (Please psych nurses do whatever you can to maintain some skills and assesment skills) We treat the whole person not just 1/4 of them.

Anyway, what was said in above post is correct, there are not a lot of travel nurse jobs in psychiatry. BUT they are there. You have to sign up with more than one agency. Make a spread sheet, send EVERYONE an updated TB and physical at same time every year. hahah. I do it in my Birthday month. Stay current on studying and knowing your math convesion ETC Because unfortunately (only in Nursing) Each facility may give you a math test/ Nursing emd test.

There are two agencys that are more well known for psych travel jobs, but be informed. Some of these places are facilities no one wants to work and that is why they have such a need for psych nurses.

Whispera is correct some of these jobs are in Prisons. Personally I am not prison nurse material and there is no amount of money that I can be paid to entice me to work in them. I tried it twice and each time I was so grieved in my heart that it made it a horrible experience for me. But its different strokes for different folks and there are those that may enjoy it.

Good Luck with your search. My very first job I was scared to death and didn't think I would last a week and here I am 12 yrs later and totally hooked on Travel nursing ! I love the variety, constantly being challenged to learn new information, thinking outside the box, meeting new people and going to different locales. It may not be for everyone but I have most definitely found my nitch~

Hello Fawnsternurse

I hope that you receive this reply. I feel that you would have very useful information to give me regarding travel psych nursing. I have been psych nursing now for three years and i'm looking to travel. I have not had 15 posts on here so I can not pm yet.

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