Considering transitioning to travel psych nursing

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

I am currently working in psychiatry in a student health setting. I have worked here for 4 years but I am interested in travel psych nursing. I have never worked inpatient psych. Do you think this is something I could transition to easily?

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Dear Considering Inpatient Psych,

What a great question! There's at least couple of layers to it- transitioning to traveling and transitioning to inpatient psych, or behavioral health.

My short answer is- try it! Give it a go, and you'll find out if it's for you. If you have the urge to travel, and you are in a position to do so, better to go for it than to have regrets later on down the road.

But I would do a bit of research first. There are definitely different experiences to be had traveling, and a lot is dependent on which agency you work with, understanding your contract, your expectations, your reasons for wanting to travel. Most travelers have resiliency and a sense of adventure. Some travelers travel as a lifestyle and never looked back after their first assignment.

Check out the Travel Forum here on site to learn all about traveling from the experts- the travelers themselves! There are also Facebook groups dedicated to travelers, and reading their stories and tips is entertaining and informative.

I am not familiar with psych in a student health setting, and I'm assuming you see students who are functional (attending school) and experiencing anxiety disorders, depression, maybe eating disorders? Please correct me if I'm wrong, and I would love to hear more about your role.

I'm wondering, though, if you've had experience with inpatient behavioral patients, although you most likely did a clinical rotation in nursing school. In contrast to outpatient mental health, inpatients suffer from mania, psychosis, delusions, suicidal ideation, and more.

If you decide to go, have a great adventure! Keep us posted.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth