Travel nurses - any regrets?

[vegnurse21]

Just wondering. I'm 25, been a nurse for almost 6 years now. I am in the process of getting into a RN-BSN program right now that should take around 2 years maybe? I did med/surg for two years and have done psychiatric for the past almost 4 years. I like psych and that's where I prefer to stay. I know that there aren't really a lot of psych positions right now and I don't plan to travel until I get my BSN. There are other things keeping me in my hometown but I don't want to get into all that.

I would like to travel in the future but am prone to the 'what-ifs'. lol Fear of the unknown keeps me here. I hear so much about shady recriuters and that travel nursing is kind of phasing out...especially psych. So it does make me worry. Do any of you have any regrets about travel nursing? This forum is FULL of warnings for new travelers but I want to know if there's any of you that wish you hadn't gotten into this field or if there's certain things you really have issues with.

If anyone out there IS still managing to travel doing psychiatric jobs I'd love your feedback as well (ANY feedback - not just regrets!). Thanks!

[gnursjr2]

Psych is really hard to find travel jobs in, especially now. I don't recommend traveling if that is your speciality, there is no real demand. You can find a job, but it takes ALOT of work and persistance. If you are an ICU or L and D RN, you can still make bank as a traveler, they are really in demand. Psych is even hard to find a perm job in now, at least here in So. Cal. Get your BSN 1st, and think real long and hard about travel.

[amberdavis81]

There really aren't a whole lot of psych travel nurse assignments. They are usually few and far between. The majority of travel assignments fall within the ER, OR, ICU & L&D specialties. Most credible assignments will require 2 years of hospital experience within the last year. (for future reference) I have known several travel nurses that love it. I have also heard some horror stories. I would recommend connecting with someone who has been doing it for a while and request a reference to their recruiter.

[ukjenn231]

I love traveling, found a job in my specialty in my preferred location after 18 months as a med/surg tele nurse. I make double the money that I did on the floor. However, I don't know much about the psych job market so it may not be worth it for you.

[GleeGum, BSN, RN]

i can't speak for psych but i'm so glad i'm traveling. one more assignment and i'll be done after two years on the road. it's been a good adventure for a season in life.

[burnoutward, BSN, RN]

Traveling has been the best experience of my career so far as a nurse. I was very afraid when I first left and started. The learning curve is steep but if you are a smart person, determined, or just hell-bent on making it, you'll be fine! I have learned so much and feel like it really helped me become a better nurse. I highly recommend going back to medical floor so it would make you more marketable. However, not saying it's impossible to find a psych travel job.