Are you a registered nurse with a passion for psychiatric care? Do you enjoy traveling and experiencing new places? If so, you may want to consider a career as a travel psych RN. This type of nursing job offers unique opportunities to work on short-term assignments all over the country while earning a high salary.
What is a Travel Psych RN?
A travel psych RN is a registered nurse who works on short-term assignments in various locations around the country. They provide psychiatric care to patients in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. These assignments typically last around 13 weeks, although they can vary in length.
Travel psych RNs are in high demand, especially in rural or underserved areas where healthcare facilities struggle to attract and retain qualified staff. They may also be called upon to provide emergency psychiatric care in response to natural disasters, pandemics, or other crises.
What Are the Benefits of Working as a Travel Psych RN?
There are many benefits to working as a travel psych RN, including:
- High pay: Travel nurses typically earn more than their stationary counterparts due to the short-term nature of their assignments and the need for specialized skills.
- Flexibility: Travel nurses have the ability to choose their assignments and the locations in which they work. This allows them to experience different parts of the country and pursue their passions.
- Professional growth: Travel nurses are exposed to a wide variety of patients, healthcare systems, and medical procedures, which can help them grow professionally and gain new skills.
- Networking opportunities: Travel nurses have the chance to meet new people and make professional connections in various locations around the country. These connections can be valuable when seeking future job opportunities or references.
- Adventure: Travel nursing provides an opportunity to explore new cities and regions all over the country. It’s an exciting way to travel, see new sights, and meet new people.
What Are the Qualifications for Travel Psych RN Jobs?
To work as a travel psych RN, you must have the following qualifications:
- A registered nursing license in good standing in the state(s) where you plan to work
- A minimum of one year of experience in psychiatric nursing
- Basic life support (BLS) certification
- Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and/or pediatric advanced life support (PALS) certification may be required depending on the assignment
- Strong communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Familiarity with electronic medical records (EMRs) and other healthcare technology
How to Find High-Paying Travel Psych RN Jobs
There are many ways to find high-paying travel psych RN jobs, including:
- Contacting healthcare staffing agencies: These agencies specialize in connecting travel nurses with job openings across the country. They often offer competitive pay rates and a variety of assignments to choose from.
- Networking with other travel nurses: Joining online communities or attending industry conferences can help you make connections with other travel nurses and learn about new job opportunities.
- Checking job boards: Websites like Indeed, Monster, and Glassdoor often have listings for travel psych RN jobs. You can filter your search by location, pay rate, and other criteria to find the right assignment for you.
Conclusion
If you’re a registered nurse with a passion for psychiatric care and a love of travel, consider a career as a travel psych RN. These high-paying jobs offer a unique opportunity to explore new parts of the country while honing your skills and making valuable professional connections.
FAQ
Q: How much do travel psych RNs make? | A: Travel psych RNs typically earn between $1,400 and $3,000 per week, depending on their level of experience and the location of their assignment. |
Q: Do travel psych RNs get benefits? | A: Many travel nursing agencies offer benefits packages that include health insurance, 401(k) plans, and other perks. However, these benefits may vary depending on the agency and the specifics of your assignment. |
Q: Are travel psych RN jobs safe? | A: While travel nursing does come with some inherent risks, such as exposure to infectious diseases or unfamiliar healthcare systems, travel psych RNs are highly trained professionals who are equipped to handle these challenges. Before accepting an assignment, it’s important to research the facility and the area to ensure that you feel comfortable with the safety precautions in place. |