Travel psych nursing jobs offer a unique opportunity for psychiatric nurses to explore new destinations while continuing to work in their specialty. These positions are ideal for those who have a sense of adventure and a desire to see new places, while also providing valuable experience and skill-building in the field of mental health nursing. In this article, we’ll explore what it means to be a travel psych nurse, the benefits of this type of position, and how to find the best opportunities.
What is a Travel Psych Nurse?
A travel psych nurse is a licensed psychiatric nurse who works on a short-term contract basis at different healthcare facilities across the country. These positions can be located in hospitals, mental health facilities, or residential treatment centers, and typically last anywhere from 8 to 26 weeks. During this time, the travel nurse will work with patients who have a wide range of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Benefits of Travel Psych Nursing Jobs
There are many reasons why psychiatric nurses may choose to pursue travel nursing positions. Some of the main benefits include:
- Opportunity to explore new locations: For those who enjoy travel, working as a travel nurse can be an exciting opportunity to see new parts of the country.
- Flexible schedule: Travel nursing positions typically offer more flexible schedules than traditional nursing jobs, allowing nurses to take time off between assignments to travel or spend time with family.
- Increased pay: Travel nursing positions often pay more than traditional nursing jobs, with some positions offering sign-on bonuses and other incentives.
- Professional growth: Working as a travel nurse provides the opportunity to gain experience working with diverse patient populations and in different healthcare settings.
Finding Travel Psych Nursing Jobs
There are many resources available for those interested in pursuing travel nursing positions. Some of the best places to look for travel psych nursing jobs include:
- Recruiting agencies: Many travel nursing positions are filled through staffing agencies that specialize in travel nursing. These agencies can help you find positions that match your skills and experience, and may also provide support for travel and housing arrangements.
- Job boards: There are many job boards that specialize in travel nursing positions. Some popular sites include TravelNursing.org, NurseFly, and American Mobile.
- Networking: Networking with other nurses and mental health professionals can be a great way to learn about travel nursing opportunities. Joining professional organizations and attending conferences and other events can help you make valuable connections in the field.
FAQs
Q: What qualifications do I need to work as a travel psych nurse? | A: To work as a travel psych nurse, you will need to be a licensed registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) with experience in psychiatric nursing. Some positions may require additional certifications or training. |
Q: How long do travel nursing assignments typically last? | A: Travel nursing assignments can last anywhere from 8 to 26 weeks, depending on the position and the needs of the healthcare facility. |
Q: Is travel nursing a good choice for new graduates? | A: While travel nursing can be a great opportunity for experienced nurses, it is generally not recommended for new graduates. Most travel nursing positions require at least one year of experience in a clinical setting. |
Q: What types of mental health disorders will I be working with as a travel psych nurse? | A: As a travel psych nurse, you will work with patients who have a wide range of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. |
Conclusion
Travel psych nursing jobs provide an exciting and rewarding opportunity for psychiatric nurses who are looking to explore new destinations while continuing to work in their field. With the right training, experience, and support, travel nurses can gain valuable experience and build their skills while enjoying all the benefits of travel. Whether you’re a seasoned psychiatric nurse or just starting out in your career, travel psych nursing jobs may be the perfect way to take your career to the next level.