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Psych Travel Nursing Jobs

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Psychiatric Unit RN Travel Nursing Guide

Understanding of the need for better mental health care continues to grow in the United States and many other countries. With better advocacy and understanding, demand is higher and consistently growing for psych nurses, and that means there are lots of well-paying psych travel nursing jobs in exciting locations nationwide!

Psych Nurse Travel Careers

A career in psych travel nursing is a great way for you to avoid nurse burnout — the job can still be very demanding and stressful, but the variety of locations and facilities can help keep you fresher and more motivated to care for your patients. It’s also a great way to keep your skills sharp, avoid hospital politics, gain crucial experience, and build your resume. When you travel with Medical Solutions, you’ll also earn great money and have great benefits.

To be successful working in psych nursing you must be adaptable, empathetic, an excellent communicator, patient and cool-headed, able to expertly diagnose and treat patients, a good problem-solver, and able to function well in an environment that can vary.

A psych team’s goal is to assess, stabilize, and treat their patients as quickly as possible. Psych nurses can be the frontline when it comes to assessment and it’s critical for them to collect and document patient data, administer medication, evaluate reactions to medication/treatment/care, develop diagnoses, provide ongoing care to patients, help patients cope, and so much more.

Psych nurses often work in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings, including hospitals, outpatient facilities, home health, mental health organizations, schools, correctional facilities, and more. They may work one-on-one with individuals, or with families and other groups.

Work in the psychiatric unit can be very challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. It’s a great fit for those who really care for patients and gain satisfaction from helping patients emerge from crisis and stabilize their mental health.

Who Works in the Psychiatric Unit?

A wide range of healthcare professionals work in psych or behavioral health units, joining forces to best serve their patients. Pysch team members can include psych RNs, psych CNAs, social workers/case managers, licensed professional counselors, psychiatrists, occupational therapists, sex therapists, nurse practitioners, licensed behavioral analysts, clergy, police officers, EMTs, and administrative staff.

Who’s Treated in the Psychiatric Unit?

A wide range of patients and mental health concerns are treated in the psychiatric unit and other psychiatric facilities. Typically, a psych nurse is involved when a patient seems to be a danger to themselves or others, as well as for preventative care. Psych nurses can often be called into other hospital units or facilities to address mental health concerns there. Thus, patients could be suffering from any type of physical condition or illness that might have them in the hospital and/or could be suffering specifically from mental health issues including suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, severe anxiety, severe depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, nervous breakdown, psychosis, dementia, schizophrenia, and severe changes in sleep, mood, and appetite.

Psych Nurse Requirements

Education requirements for Psych RNs include an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and/or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Additional requirements such as passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) are also required. A Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing Certification (PMH-BC) may be required in addition to the other requirements above. The PMH-BC is available through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Additional requirements for Psych Registered Nurses certification will sometimes include two years of experience as a full-time RN, completion of 30 hours of CE in Mental Health/Psychiatric nursing within the last three years, and at least 2,000 hours in clinical practice.

How Much Do Psych RN Earn?

• National Yearly Average: $79,000-$89,000
• Average Overtime Pay Per Year: $12,125
• Highest Paying States for Psych RNs: Arizona, Wyoming, Massachusetts, Montana, Hawaii, Indiana, New Jersey, Connecticut, Washington, and New York. High end Psych Nurse salaries are sometimes as high as $122,000/year.
• Lowest Paying States for Psych RNs: North Carolina, Texas, Illinois, Michigan, Arkansas, Maine, Idaho, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky. Low end Psych Nurse salaries are sometimes as low as $34,000/year.

Source: indeed.com

Quick Psychiatric Unit Facts

• Required psych RN education: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and/or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), plus passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)
• Required psych certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS), Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI)
• Preferred psych certifications: Management of Assaultive Behavior (MAB), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Required experience to become a travel psych RN: Facilities typically require a minimum of two years of recent, in-hospital experience in order to hire you as a psych travel nurse. You’ll want the benefit of experience since travel nurses have to hit the ground running!
• Average U.S. annual psych RN salary range: $45,000-$121,000
• Locations where psych RNs are in high demand: Demand for psych RNs is growing nationwide! California, Colorado, and Arizona reflect high demand with higher average psych RN salaries.

Find travel Psych Travel Nursing jobs nearby and in destinations all over the United States .

Checkmark a checkmark in a circle that is dark. personalized pay packages.

We offer competitive compensation packages to fit your needs, including a company-matching 401(k)program and/or per diem allowances.

Checkmark A checkmark in a circle that is dark. Insurance Benefits

Medical Solutions Psych travel nurses are eligible for day-one, nationwide medical insurance coverage starting at just $10 per week for a single, basic policy.

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Your dedicated recruiter is there to help guide you throughout your career & Psych travel nursing experience with Medical Solutions.

Checkmark A checkmark in a circle that is dark. Reimbursements

We want to make your travel nursing experience painless. That's why we will provide reimbursements on state licenses or certification fees.

We connect care by staffing healthcare facilities nationwide with caring & compassionate Psychiatric Unit Nurses .

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to your questions about psychiatric unit travel nursing jobs with medical solutions and travel nursing in general..

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Psychiatric Travel Nursing Jobs

Jobs listing, psychiatric job description.

Psychiatric Job Requirements

What is a psychiatric nurse.

First of all, there are two primary types of psychiatric nurses or career paths you can take. First, you can  work as a psych registered nurse . You can also work in more advanced roles like a psychiatric nurse practitioner or psychiatric/mental health advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Mental health nurses are essentially specialized nurses who focus on caring for those with mental illness’s psychological and physical well-being.

They also support the family members and friends of those with mental health conditions. Psych nurses may assess mental health needs and develop nursing plans for care.

National average salary:  $74,651 per year with about $12,125 extra in overtime

Job outlook:  26% increase by 2022

Where Do Psych Nurses Work?

Like with other medical professions, psychiatric nurses find themselves working in both inpatient and outpatient care. These can be hospitals or psychiatric facilities that offer inpatient treatment. Or outpatient care in the patient’s home or a local clinic. Psych nurses have a bit more independence in terms of where they can work. They can also work with a wider variety of patients on their own, making outpatient care a standard option for many.

Other work settings for psychiatric mental health nurses (PMHN) include rehabilitation centers, correctional facilities, mental health agencies, schools, colleges of nursing, and military clinics or hospitals.

What Kind of Patients Are On A Psychiatric Unit?

Although psych nurses work with patients all over the place, they can work with almost every segment of the population. Patients in this unit can be children, adolescents, adults, and older people. They often work with people with substance use disorders and those with eating disorders, among other mental illnesses.

What Does a Psych Nurse Do?

Unlike other traditional nurses, psych nurses don’t treat any conditions. Instead, they work with a larger group of health care professionals to develop and implement care plans. Psych nurses can work with anyone who has a mental or behavioral condition that’s negatively impacting their life.

Depending on the path someone chooses, their duties will vary. The psych nurse essentially develops a nursing diagnosis and a plan of care, implements the treatment plan, and evaluates its effectiveness. On the other hand, APRNs also offer primary care and treat individuals and families with psychiatric disorders, sometimes even offering psychotherapy.

Most responsibilities include:

• Prescribe medications if needed
• Administer medications
• Implement nursing care plans
• Assist in basic needs
• Facilitate group therapy
• Create treatment plans
• Offer psychotherapy
• Coordinate with families, doctors, and other health professionals
• Provide self-care
• Evaluate mental health needs of patients

How Do You Become a Psych Nurse?

A career as a psychiatric nurse can be gratifying and exciting. The path starts by earning either an associate’s degree in nursing or a bachelor of science in nursing. There, prospects need to pass the NCLEX-RN licensure examination to become a registered nurse (RN). After this, many try to spend some time building up nursing skills before moving to a psychiatric nursing path.

It’s possible to work in psychiatry without certification. However, there are some certifications and advanced practices that can help. Those who wish to continue their education can become an advanced training registered nurse (APRN) to earn a master’s or doctoral degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing.

Common certifications:

• Psychiatric-mental Health Nursing RN-BC Credential

What Skills Do You Need to Be a Psych Nurse?

It takes a specific combination of skills to become successful as a psych nurse. Communication, empathy, and interpersonal skills are at the essence. However, setting healthy boundaries and excellent technical skills will also be beneficial. Psychiatric nurses are very hands-on with daily monitoring of their patients, requiring patience, empathy, and organization.

Most common skills for psych nurses include:

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Extensive knowledge about medication effects and interactions
• A critical eye for signs of deteriorating mental processes or advancing mental illness
• Exceptional coordination and collaborative skills
• Good problem solving and adaptability skills

Benefits Of Traveling With Stability Healthcare

Travel nurse salary & benefits, career benefits.

Psychiatric nurses have a unique career filled with ups and downs. If you’re interested in a psychiatric nursing career, these are the steps you need to get started. Also, due to psych nurses’ nature and their flexibility, mental health nurses are often highly coveted travel nurses who can move freely across the country. At  Stability Healthcare , we place nurses in hospitals across the United States, helping them find their perfect roles. See our  open jobs  today!

Travel Nursing Reviews

Jennifer, rn.

The response time from my recruiter and nurse specialist is amazing! They both have been so great to work with on my first assignment out in California!!! Chad and Samantha both are super caring and very responsive! I already extended my contract with the hospital because of the smooth process. They made the transition from Florida to California a lot loss stressful than I imagined. Would definitely recommend them both!!!

My recruiter, and other staff I have had the pleasure of interacting with, are all so friendly and helpful. My recruiter is responsive, and even reached out while she was on vacation to check on me! I’ve worked with other agencies in the past, but Stability is next level when it comes to making your travel nursing experience as seamless as possible! Special shout out to Lindsay (best recruiter ever) and Tracy. Amazing people to work with.

Brittany J.

My recruiter is very responsive and personable. I have NEVER had any issues with them!! This agency even has PTO! None of my co workers with other agencies have this benefit!! Also the rates are equal or higher than most other agencies!! Everything feels more like family than business and for that I would choose stability over any other agency!! I am so happy I chose to work with them!

Sopheare C.

My recruiter Amanda is amazing and always timely with her responses. Debbie who is my nurse experience specialist who is with me all times of the contract is truly awesome. Love how responsive she is and will answer any and all my questions. Big thanks to Jesse my compliance coordinator for making all the appointments and getting me travel ready. Can’t thank my team enough for all they do. Any question or issue I have they resolve right away. And I love that they breakdown each contract into a spread so you know exactly what your getting for the terms of the contract.

I have been incredibly impressed by the professionalism, ease of communication, ability to have all requirements for onboarding fulfilled in a timely manner, and just overall outstanding service. Lindsay Hernandez is my particular recruiter and she has been a pleasure to work with, as well as all the team members at Stability. I’m looking forward to staying with them for my next assignment. I highly recommend them to my nursing friends, and anyone looking to travel as a nurse!

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The Life of a Travel Nurse in California

California, renowned for its diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and iconic landmarks, is not just a tourist haven but also a hub for healthcare professionals seeking adventure and career growth. In recent years, the demand for healthcare services has given rise to a unique profession — travel nursing. Here we will discuss the life of a travel nurse in the Golden State, exploring the challenges, rewards, and the distinctive experiences that come with this dynamic career.

The Pioneering Spirit: Becoming a Travel Nurse in California

Educational journey and licensing.

The journey of a travel nurse often begins with a solid educational foundation. Most travel nurses hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing and accumulate experience in various healthcare settings. California, like many states, requires nurses to be licensed. However, for travel nurses, the process involves obtaining a multi-state license, allowing them to practice across state lines seamlessly. This flexibility is crucial as travel nurses frequently move between assignments in different regions.

The Appeal of California

California, with its diverse healthcare landscape, beckons travel nurses from across the country. The state boasts world-renowned medical facilities, cutting-edge technology, and plenty of travel nurse jobs in California . From the bustling metropolis of Los Angeles to the serene coastal towns, travel nurses in California have the chance to experience a wide array of healthcare settings.

Navigating the Landscape: Challenges and Adventures

Adapting to new environments.

One of the unique challenges of a travel nurse’s life is adapting to new environments rapidly. Each assignment brings a fresh set of colleagues, hospital policies, and community dynamics. While this can be daunting, it also cultivates resilience and adaptability. California, with its diverse population and healthcare systems, offers an ever-changing landscape for nurses to navigate.

Building Rapport with Patients

Establishing rapport with patients is crucial for any healthcare professional, but for travel nurses, the task is amplified. These professionals must quickly gain the trust of patients who might be apprehensive about receiving care from a temporary staff member. However, this challenge is also an opportunity to enhance communication skills and develop a heightened sense of empathy.

Embracing Cultural Diversity

California’s cultural mosaic is reflected not only in its landscapes but also in its healthcare facilities. Travel nurses find themselves working with diverse patient populations, each with unique cultural backgrounds and healthcare expectations. This enriching experience allows nurses to broaden their cultural competence and deliver patient-centered care effectively.

Professional Growth: A Perk of the Travel Nurse Lifestyle

Exposure to varied specialties.

One of the most significant advantages of being a travel nurse in California is the exposure to varied specialties. From the bustling emergency departments of urban hospitals to the specialized units in suburban clinics, travel nurses gain a breadth of experience that contributes to their professional growth. This exposure often leads to the development of a versatile skill set that can significantly enhance their future career prospects.

Networking Opportunities

The transient nature of travel nursing fosters a unique networking environment. Nurses constantly collaborate with new colleagues, doctors, and other healthcare professionals. These connections can be invaluable for career growth, providing opportunities for mentorship, recommendations, and even future job placements. The expansive healthcare network in California further amplifies these networking opportunities.

Skill Enhancement through Continuing Education

To maintain licensure, nurses are required to engage in continuous education. For travel nurses in California, this often involves taking advantage of the state’s numerous educational resources. Whether it’s attending conferences in San Francisco, participating in workshops in Silicon Valley, or enrolling in online courses, the state offers a plethora of opportunities for skill enhancement and professional development.

Lifestyle: Exploring the Wonders of California

Balancing work and leisure.

While the life of a travel nurse is inherently dynamic, California provides ample opportunities for balancing work and leisure. From the iconic beaches of Malibu to the picturesque landscapes of Yosemite National Park, travel nurses can explore the wonders of the state during their downtime. This balance not only enhances their overall well-being but also contributes to a fulfilling and enriching lifestyle.

Embracing Culinary Delights

California’s culinary scene is as diverse as its population. Travel nurses have the chance to indulge in a variety of cuisines, from the seafood delights of the coast to the farm-to-table experiences in Napa Valley. Exploring local eateries becomes a cultural adventure, allowing nurses to savor the unique flavors that each region has to offer.

Community Engagement and Volunteerism

Beyond the clinical setting, travel nurses often engage with local communities through volunteer opportunities. Whether participating in health fairs, offering free clinics, or contributing to community outreach programs, these experiences enable nurses to make a positive impact beyond their professional roles. California’s vibrant communities welcome the support of healthcare professionals, creating a sense of fulfillment and camaraderie.

Navigating Logistics: Housing, Travel, and Finances

Housing challenges and solutions.

Securing temporary housing is a perpetual challenge for travel nurses, and California’s competitive housing market intensifies this struggle. Many travel nurses opt for stipends and choose to find their own housing, navigating the local rental market. Alternatively, some take advantage of agency-provided housing, easing the burden of accommodation logistics.

Traveling Across the State

California’s vast expanse poses unique challenges for travel nurses who may need to travel considerable distances between assignments. Whether driving along the Pacific Coast Highway or flying between major cities, travel nurses become adept at managing the logistical aspects of their journeys. While this adds a layer of complexity to their lifestyle, it also allows them to explore different facets of the state.

Financial Considerations

Managing finances is a crucial aspect of a travel nurse’s life. From negotiating contracts to understanding tax implications, travel nurses must navigate the financial landscape with precision. Fortunately, the financial rewards of travel nursing often compensate for the complexities, with higher pay rates, stipends, and benefits that contribute to a lucrative and satisfying career.

Final Thoughts

The life of a travel nurse in California is a unique blend of challenges and adventures, offering unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth . From the fast-paced urban environments to the tranquil coastal communities, travel nurses in the Golden State navigate a diverse landscape that enriches their lives in ways beyond the professional realm. With each assignment, they contribute to the health and well-being of communities while carving out a fulfilling and dynamic career path in one of the most sought-after destinations for healthcare professionals.

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