Nurses are some of the hardest-working people you'll ever meet. They work long hours, they work weekends, and they often work in incredibly stressful situations. But do mental health nurses get paid more?

Who Are Mental Health Nurses?

Let’s start with the basics: who are mental health nurses? What do they do?

Mental health nurses are health care professionals who help people with mental health illness and emotional problems. They provide support to their patients, as well as educate them on their condition and the best ways to manage it.

Mental health nurses are responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety disorders. They may also be involved in counseling patients with substance abuse problems or those who need help quitting smoking.

These nurses provide support for patients throughout their treatment programs and teach them how to manage their conditions independently once they leave rehab centers or hospitals.

The following are some examples of the type of work that mental health nurses do:

• Assess patients' needs by talking with them about how they feel, what has happened to them recently and how they think others perceive them.
• Diagnose patients' conditions based on their symptoms and medical history.
• Treat patients with medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs, or cognitive behavioral therapy sessions.

Where Do Mental Health Nurses Work?

Mental health nurses work in various settings and are often employed by private hospitals or nonprofit organizations. Mental health nurses can also work at schools, prisons, rehabilitation centers, and social service agencies.

Mental health nurses are often involved in direct patient care, such as providing therapy sessions to patients with mental illnesses or counseling them on how to cope with their conditions.

Mental health nurses work closely with other medical professionals, such as psychiatrists and psychologists, to ensure that patients receive proper treatment for their conditions.

What Is the Average Mental Health Nurse's Salary?

According to ZipRecruiter, the average mental health nurse salary in the United States is around $77,683, with a median salary of $67,000. That’s a pretty good amount of money for those considering a career in nursing.

Of course, it’s essential to keep in mind that this is an average, and your payment will vary depending on where you live and which position you hold within the field.

What Are The Highest Paying States For Mental Health Nurses?

The top states for mental health nurse salaries are:

What Are the Highest-Paying Mental Health Nurse Jobs?

According to ZipRecruiter, the highest-paying mental health jobs are:

How Do I Become a Mental Health Nurse?

The following steps will guide you through the process of becoming a mental health nurse:

Step #1. Enroll in Nursing School

The first step in becoming a mental health nurse is to get your nursing degree. Nursing degrees are available at many different levels and include two-year associate's degrees, four-year bachelor's degrees, and graduate programs.

Mental health nurses have to have a minimum of an associate's degree, so if you don't have one yet, you'll need to enroll in an associate's degree program before applying for the master's program.

Step #2. Get Licensed 

The second step is to gain licensure as a registered nurse (RN). In most states, this requires graduating from an accredited nursing program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Some states also require continuing education for licensure renewal.

Step #3. Earn Your Certificate

Now it’s time to get certified; there are several organizations that offer certification programs in the United States and abroad.

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers an online education program for those who want to be certified as mental health specialists. In addition, the ANCC offers certification for psychiatric-mental health nurses and generalist nurses who want to specialize in this area of nursing practice.

Step #4. Start Applying For Jobs

Now that you’ve successfully earned your certification. You can start searching for jobs.

Here are some tips on how to apply for jobs:

• Apply directly to the employer – this is usually done via email, telephone, or in-person. Also, check job boards and recruitment agencies. If you have a specific job in mind and want to know more about it before applying, contact the employer directly and ask for an application form.

• Write a good cover letter – make sure your cover letter clearly explains why you want this job and why you are suitable for it. Include relevant experience and skills, but don't exaggerate or brag because this will look unprofessional! Your resume should follow the same format as other candidates' CVs.

See Also: How to Put Together the Most Irresistible New Grad Nurse Resume

How Long Does it Take to Become a Mental Health Nurse?

The typical length of a psychiatric nursing degree program is 4-6 years. However, some schools offer accelerated programs that can be completed in just two years.

In addition, many colleges offer the option of earning an associate's degree in nursing (ADN) or a diploma in nursing (DN) if you already have a bachelor's degree in another field.

If you have a bachelor's degree and want to earn your master's degree in mental health nursing, expect to spend approximately two years getting your master's degree.

Nursing students must complete both classroom instruction and clinical experience before they are eligible to take their licensing exam; this typically takes between 12 and 18 months.

While studying for their exams and completing the clinical experience, students will also participate in an externship program where they will spend time working in an actual nursing setting under the supervision of a licensed nurse.

How Can Registered Psychiatric Nurses Increase Their Salary?

If you are interested in raising your salary as a psychiatric nurse, keep these tips in mind:

Take Continuing Education Courses

One of the best ways to increase your salary as a mental health nurse is through continuous learning through continuing education courses.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), approximately half of all nurses hold certification from one professional organization or another.

These certifications are usually offered through universities, hospitals, or private companies specializing in healthcare training for professionals in specific fields, such as nursing or social work (www.bls.gov).

Move Up the Career Ladder

Registered psychiatric nurses don’t have many opportunities for advancement, but they do exist — especially at larger hospitals or healthcare organizations with multiple facilities across a region or state.

For example, an RPN might move up from staff nurse to charge nurse at one facility before getting promoted again to supervisor or manager at another location within the same company or system

Gain Experience

The more experience you have as an RPN, the better you'll be at your job.

You'll be able to diagnose patients' problems more quickly and efficiently, which means less time spent on each patient and more time for other duties like education and counseling.

You'll also be able to perform specific procedures independently rather than relying on another nurse's assistance.

Work Overtime and Weekends

Nurses who work more hours get paid more money because employers have to pay extra for their time away from home during regular business hours.

Work for a Company That Pays Bonuses

Bonuses are not common in the healthcare industry, but they do exist. If you work for a company that pays bonuses, consider yourself lucky.

You can increase your salary by working hard and ensuring your company is successful.

Difference Between General Nursing and Mental Health Nursing

The main difference is that general nursing is focused on the physical health of the patient, while mental health nursing focuses on the mental illness of a patient.

The role of a general nurse is to offer support and comfort to patients in order to improve their health.

In contrast, the main goal of mental health nurses is to provide treatment for mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.

In addition to this, a mental health nurse will also provide support for those who suffer from addiction problems like drug abuse or alcoholism.

General nurses are expected to be able to handle all types of patients, including those with physical disabilities or medical conditions such as heart failure, asthma, diabetes, and cancer.

They also need to be able to work well under pressure and have excellent communication skills to interact effectively with their patients and other members of staff at all times.

Mental health nurses often help patients recover from traumatic events such as rape or assault by providing them with counseling services and helping them deal with their emotions appropriately so that they can return back into society without any further problems occurring again in the future.

Generally speaking, the hours worked by both types of nurses are similar. Still, there are some slight variations depending on whether they work in an acute hospital setting or long-term care facility.

What Field of Nursing Pays the Most?

The following are some of the highest-paying nursing fields:

Conclusion - Do Mental Health Nurses Get Paid More? 

So there you have it: Nursing salaries are up, and mental health nurses are not making more money than their peers. But does that mean they're paid less for the same work? Not necessarily.

Whether or not mental health nurses get paid more for the same work as all other nurses depends on where they're working—and how much experience they have.

That's why it's so important to do your research before accepting any position in the field of nursing.

And if you want to find out how much money you should be making for what you do, we can help with that too!

Frequently Asked Questions About Mental Health Nurse Salary

Q: Is psychiatric nursing hard?

A: Yes, but it's worth it. The field is constantly changing, and you'll have to keep up with the latest research and best practices. But if you're passionate about helping others, being a psychiatric nurse will be an incredible experience!

Q: Is certification required for mental health nurses?

A: No—you don't have to have any formal training to be a mental health nurse. However, many employers look favorably upon those who have taken courses in their field of expertise and received formal certification from an accredited school or program.

Q: How much does a mental health nurse make in an hour?

A: The average hourly wage for psychiatric nurses is $37 per hour.

We all know that traveling nurses are a dime a dozen, but how much do they make?

Well, it turns out the answer is a LOT. But what's even more interesting is the way that their salaries vary depending on the region and their specialty. 

We've compiled all of this information for you in one place: our comprehensive guide to how much a traveling nurse makes!

So sit back, relax, and read on!

What is a traveling nurse?

Traveling nurses are registered nurses who work in different locations over a period of time.

They provide short-term coverage for hospitals that need extra help during busy times or when staff members are unavailable. 

Unlike locum tenens physicians, who typically work on an assignment basis, traveling nurses typically work under contracts with specific facilities and provide long-term coverage.

How to Become a Travel Nurse?

Becoming a travel nurse can be one of the best decisions you ever make, but it’s not an easy process. 

To become a travel nurse, you need to be prepared to take care of yourself and others, be flexible and adaptable and have thick skin.

You must first have your RN license, which means you have completed your BSN or diploma degree program and passed the NCLEX licensing exam. 

This is the most common requirement for all nurses. Once you've earned your degree, it may take some time before you find an employer who will hire you as a travel nurse. 

In most cases, employers prefer to hire nurses with at least one year of experience in the field because they know that these nurses are not only qualified but reliable too!

How Much Does a Traveling Nurse Make?

According to Indeed.com, the average salary of a traveling nurse is $2,000 per week. 

When you include the company-paid housing accommodations and travel expenses, this figure can easily top $5,000 per week.

However, these numbers vary based on your location and the type of assignment you take on.

Some nurses make as much as $45 an hour, while others make less than $30 per hour. 

The average salary is around $20 an hour, which can go up to $30 per hour if you are in high demand.
The majority of nurses work full-time hours, and they typically work 36 hours per week or more.

The top Paying States For Travel Nurses

Here’s a quick breakdown of the average travel nurse salary by state:

How Much Experience Do I Need to Become a Traveling Nurse?

In order to be eligible for a travel nursing job, you’ll need at least one year of experience as a registered nurse (RN). 

However, experience is only part of the equation. You also need to pass a background check and drug test — no exceptions. 

And if you want to work in high-risk areas like pediatrics or surgery, then you must be able to pass an additional physical exam that will determine whether or not your body is able to handle the rigors of working in that environment.

What are the Travel Nursing Requirements?

• The first thing you need to do is make sure you have a license to practice nursing. 
• The second thing you need to do is make sure that your state board of nursing has registered you as an RN (Registered Nurse). 
• The last thing that needs to be done is make sure that your state board approves of the specialty in which you want to work.

If all three steps are successfully completed, then congratulations! You're ready for the world of travel nursing!

When you're hired by an agency, they will work with you to find an assignment that matches your skills, experience, and interests. 

They'll help you with the travel arrangements—and if you need housing, they can set up temporary accommodations until you find a permanent place to stay.

They'll also ensure that the whole moving process goes smoothly so that when it's time for your first day on the job, there won't be any hassles or surprises.

Difference Between Travel Nursing And Normal Nursing

Travel nurses are temporary workers who take jobs with hospitals or other healthcare facilities for a set period of time. On the other hand, registered nurses have a permanent position in the hospital. 

Travel nurses do not work for one specific place; instead, they move from job to job as needed—often working in multiple states or even countries. 

This aspect makes travel nursing different from traditional nursing professions such as nurse practitioners (NPs), registered nurses (RNS) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs).

Factors That Impact Your Pay as a Traveling Nurse

Here are the factors that impact your pay as a travel nurse:  

1. Location  

The first thing to consider when it comes to how much you can make as a travel nurse is location. 

The more remote the area where you’re working, the less you can expect to make — but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth it. 

If you’re looking for a job in a rural location that has few jobs available, you may not be able to find one at all without traveling.  

2. Experience level  

Another factor that impacts how much you can earn as a travel nurse is your experience level. 

As with any other job, the more experienced you are, the more money you can expect to make, and vice versa. 

You may start out making less than $20 an hour. Still, with time and experience, that number will increase significantly as long as your employer recognizes your skills and value to their company or facility.

3. Your Specialty

Your specialty matters a lot; it will impact how much money hospitals are willing to pay for certain types of nurses over others. 

If they need more nurses in a specific area (like surgery), then they'll offer higher wages for those types of nurses.

4. The Type of Assignment 

Hospitals and other healthcare facilities pay more for highly skilled nursing professionals who have specialized training or certifications.

How To Maximize Your Pay As A Traveling  Nurse?

The travel nursing industry is booming. And, with good reason — a career as a travel nurse offers more opportunities, better pay, and an overall more rewarding experience than many other jobs in healthcare.  

If you're considering becoming a travel nurse, here are some tips for maximizing your pay:

1. Work For the Highest Paying Agency

While agencies don't always advertise their rates, you should be able to find out from them what the average rate is for each hospital that they work with. 

In order to get the highest pay possible, you should try to work at hospitals that have the highest-paying agencies.  

2. Work Long Days

Some agencies pay more if you work 12-hour shifts instead of 8-hour shifts, so try to find assignments where this is an option. 

If you're not sure what's available, ask your recruiter or manager at the beginning of your contract and see if they can find something for you!

3. Choose Your Location Wisely  

The best way to make money as a travel nurse is by choosing a location that has high pay and a low cost of living. 

If you live in a city like San Francisco or New York City and work in another city like Lubbock, Texas, or Prescott, Arizona, then your paycheck will be much bigger than it would be if you worked in the same city where you live. 

4. Choose The Right Specialty  

If you have any specialty certifications (like critical care or pediatrics), then use them when applying for jobs! This can increase your salary by up to 20%.

5. Know Your Worth

Before you start applying for jobs, take some time to research what other travel nurses are making in your area. 

You can use websites like Glassdoor and Indeed to see salary ranges in your city or state.  

6. Search Strategically

Once you know what the going rate is for travel nurse positions in your area, it's time to start searching for jobs that fit within those parameters. 

Search sites like Indeed.com and Americanmobile.com will help keep you up-to-date with open positions around the country as they become available.

It's A Wrap!

The answer to the question, "How much does a traveling nurse make?" is: it depends.

It depends on what kind of traveling nurse you are and whether or not you have experience as one. It also depends on where and when.

If you're just starting out as a traveling nurse, you'll probably start with a lower salary than someone who's been doing it for years—and that's okay! 

You can still make great money, and there are plenty of opportunities for advancement and growth if you stick with it.

But if you want to make the most money possible? Then do your research and find out exactly who is hiring in your area—and then go get 'em!

FAQs

What is the starting salary for a traveling nurse?

The starting salary for a traveling nurse depends on the area of travel and the type of job. 

In general, you can expect to make anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 per year as a traveling nurse. The average salary is $65,000.

Do travel nurses make more money than doctors?

The answer is yes; travel nurses make more money than doctors. 

In fact, according to a Singaporean newspaper, most travel nurses could earn an average of $8,000 per week on the road.

Is it worth being a travel nurse?

It depends.

If you are a traveler who wants to make an impact and develop your skills, then YES! 

It is worth it! If you are looking for something temporary or just want to get through your training, then NO!

Travel nursing is not for everyone. There are many reasons why people choose to travel, but I believe the most important reason is because of the impact you can make on others. 

Travelers get to see so much more than just one hospital or one city.

We get to share our knowledge with other nurses and learn from them as well. It's a win-win situation!

Are you interested in working with people from all walks of life while having the opportunity to live and work abroad?

Travel nurse recruiters are the liaisons between hospitals and travel nurses. Travel nurse recruiting is a great way to see the world.

If you're interested in joining this exciting field, we've put together this guide on becoming a travel nurse recruiter. We'll walk you through everything you need to know about becoming an RN recruiter in today's market—from what it takes to become qualified, how much money you can make, and where you can find jobs.