I am finishing my BSN in December and want to go into psych nursing. I am also flexible about relocating to California. Any advice on psych nursing in California, work-life balance, and pay rate?

First of all, CA is a big state so you will need to decide if you want to live in NoCA or SoCA. Keep in mind, CA is in middle of drought and prone to wildfires, heavily taxed, high rate of homeless. I hate to rain on your parade but just check out the stats before you move here. God knows it is a beautiful state. I worked in psych for my county and while pay was less, I was given a nice pension. I would recommend you work on med-surg floor 1-2 yrs prior to entering psych. This will help you a great deal as psych overlaps with medical; you will also becomes skilled in organization- a must.You must then decide if you want to work in- patient, outpatient clinic, psych emergency or home health psych.

I’d stay where you are right now and get some experience for a year or two then travel and get a travel nurse job to make more money. Just my opinion.

Apply for the Hospitals in which you would like to work. Go to a few interviews for those hospitals. Select the best offer for your pay, living, and distance to home. There always be opportunities for your "dream job". Get into a place and learn the specialty then look for your "dream". Good luck!