Are there enough psych nurse practitioner jobs in areas that have those programs?

Well, this one is rather specialized, so I actually wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't get answers, but it's worth a try (I will also post this question on forums that are specifically nurse-related, but the more postings, the more chances to obtain a wide spectrum of information, I always say.) Anyway, here's the quesion. Do people find that there are actually enough psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner jobs in areas which have those programs? (I'm specifically thinking of the Portland, OR area, although that certainly isn't the one which has a well-known program of that kind.) Or is it one of those cases where once there is a recession, the market becomes saturated very quickly? I do think this is a lot less likely to be the case in health care, but I really want to do the research before even thinking seriously about the idea of going through this program. This represents the first stage of putting out some feelers.All advice welcome! :)

Are you currently a nurse practitioner?

Thanks for your reply. :) I'm a master's level social worker and also a CNA. My area of practice is psychiatric social work (well, it would be right now if it were possible to actually get a job in my field at the current time.) Most social workers have very little interest in the medical end of mental health, particularly psychopharmacology, but I do-- I really think we cannot afford to ignore these areas when working with our clients. I'm beginning to think that there will come a day when I need to work with clients in a more effective way and find that I cannot do it as a social worker. However, I do have some concern about the *normal* job situation in areas that have these types of accelerated nurse practitioner programs for people without pre-existing BSN's. I'm not talking about right now, when the job market is such a disaster for everyone. Does anyone have thoughts on this?

Sharpie in Brentwood, Tennessee said: Well, this one is rather specialized, so I actually wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't get answers, but it's worth a try (I will also post this question on forums that are specifically nurse-related, but the more postings, the more chances to obtain a wide spectrum of information, I always say.) Anyway, here's the quesion. Do people find that there are actually enough psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner jobs in areas which have those programs? (I'm specifically thinking of the Portland, OR area, although that certainly isn't the one which has a well-known program of that kind.) Or is it one of those cases where once there is a recession, the market becomes saturated very quickly? I do think this is a lot less likely to be the case in health care, but I really want to do the research before even thinking seriously about the idea of going through this program. This represents the first stage of putting out some feelers.All advice welcome! :)

I am always looking for Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners in the Warsaw, NY area.

You would be best off practicing in a rural area where it is difficult to lure psychiatrists. In MN, for example, the job market is pretty good as the majority of the state is rural and programs serving rural areas find it difficult to retain staff after their internship/rural practitioners stint is over.