Demand for CRNAs in the northwest

[futurenp]

I've been seriously considering becoming a CRNA. I live in the Pacific Northwest south of Seattle. I have a friend who is an anesthesiologist who mentioned that he didn't think there was much demand for CRNAs here. He said that the doctors are attracted to the coasts which leaves most of the demand for CRNAs in the midwest. Is that true? If I did get through school would I find it difficult to find work?

[sway]

I also live in the NW area, and have searched extensively for information indicating the avalibility of jobs. I definetly found a few on the various internet employment sites. I figure that for every job posted on the internet, there are probably another 4 or 5 that aren't. Any thoughts on this anyone?

I figured another solution would be to do Locum work in other states. I emailed about 4 recruiters from travel companies and found that unlike many travel companies for RNs, they could all place a new CRNA grad. Of course, you'd have to be very careful about what kind of assignment you took, but I think your education would prepare you to make that decision.

I also contacted some CRNAs via email from various states (actually, officers from the fancy state Association of Nurse Anesthetists) and asked about the employment potential in their states. Unfortunately, only about 30% of them wrote back, which I thought was pretty weak for a so-called "Professional Association".

The AANA was helpful in giving me some contacts in various states, too.

Finally, I concluded that I shouldn't worry much more about finding work, and start studying instead.