The federal government will be spending nearly $350,000 on a feasibility study, to explore the possibility of bringing registered psychiatric nurses to Atlantic Canada.

There are currently about 6,000 registered psychiatric nurses in Canada, but they're currently only certified to practice in the western part of the country.

While these nurses are similar to registered nurses and licensed practical nurses that already work in New Brunswick, their education focuses specifically on mental health and addictions.

Introducing this kind of nurse to Atlantic Canada is a potential way to address a current lack of mental health and addictions resources in the area.

The feasibility study is being led by the Registered Psychiatric Nurse Regulators of Canada, and the Nurses Association of New Brunswick is a partner in the study.