FNP or WHNP

Nursing Students NP Students

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So I debating which program to concentrate in when I go back to school. I currently work in Labor and Delivery as a staff RN and ultimately I love women's health especially pregnant women! My concern is that I've been told that WHNP makes finding a job a lot harder and the pay isn't as good. How true is this? I'm leaning towards FNP just in case I want to do something different along the road but I do want to make sure that FNP prepares me for working in women's health since that is where my experience is in currently.

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The employment situations will vary from region to region. Here in my state of Virginia, employment for WHNPs has been tightening. At the state NP conference this year, I talked with many WHNPs with 10+ years of experience who are going back to school for post-master's FNP certifications. According to these WHNPs, most local employers are favoring FNPs for current open positions.

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Specializes in labor & delivery.

I agree with UVA....I was set to do WHNP and have changed to FNP. I have always done OB nursing and love women's health. But the OB's in my area have mostly FNP's in their offices. There are still some WHNP's around. I am going FNP to be more marketable/keep options open, but could still end up in women's health. Good luck whatever you decide.

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Thank you. This really helps. I think I'll go with FNP then so I can be more marketable.

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I had the same debate. i've worked the last four years labor and delivery and love women's health. after speaking with multiple MD's, NP's, a few frontier alum - I have opted for the FNP route too

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Specializes in Pediatrics, High-Risk L&D, Antepartum, L.

I wonder why OB/GYN offices would prefer FNP. I would actually be annoyed if my office had a FNP and not whnp. I don't see my family doc for my girl parts....I want the specialist. I find this kind of sad. That being said...here I see WHNPs employed.

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The employment for the WHNP is definitely more difficult. I have met FNPs who work in women's health however. You could try this avenue and still be marketable to practice family medicine, peds, or urgent care. Also once you get your FNP you could consider a post masters certificate for WH. Just a thought. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

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I wonder why OB/GYN offices would prefer FNP. I would actually be annoyed if my office had a FNP and not whnp. I don't see my family doc for my girl parts....I want the specialist. I find this kind of sad. That being said...here I see WHNPs employed.

I have seen both fNP and whnp in the office. I think some of it depends on your experience- before my fnp went to graduate school her experience was in women's health

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That makes sense southern belle. That's what I will be starting out. FNP with all women health experience as RN. I'm thinking I want to work in a OB-GYN office starting out since that's what I know but I'm friendly open to other options which is why I chose FNP. I want choices!

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That makes sense southern belle. That's what I will be starting out. FNP with all women health experience as RN. I'm thinking I want to work in a OB-GYN office starting out since that's what I know but I'm friendly open to other options which is why I chose FNP. I want choices!

me too with the experience. Women's health is my first love but fnp leaves options open

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