Advise on Getting a Job as WHNP

Published Jan 28, 2011

57 Posts

Hello,

I am currently a B.S.N student in an accelerated programs and am half way done. When I applied I was also accepted in the school's Women's Health and Adult Health Master's Program. In the Fall 2011, I will be starting my Master's which takes four semesters. I decided to get the Adult Health as a backup given it only adds a single semester and double the amount of clinic hours (~1100 hours) I will have to do. I have heard getting a job as a WHNP can be very difficult and am looking for advise on ways to improve my chances of landing a job

My first B.S. is in biology, so I thought maybe I should look into being a research assistant for someone doing research in an area related to reproduction at my school. I am unsure if a clinic would find research experience valuable when looking to hire an new WHNP.

I have also thought about working as an R.N while my master's, but I would be forced to sign a two year commitment as a new graduate. I have thought about trying to work at an reproduction-related office, but don't think they would want a new grad. (If this is untrue, please let me know)

I have also entertained the idea of finding out some way to be involved in sex education, once I sit the NCLEX. I am really unsure if this would be possible though. My attempts to pursue this avenue have not been a successful yet.

I REALLY want to work as a WHNP. A big area of interest to me since my first undergraduate degree has been reproduction. I have done several projects on the HPG axis, reproductive conditions, and even an interspecies comparison of estrogen receptor binding sites. I would appreciate any advice on what would be most valuable to pursue. It seems like I have many idea but can't figure out which ones are worth trying to follow or in what order. Thank you for any advice in advance.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth