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Discussion

Anyone Else Torn on Specialty??

Hello all

I am currently a nurse in the ER... I also work PRN as a rounding and triage nurse for the Cardiologist group in a large metropolitan hospital.

I have two very different interests... I like critical care/cardiology and I also am very interested in labor/delivery.. natural family planning..extended breastfeeding.. that whole "crunchy" pregnancy side. So I'm torn between becoming a FNP and being able to have a lot more options open to getting a job... although most likely I would have to drive an hour into the city (we live in Iowa)... or become a CNM and I would start my own practice in my area... the closest midwives are again in the city about an hour away. There is one that works part time at another rural hospital 40 minutes away and that is it. So the market in my area is very open.

I just don't know what to do... I know it is my decision but I am one of those people who discuss things to think/process. Anyone else have a struggle deciding which way to go? Any thoughts? I live in Iowa so technically I can practice independently.. we are one of the best states with some of those licensure things.

Interested to hear everyone else's thoughts/experiences etc.

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    I had a hard time deciding between FNP and acute care. I ultimately chose acute care because I want to stay inpatient. I know FNPs can, and do, work inpatient, however, what is most important to me is that the programs educate for acute care vs primary. I wanted to feel better prepared to fulfill the roles I want to work.

    It was a hard decision to make, and one I was scared to. With AGACNP, you cut out age populations, and the limited options from that terrified me. However, I feel like I made the right decision for me. You just have to decide which you see yourself invested in for the long haul. At least as an FNP, you do have the possibility of working in somewhere women's health, although you wouldn't be able to do exactly what it is you would want.

    Could you shadow both roles for a few shifts before you make a decision?

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    Have you considered Women's Health NP? (WHNP) This would give you the women's side of things and the nurse practitioner side of things, as opposed to CNM. Alternatively you could go FNP, but I suspect you might need another cert or so to be competent in L&D.

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    Have you considered Women's Health NP? (WHNP) This would give you the women's side of things and the nurse practitioner side of things, as opposed to CNM. Alternatively you could go FNP, but I suspect you might need another cert or so to be competent in L&D.

    The scope of a CNM actually exceeds that of an WHNP.

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    I was accepted for the FNP program but was always interested in psych. I had worked ICU, acute rehab, skilled, and psych. I kept coming back to psych and liked the population. I spoke to the professor of the psych program and the professor of the FNP program and they really helped me clarify what it was that I wanted to do for patients. I am a year in to my psych program and I am so glad made the switch.

    If the 'crunchy stuff' is what really rocks your boat than that may be your path, although I would try to shadow a CNM for awhile and really get an understanding of the day to day job.

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    I also am very interested in labor/delivery.. natural family planning..extended breastfeeding.. that whole "crunchy" pregnancy side.

    Do you mean "squishy?"

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    Do you mean "squishy?"

    No, crunchy is used to describe almost anything more hippie type. .. eating natural, natural/med free birth, exclusive breastfeeding, extended breastfeeding, co sleeping, baby wearing, etc

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    No, crunchy is used to describe almost anything more hippie type. .. eating natural, natural/med free birth, exclusive breastfeeding, extended breastfeeding, co sleeping, baby wearing, etc

    Oh, never heard of that. My wife and I were talking about this type of stuff the other day. We're against it, lol.

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    • Author

    Haha... well I have to admit before I ever experienced pregnancy/birth.. before I ever truly researched it and read A LOT about it I always thought those "crunchy hippy" people were crazy. There is a LOT of benefit to a lot of the practice. Now we're not super that way as I am still very pro vaccination :-) But I get both sides since I've been on the other before

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    • Author

    Haha... well I have to admit before I ever experienced pregnancy/birth.. before I ever truly researched it and read A LOT about it I always thought those "crunchy hippy" people were crazy. There is a LOT of benefit to a lot of the practice. Now we're not super that way as I am still very pro vaccination :-) But I get both sides since I've been on the other before...

    I've also thought about being a FNP and just being "Known" for supporting natural living, extended breastfeeding etc...

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