Are there many WHNP jobs out there?

LaeDeesNP · Dec 15, 2009

I'm a WHNP (currently looking for work) and can tell you that there ARE jobs out there. People may tell you to do ANP or FNP just to give you more options which isn't bad advice, however I knew I wanted to devote my career to caring for women and girls so specializing in WH was the best option for ME. The education is different, which is something to consider. In the ANP and FNP programs, you will be lectured in women's health issues, but the WHNP program is obviously more thorough and detailed.

I suppose another thing to consider is your ability to relocate. This may be an issue no matter which program you choose, depending on the job market in your area.

I hope this helps. :)

SydneyJo1 · Dec 15, 2009

I'm a WHNP (currently looking for work) and can tell you that there ARE jobs out there. People may tell you to do ANP or FNP just to give you more options which isn't bad advice, however I knew I wanted to devote my career to caring for women and girls so specializing in WH was the best option for ME. The education is different, which is something to consider. In the ANP and FNP programs, you will be lectured in women's health issues, but the WHNP program is obviously more thorough and detailed.
I suppose another thing to consider is your ability to relocate. This may be an issue no matter which program you choose, depending on the job market in your area.
I hope this helps. :)

Thank you! I am kind of torn. I am interested in women's health and that is where my passion lies, but I am also afraid of working so hard to complete an NP program and then ending up not being able to find a job because my degree is too specific. I have looked at the curriculum of several programs, and you are right--there is SOME women's health taught, but not much. Hmmmm...what to do, what to do..... :)

amberfnp · Dec 16, 2009

SydneyJo1,

Like you, I am interested in womens health, but I chose to do an FNP program for better "marketability" and a broader scope of job opportunities. I have one year left in the program.

Most of what I am seeing in my area wants a womens health certification though. Planned Parenthood will use an FNP though...and their hours look good! Now I'm just trying to find out a little more about their salaries and benefits.

SydneyJo1 · Dec 16, 2009

Are you noticing many jobs in women's health in your area then? I know it varies from place to place, and I live in an urban area with many hospitals and clinics, so maybe that will increase my odds? It is such a hard decision--go with what you are most interested in, or play it safe with a broader certification.

cguidry09 · Dec 16, 2009

I am a WHNP of 5 years with 25 years Obstetric exp. who relocated to Ca from Texas 6 months ago after getting married and I still have not found a job like the one I left in Texas. There are jobs available but most WHNP's once they get in a good position they don't leave it. There seems to be more FNP jobs in Southern Ca. My biggest road blocks are facilities wanting you to be bilingual and some even specify they will test you and you must be at least a level II. And wanting you to be proficient in Ultrasounds which I did not need where I was at becasue we had an Ultrasound tech. I was more concerned with making sure I was proficient in how to insert Implanons, IUD's do EMB's etc.

If I had to do it over again, I would would still be a WHNP becasue that is where my passion lies and I believe you should work in the area you are passionate about, but the additional research I would have done before relocating would have been to find out the basic skill requirements for WHNP's in the area I was moving to and would have made sure I had the ultrasound cert. before coming and maybe I would have brushed up on my spanish before coming. Which I don't feel should be a requirement for employment, as long as you have a someone staffed that is bilingual.

So to answer your question, yes there are jobs, but you have to research your area and stay progressive in your skills, to be competitive and get the good jobs.

LaeDeesNP · Dec 16, 2009

Another point to keep in mind is the ability to get a post-masters certificate in another specialty (FNP, ANP) if you want to broaden your options. Now, having said that... Do I think someone is going to spend 1-2+ years on their masters degree and go right back to school? No. BUT, it's an option. That's my "ace in the hole" if I need it. I had a few other personal issues driving my decision, but the post-masters option was always in the back of my mind.

If you hope and plan to stay in your current area, Sydney, possibly consider "cold-calling" Ob/Gyns or clinics in your area to find out if they hire WHNPs, only WHNPs or if they're open to FNPs or ANPS; and other marketability questions you may have. I think you'll be surprised at the information you'll find which may help you to make a decision.

My ultimate advice is to follow your heart. Like I said, I'm not employed at the moment (however, there are personal reasons for that, too!) :) but I am optimistic that the work will be there. What actually puts me at ease is that I am CERTAIN that I chose the right degree program which will make me happy thoughout my career.

SydneyJo1 · Dec 16, 2009

Excellent points. Thank you so much for the advice and for your perspectives!