Hi,I'm just starting an RN program this fall so this question is for far off in the future, but know I want to end up a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner. It hadn't occurred to me before today though that a WHNP might not be able to have an independent practice. What are the opportunities available for this specialty? What are the restrictions? ~Sib
allnurses Guide ghillbert, MSN, NP 3,796 Posts Specializes in CTICU. Has 27 years experience. Aug 15, 2008 50 states, 50 rules. Check out the regulations for the state you intend to work in.
mom and nurse 513 Posts Specializes in Acute rehab/geriatrics/cardiac rehab. Aug 16, 2008 Just as the ghillbert mentioned, every state (and the District of Columbia) have different rules. For example, I'm licensed in Maryland and DC. In DC NPs have been known to set up their own practices, in Maryland you must have a "Collaborative Agreement" with a physician before you are able to practice.It depends on where you practice.And Welcome to all nurses :)
BarbaraNP 68 Posts Specializes in NP Business Coach, Mentor, Business Ed.. Aug 18, 2008 You can open a practice in almost any state. That said, you will need to follow the regulations in place for that state.The opportunities for WHNPs are wide open, as they are for all NPs. Just depends on what you want to focus on, where and how you want to practice.Best wishes!BarbaraNP
tolagyal 18 Posts Aug 21, 2008 In DC NPs have been known to set up their own practices, in Maryland you must have a "Collaborative Agreement" with a physician before you are able to practice.It depends on where you practice.And Welcome to all nurses :)Is there a central place to find info about each states position?
Editorial Team / Admin sirI, MSN, APRN, NP 18 Articles; 30,666 Posts Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB. Aug 21, 2008 Pearson Report has information on all the states. http://www.webnp.net/ajnp.html
ANPFNPGNP 685 Posts Aug 21, 2008 Hi,I'm just starting an RN program this fall so this question is for far off in the future, but know I want to end up a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner. It hadn't occurred to me before today though that a WHNP might not be able to have an independent practice. What are the opportunities available for this specialty? What are the restrictions? ~SibIn Texas, you can own your own practice, but you will still have to have a collaborative agreement with a physician. I know a WHNP who does just that and she pays an OB/GYN to "oversee" her. Even if you are able to practice in a state with no physician oversite, it may be very difficult to get credentialed with insurance companies. I know someone who opened her practice over a year ago and she is just now getting credentialed with insurance companies (she said it has been a nightmare). Up until then, she only accepted cash...she has a minor emergency/primary care clinic.
