Can a WHNP open their own practice?

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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

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Specializes in CTICU.

50 states, 50 rules. Check out the regulations for the state you intend to work in.

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Specializes in Acute rehab/geriatrics/cardiac rehab.

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 :)

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Specializes in NP Business Coach, Mentor, Business Ed..

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

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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?

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Pearson Report has information on all the states.

http://www.webnp.net/ajnp.html

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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

In 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.

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