CNM vs CNM/WHNP combined programs?

[Nurse Alyssa]

I have heard different opinions about the Certified Nurse Midwife degree compared with the combined CNM/Women's Healthcare NP degrees offered by some schools. Does anyone have some advice about how much more scope of practice the WHNP would add on to the CNM's scope? Am I incorrect in thinking that the CNM can practice prenatal, antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and well-woman care as well as primary care of the woman through the lifespan. Doesn't the WHNP do mostly well-woman and primary care? Please correct me if I am wrong and offer me some advice if possible. I'm trying to select graduate programs !

Thanks for your help!

Alyssa

[danceluver]

i am going through the same conflict, lol. I plan on doing a dual cert--whether its CNM/WHNP or CNM/FNP i am still figuring it out, did you receive any good information? I am thinking maybe the CNM/WHNP might be overkill? not sure

[cstern]

Does anyone have some advice about how much more scope of practice the WHNP would add on to the CNM's scope? Am I incorrect in thinking that the CNM can practice prenatal, antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and well-woman care as well as primary care of the woman through the lifespan. Doesn't the WHNP do mostly well-woman and primary care? Please correct me if I am wrong and offer me some advice if possible. I'm trying to select graduate programs !

I'm wondering the same thing - I'm planning on becoming a CNM, and I'm wondering if I should limit myself to those programs that offer a dual certificate (CNM/WHNP) or if the CNM will be all I'll ever need?? I understand that there are certain political climates in which the WHNP is more marketable, but is this the only reason to add the WHNP? Are there any cases where the WHNP license would allow for a greater scope of practice?

Thanks!!

[ejohnson2]

I am in the same boat as well but I have decided on the CNM only route. From what I have read and researched WHNP and CNM do pretty much the same thing except that CNM's can do L&D. Also, yes there is a "political climate" where WHNP are more desirable and insurance for CNMs is significantly higher.

[RunBabyRN]

I'm looking at a CNM/WHNP program myself, and I figure that for a few extra units, why not?? It'll likely make you more marketable in at least some places. I would imagine there's a wider scope of practice, but I could be wrong. In my case, I want to be able to provide more comprehensive care than just pregnancy and reproductive-related care (I realize CNMs can do more than this), so I see no harm in the little bit of extra work for the WHNP. But that's me. :)