CNM vs WHNP

[ScreamBoxDolly]

Alrighty, so I have been now doing L and D for 2 years and have found it to be my calling. Originally I thought I would be med-surg certified by now, but holy crap after 5 years I have finally realized what I want to do :) And never in a million years would I think L and D lol (in nursing school I was like 'never will be a labor nurse!!!!', boy did I eat those words). But ever since last year, I know that I would like to advance my degree and do either CNM or WHNP. My dilemma is that I don't know which one to go for. I have heard go for CNM vs WHNP. In Michigan, I feel there is more of a push towards Family NP instead of WHNP.....but I don't want to do FNP at all, no desire whatsoever. But I do want to make the best decision. Do I really want to be in control of deliveries.... no not really, that is why I am more inclined to do WHNP, but I am hearing there is more of a want for CNM.

Ladies and gentleman I need your guidance. Also school recommendations that seem reasonably priced/good education within this convo would be more than welcome too!

[klone, MSN, RN]

My thoughts as a women's health nurse who is NOT an APRN, but works with wonderful CNMs and WHNPs daily:

If you think there is even the remotest inkling that you may want to manage labor or work in the inpatient L&D setting, go for the CNM. As a CNM, you can do everything a WHNP can do, PLUS you can manage labor/catch babies. There are CNMs who just work clinic, so you can still do that if you want. The CNM is a more versatile degree and opens more doors and greater opportunities.

As far as programs, the only one I'm personally familiar with is Frontier, and the local program in Denver where I live. I can attest that both are great, with excellent reputations. Frontier is a distance learning program, with all the didactics online and the clinical rotation done locally. Just make sure there is a robust CNM/WHNP community local to you, or you may have to relocate for 6 months while you do your clinicals.

[ScreamBoxDolly]

Thanks for replying back! I am actually looking at frontier for my schooling :-)