CNM vs WHNP

Dayray, RN · Nov 5, 2005

If you want to deliver babies and prenatal care then you want to be a CNM.

WHNP provide well women exams and GYN reated outpatient services. CNM's can also do most of those things and can deliver babies.

CNM =)

Editorial Team / Admin · Nov 5, 2005

i've tried to search the website to find the answer to this, but haven't had any luck.
my questions is: what is the difference between a certified nurse midwife and a women's health nurse practioner (ob/gyn nurse practitioner)? i know that i want to become an np specializing in women's health and prenatal care, but i'm not sure which route is better/more appropriate/more marketable.
thanks!
rachel

hello and to allnurses.com

try this link here at allnurses

https://allnurses.com/forums/f35/ob-nurse-vs-cnm-difference-121830.html

much discussion regarding the ob np (which i am in addition to fnp) and the cnm.

hopes this helps.

Rachel921 · Nov 6, 2005

Great, thanks! That helps alot.

So I read in the other thread that some WHNP's do deliver babies, in some states. Does anyone happen to know which ones?

Thanks!

Rachel

Editorial Team / Admin · Nov 6, 2005

Great, thanks! That helps alot.
So I read in the other thread that some WHNP's do deliver babies, in some states. Does anyone happen to know which ones?
Thanks!
Rachel

Hello, Rachel,:balloons:

I have staff privileges at a hospital here in my area (Arkansas) and deliver when taking ER call.

HeartsOpenWide, RN · Nov 8, 2005

The school of my choice, once I get my BSN gets you both CNM and WHNP.

gypsyatheart · Nov 9, 2005

If you don't mind,what school are going to? I'm in Cali also, although, southern, not northern, but am planning on obtaining FNP/WHNP/CNM, one or the other....would love to have combined CNM/WHNP.

alohanursejenn · Nov 16, 2005

Univ of Utah offers a combined CNM/WHNP dual program or you can do CNM or WHNP. I decided to finish CNM and take boards and work because it takes 2 more semesters to finish WHNP and they will work with you and you can finish post masters WHNP.

Many places want CNM, others want WHNP because some states CNM's are not as recognized.

I know a few WHNP's who hold certificates and not Master's degrees.

NCC will require a master's degree in 2007 to sit for WHNP boards. Those who are trained by certificate programs will have to get their master's if they are delinquent in renewing their license.

CNM and WHNP are different degrees and you can hold both, but have to take 2 boards and obtain licenses for both in the state you work.

I had not heard of any WHNP's doing deliveries until I read the comments on this board.

midwife2b · Nov 18, 2005

In my state only a CNM can offer delivery services.

I have both a WHNP education and a CNM education. I REALLY missed L&D after I finished my WHNP but it took several years and a few bonks on the head before I figured out I'd get the best of both worlds as a CNM.

I'm starting my new position in 10 days. Tomorrow is my last day of work as a L&D nurse. I KNOW i've finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up!

tam06 · Nov 18, 2005

can you help me get through this!I am tamara.

FINDURPASSION · Nov 21, 2005

A bit off the current topic...what is the job outlook like for CNMs?.. Are some states better than others?

midwife2b · Nov 21, 2005

The job market seems to vary week to week. For example, I am on a listserv and last month received notice of over a dozen job openings in my state. The ACNM website did not list any of these jobs. So the website is a good place to start, but is not the end-all-be-all.

If you are contemplating midwifery, it may be a good idea to find a CNM where you want to live and get info from her/them.

Another way to determine interest is to write physician practices and give them some information on how a nurse midwife might assist with their practice. One of my classmates did this and recieved a response from many OB and FP practices that never thought about adding a CNM to their practice.