CNM vs Womens health NP

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Specializes in NICU.

i posted this question in a different section but that was before i found this thread. It seems like this is a better place for my question. What is the difference between a womens health NP and a CNM?? I know i want to do something with OB but the destinctions between the two are starting to confuse me. :confused:

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

VERY close in scope, but different programs of study. If you want to deliver babies and provide care of women during pregnancy specifically, you really would likely best go into CNM study. Their focus is on women's health, as is that of the WHNP, but more focused on childbearing/breastfeeding as well. WHNP provide well-woman care, as CNM's do, but their focus is mostly in the office environment, not in the labor/delivery situation. To further explain/define their roles, I have linked you with a couple of articles courtesy of Medline. Please note, there are people who hold BOTH certifications.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002000.htm

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001934.htm

Their scopes definately overlap, and they do a lot of the same things, primarily when it comes to women's health. Like I said, however, if your goal is to care for the childbirthing family before, during and after delivery, then you really would want to choose to study to be a midwife.

HTH!

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What about Clinical Nurse Specialists? Does the role of the CNS usually involve teaching medical staff or hands on pt. care. I have heard mixed information in regards to the role of a CNS.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

The CNS is very involved with staff education and development. But I worked with one who also did a LOT of hands-on care as well.

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Specializes in NICU.
VERY close in scope, but different programs of study. If you want to deliver babies and provide care of women during pregnancy specifically, you really would likely best go into CNM study. Their focus is on women's health, as is that of the WHNP, but more focused on childbearing/breastfeeding as well. WHNP provide well-woman care, as CNM's do, but their focus is mostly in the office environment, not in the labor/delivery situation. To further explain/define their roles, I have linked you with a couple of articles courtesy of Medline. Please note, there are people who hold BOTH certifications.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002000.htm

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001934.htm

Their scopes definately overlap, and they do a lot of the same things, primarily when it comes to women's health. Like I said, however, if your goal is to care for the childbirthing family before, during and after delivery, then you really would want to choose to study to be a midwife.

HTH!

Thank you! that helps a lot. :)

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Specializes in trauma ICU,TNCC, NRP, PALS, ACLS.

I asked the same question at http://www.clinicians.com and the reply was

"womens health nurse practitioner. most work in ob clinics or planned parenthood type settings doing routine pap smears, etc. different then a cnm(certified nurse midwife) who spends most of their time doing prenatal care and delivering babies in hospitals or birthing centers.

can't help with the salary but my uneducated guess would be 50-70k/yr"

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Specializes in trauma ICU,TNCC, NRP, PALS, ACLS.

Hi, I was wondering did the CNM u worked with was she in a hospital or office? b/e I am having a hard time founding jobs for CNM, (any advice on jobs location).

The CNS is very involved with staff education and development. But I worked with one who also did a LOT of hands-on care as well.
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Specializes in Perinatal, Education.
Hi, I was wondering did the CNM u worked with was she in a hospital or office? b/e I am having a hard time founding jobs for CNM, (any advice on jobs location).

I am in southern California and haven't worked with any CNMs yet. However, I have just interviewed (and hopefully will get!!!) for a job at Kaiser and they use CNMs from routine pregnancies and deliveries and I often see openings for them--they pay well and have great benefits. I am returning to achool to get my BSN and then move on to either WHNP or CNM. I haven't decided yet, either, but I am hoping that working with them will help me decide.

I want to travel in the future after the kids are up and gone and it is easier to do international travel as a CNM. Not much call for L&D nurses in English speaking countries. I figure I could still travel in the US as a L&D RN as a CNM. Like to keep my options open! :)

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Specializes in trauma ICU,TNCC, NRP, PALS, ACLS.

Thanks for the reply. I am currently in the BSN program and I don;t know if I want to go for CNM or WHNP either. But nice to found someone in the same boat.

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Specializes in Perinatal, Education.
Thanks for the reply. I am currently in the BSN program and I don;t know if I want to go for CNM or WHNP either. But nice to found someone in the same boat.

Well, you'll have to practice for a year or two to get into a good program for either and that should help you a bit. I've done L&D for two years and it will be another 2 before I finish the BSN so I guess I will know by then!

Good Luck!

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If I remember correctly, many schools offer direct entry masters programs for either CNMs or WHNPs without having any nursing experience. The programs are usually 3 years long and you get you BSN the first year and your MSN the last 2 years. If you are already an RN, they also offer programs like this, but I know less about them. You already have to have a bachelor's degree in something else to get into these programs unless you are an RN.

It might be difficult to practice at first without much experience, but everyone has learning to do at any new job no matter what degrees you have.

Good luck!

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