Fertility nursing????

Emilys Mom · Mar 11, 2004

HI: I think it is a wonderful opportunity but of course I've never worked as an infertility nurse but that is the type of job I've been looking for since I graduated in December. I live in Danville, Virginia and there aren't any of those type jobs here I'm willing to drive to Greensboro, Raleigh or Durham if I possibly get a job in this area. I had fertility problems and had an invitro baby last May and working with infertility couples is where my heart is. I know what it feels like to go through it all so I want to help someone else. Let me know how it goes good luck to you. :balloons:

IloveSnoopy · Mar 11, 2004

Wow Trixie....

That does sound like a very interesting job!!!! I wouldn't mind trying something like that some day! Even though my hubby and I haven't tried for kids just yet....I'm already scared about the problems we may encounter. I have severe endometriosis and PCOS...(two of the leading causes of infertility). I hope everything goes just fine...but I can't help but think about it. I too...feel for the couples that so desperately want children. It seems so unfair sometimes... Then you get the young clueless mom's popping out kids left and right with all different dads....some of them seem to not even want the kids...yet they keep them and set these children up for a life from hell. Ok...geesh...don't anyone flame me..just got on a rant there.... I say go for it....sounds like a unique and interesting job. Best of luck and let us know what happens..

luv,

Snoop

crankyasanoldma · Mar 11, 2004

I did that for about 5 years.

A typical day may start with the doc in the OR early for an egg retrieval.

A typical day in the office would start with early am ultrasounds for follicle and endometrial growth measurements. These patients come in frequently and we like to knock them out fast and early so they can get on to work.

The bulk of the day would include a couple of new intakes, some genereal well woman or other exams for those further into treatment, a couple of folks in for lab works, and usually at least one long patient teaching session as our patients did their own injections at home (some clinics have them come in every am for nurse administered injestions). It would not be unusual to do a couple of sperm washes or thaws for an intrauterine insemination (IUI) during the day, too.

Many patients get 'last minute' appointments (compared to other clinic appointments) because they are fertile then and need to be treated quickly.

Yes, there is weekend work involved- fertility is fleeting during the month and needs prompt attention. I was paid a salary and extra for weekend inseminations.

tinalp · Oct 10, 2004

Sounds like you had quite diverse responsibilities. Were you considered a certified specialist? (CNS) And if you don't mind my asking, what was the salary and differential like? I'm very interested in this area but would like to be able to get advanced ed.

Thanks.

I did that for about 5 years.
A typical day may start with the doc in the OR early for an egg retrieval.
A typical day in the office would start with early am ultrasounds for follicle and endometrial growth measurements. These patients come in frequently and we like to knock them out fast and early so they can get on to work.
The bulk of the day would include a couple of new intakes, some genereal well woman or other exams for those further into treatment, a couple of folks in for lab works, and usually at least one long patient teaching session as our patients did their own injections at home (some clinics have them come in every am for nurse administered injestions). It would not be unusual to do a couple of sperm washes or thaws for an intrauterine insemination (IUI) during the day, too.
Many patients get 'last minute' appointments (compared to other clinic appointments) because they are fertile then and need to be treated quickly.
Yes, there is weekend work involved- fertility is fleeting during the month and needs prompt attention. I was paid a salary and extra for weekend inseminations.

hypnotic_nurse · Oct 10, 2004

I have severe endometriosis and PCOS...(two of the leading causes of infertility).

Off topic (a little) -- one of our docs on campus started a study with women with PCOS using metformin. He is actually looking at hirsutism, but is speculating that it may help with infertility as well.

danceluver · May 17, 2011

Totally off topic and reviving an old, i know haha...but I was wondering are CNM in their scope of practice to provide infertility treatment/care just as much a WHNP or FNP would? The dual cert would be ideal but i'm curious.