FNP / CNM ?

[future-peds-np]

I'm currently in the last semester of my BSN program, and I'm looking into NP programs. I'm very passionate about women's and children's health, so I thought that perhaps I should look into being certified as an FNP and CNM. Considering the need for maternity care providers in this country especially for low-income families, I thought I could make a difference for a lot of people at risk. Any thoughts on this?

*Disclaimer: I am a male, so I do worry about pursuing midwifery on account of the mixed feelings about male midwives.

[Nimrodel, BSN, RN]

There are a number of programs that offer dual CNM/WHNP certification. I haven't heard of any CNM/FNP programs, although that doesn't mean they don't exist. You should consider trying to pick one or the other, with the understanding that FNPs have a much broader scope of practice (that could definitely include women's health). Planned Parenthood for instance hires FNPs at all centers and at some centers they also hire CNMs.

You will probably face discrimination on account of being male if you go the CNM route. I saw someone on here a couple months back who was refused a position in women's health on account of being male. That said, I'm sure you can find a way to make it work if you want to.

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

There is a dual CNM/FNP program at University of Michigan: Nurse Midwife and Family Nurse Practitioner (Combined) Program | University of Michigan School of Nursing. Not sure how their graduates practice in the real world. That would be my question to a program director because in my mind, the concept sounds good but is there a real demand for providers who have both and how does one maintain practice in both perinatal care and family practice. Male CNM's exist, at San Francisco General, there is a male CNM in practice: Faculty Bios | Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences.