FNP? WHNP? DNP? MSN? #alphabetsoup

[yoohoo22]

I have been a labor and delivery nurse for 5 years and I KNOW I only want to work in women's health.

It's what I've always wanted to do and that's why I went L&D to begin with. That being said, my fellow coworkers all discourage me from going for the WHNP and tell me I won't be able to find a job and will wish I would have done the FNP.

I do suspect that a large part of finding that first job will come down to networking during your clinicals but as my husband is active duty military we will likely move every 2 years. There are GS positions on base for WHNP that being prior AF myself I would have preferential hiring. Im hoping this could be my niche? (Obviously there are many veterans that are NPs, I just mean to say that I don't know if most people know about these jobs unless they have been around someone military etc.).

Long story short...I feel that I would enjoy school so much more and get so more out of it if I could do the WHNP route and focus more on what I am interested in. Sorry for the long post ya'll- So much conflicting information. The last thing I want after all the work/$$ is to find there are no jobs for me.

Also should I go for the MSN or DNP? I've heard a lot of debate over this as well.

[Lisa.fnp]

While not as many opportunities in WHNP I did see 72 posting just now on Indeed .com in the US. Here is a thought. If your thinking of spending 4 years to get your DNP (I'm thinking you have your BSN) why don't you spend 2 years for your FNP then 2 years to get certified in Woman's Health. Now you will have the best of both.

[Sweet&Petite, RN]

I debated with the exact same thing. I was accepted into an FNP program a year ago. I did so much research and most people advised to do FNP and then specialize. I just could not get motivated enough to start the FNP program. Its hard to put so much effort into something my heart is not into.

I have worked outpatient OB/GYN and L&D for over the last 6 years. Most of my experience has been outpatient OB/GYN and currently L&D/ Mother baby. My passion is definitely women's health. I recently obtained my BSN so I had to do clinicals in med/surg and ICU after being in women's health for 5 years. I did well and managed but hated every minute of it....lol. I do not want to spend my day with small kids, men, geriatric patients and dealing with chronic illnesses.

I have since then applied to a WHNP program and have been accepted. I do not regret my decision. In my opinion it is all about networking. I have so many connections in OB/GYN. I am confident that I will find a job upon school completion. I am willing to relocate to fulfill my dream. For me, it all boiled down to me knowing what I want to do for the rest of my life. I know for a fact that family practice is not for me. From my experience working in an outpatient OB/GYN clinic, you do get alot of stuff besides female reproductive issues. Many women do not have a PCP and go to their gyn provider for everything.

I do not feel an FNP is adequately prepared to work in an OB/GYN office. Most FNP programs require only one term of GYN in contrast to the multiple terms required in a WHNP program.

Anyway, good luck with your decision. My best advice is follow your heart but also consider the job market in your area.