FNP to WHNP?

[stitchli815]

Hi all,  

As a family nurse practitioner, how would I become a women’s health NP? I’ve looked online and haven’t seen any such programs.  I’ve practiced primary care for adolescents for the past few years but have grown to love the GYN aspect of it. I wanted to work more on the OB/GYN world but feel like I need to become a WHNP.  Any advice?  Thanks! 

[NPOaftermidnight, MSN, RN, NP]

Hello! I’m an FNP working in OBGYN. Our practice actually prefers FNPs because they find them better suited to address all of our patients’ concerns, as many of our younger patients don’t see a PCP. Not sure how true this is, as I’ve met many WHNPs who were more than capable of providing primary care, but my point is that if you are an FNP you already have the licensure etc required to see these patients, you just might need a little more on-the-job training. I would start applying to OBGYN positions and see where you get ?

[sleepwalker, MSN, NP]

"...my point is that if you are an FNP you already have the licensure etc required to see these patients, you just might need a little more on-the-job training."

Exactly

[djmatte, ADN, MSN, RN, NP]

It doesn't hurt to look into CME courses to further expand your knowledge in that area.  Especially if you haven't done much work here.  At the end of the day, your license qualifies you to work in women's heath fields, though schools have vastly different emphasis on this aspect of care.  Mine for instance had hard requirements of performing 50 paps and pelvics through clinicals prior to signing off.  Others may not be that concrete.

I know my school (Frontier) has a WHNP program, but I feel the overlap isn't worth the licensure.