FNP or WHNP

[pjpmpkn11]

Hello Everyone, 

I hope you are all well.  I have a few questions regarding FNP vs WHNP.  I have been accepted into both programs and I am deciding which track I should pursue.  I have a passion for Women's Health as well as Surgery.  I have most of my nursing experience working as a RN in the operating room.  I have been guided by many nurses to pursue the FNP track because of the versatility that a FNP can bring in the future (if you decided to switch specialties).   I see that it is possible for FNP to work in the OB/GYN setting, but usually those nurses have previous experience working in L&D.  

My question is wether it is possible to gain additional ob/gyn training in addition to my regularly scheduled FNP clinical rotations, so I can eventual become an FNP with additional hours in OB/GYN?  I know WHNP has a large component focus on GYN, but are employers looking for WHNP or would they accept FNP trained in OB?  

Thank you for the feedback!

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

It really depends on your area and what they use - call some OB offices and ask what they are looking for, or check out job ads in your area. Don't assume FNP is good for OR either, depending on the area - some places prefer ACNP/AGACNP for inpatient care.