Questions Regarding CNM/WHNP

Specialties CNM

Published

Hi, there! I am seriously looking into becoming a CNM/WHNP, but I have a LOT of questions about the field and how to get there. Here are some of my questions:

  • What is the typical work week like for a CNM and/or WHNP?
  • What are some of the main differences in lifestyle between having one's own practice and joining a group practice?
  • Is it possible to work 20ish (no more than 25) hours per week in this field?
  • How does work? Is there a stark difference in the malpractice insurance rates of CNMs, WHNPs, and CNM/WHNPs?
  • Is it absolutely necessary to have nursing experience (as in a job, not education/clinicals) before joining a CNM/WHNP program, or is it possible to get a BSN, get RN licensed, and join a CNM/WHNP directly without any nursing experience?
  • If I become a childbirth educator (planning on becoming certified through Lamaze and/or Bradley Method), will it help me in pursuing a CNM/WHNP career?
  • Is it possible to get a BSN and CNM/WHNP by going to school part time instead of full time?
  • Is it difficult to find a job in this field in Nebraska?

Thanks in advance for all of your replies!

Most job announcements for CNM's list: 2 years full-time experience or new grad with significant L&D experience

What about stair-stepping your path to advanced practice. Become an RN (which is required to become an ARNP). Work in the hospitals doing shift work. The hospitals will want you to work full-time, but usually after you have a year of experience under your belt you can decrease your hours. Depending upon where you work, you can even adjust your schedule to be family friendly. Two 12 hour shifts a week gives you 5 days off while you draw part-time pay and benefits.

Gain experience and street cred first. Then, slowly add in the coursework for advanced practice. As your family grows up, you have more free time to study while the kids are at school.

If you jump into advanced practice immediately and fast-track it, the time demands for you are intense. Not a problem for 20-somethings with no family. Big problem for women with small families. Then, starting in advanced practice as a new grad, you can expect to work 40-60 hours a week minimum to get up to speed. Keep in mind you are usually salaried, so the more you work the less you get paid. With staff nursing, the more you work, the more you get paid (overtime!).

Your family is only young for a short period of time. Enjoy that stage. Your job does not define you. Consider your career path a marathon, not a sprint. And good luck!

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Consider your career path a marathon, not a sprint.

THANK YOU! This is exactly what I needed to hear. I would honestly enjoy the path much more if I took my time, and I was just telling my hubby the other night that I don't want to rush it and make it the focus of my life (at least for now), but there is so much pressure from everyone else to get it done asap! Thanks again for your encouragement and suggestions! :)

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Specializes in Eventually Midwifery.

FWIW, I did a quick search on indeed.com for midwife jobs in Nebraska and got 0 hits. There are a couple for WHNP. Womens Health Nurse Practitioner Jobs, Employment in Nebraska | Indeed.com

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Thanks for the info! I will keep that in mind! :)

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