? re: becoming an NP specializing in infertility

smile123 · Dec 19, 2005

First of all, let me say this is my first post ever here and I'm so glad I found this site...:) .
Now, hopefully, someone will be able to help me out: I want to become an NP and specialize in the area of infertility. My own personal struggle with IF has led me to help others become parents.
I am an RN and I have a BS in Biology and BS in Chemistry. I need 10 classes to get my BSN, and I begin online classes for this Fall '06. This online BSN program has a bridge to MSN, also.
My question is, exactly what steps do I need to take in order to achieve this goal?
I'm sure I would need my MSN...right? And then what??
TIA to all who respond.
Viv

Generally to be a NP, you need a MSN. But I'm not sure what other training you would need. I knew a FNP who worked in Ob/Gyn area to help infertility patients. So perhaps you should go for the FNP or possibly nurse mid-wife training and specialize in infertility. Good luck!

Smile123

Papadoc · Dec 20, 2005

Hey there!

Don't know for sure,but more than likely you'd need a strong background in OB/GYN as well as in the field of genetics,biochem and cell/mollecular biology,histology etc.All of those are usually taught with labs. So some practical application knowledge would definitely be a plus. The best thing is to contact some Infertility centers, and see if there are any NPs out there doing the things you want to do. It won't be a bad idea to ask for the information interview, and to do some volunteer work so you could shaddow them. It looks like your degree in Bio and Chem (I assume a premed) will come in very handy.

Good Luck

FINDURPASSION · Dec 21, 2005

Vmc, I see you are in NC.....my home state I would check with some of the local infertility clinics in your area. I also had the desire to become a infertility NP. However, in the Maryland area I have yet to see an NP in this arena. Through my own experiences in infertility, I loved my nurse and thought infertility would be a great area to practice in. When I mentioned to the MD about NPs in the practice I didn't get a warm-fuzzy feeling:uhoh21: If you have the opportunity in your area, get a RN position in infertility and continue your pursuit to becoming a NP. You could be the next trendsetter in your area:D The NCC did have an infertility reproductive medicince certification however I don't think they still offer this. Becoming a FNP is more marketable. Womens Health NP cert would be great too for this specialty. Good Luck!

nycNurse2b · Apr 26, 2006

I know several nurses who do this at MAJOR infertility centers and they are all WHNPs. Hope this helps. good luck to you!!!!!!

buddyboy · Apr 27, 2006

first, i would like to say this is the first time i have ever posted on this site. i have been reading posts for over an hour now. i think that if you became a fnp, which requires a masters degree, this would make you more marketable. i too, am currently dealing with infertility issues and i love the nurse at the fertility center. i also, have an interest in the area of infertility. good luck to you. :mad:

NHavenRN · May 1, 2006

I'm a WHNP student, and we had an NP give a lecture to our GYN care class just this last semester who was an infertility specialist NP (FNP, I think). I believe that she had some OB background before getting this job, but basically just became a specialist by virtue of finding a practice that would hire and be willing to teach her on the job. She was fabulous, and seemed very, very happy. I think you should definitely go for it. Good luck!

texas-rn-fnp · May 6, 2006

Most infertility clinics I know of work as a team effort with docs, NP, and RN, and others like case worker, social worker, mental health, etc. NPs in infertility would/could do intake interviews, case management, planning, assist in operative procedures, perinatal care. In the Army, FNPs commonly do deliveries when they are not out to war.