Reproductive Endocrinology Experience?

core0 · May 6, 2007

Hi all! I am returning to grad school this fall to start an FNP Program in Illinois. A good friend of mine is having fertility issues and has been seeing a Reproductive Endocrinologist. I think it would be interesting to work with an RE after I graduate, and I was wondering if anyone out there is doing this.
If so, what kinds of things do you do on a daily basis? I do not have any OB/GYN experience (SICU and PACU only). Should I look into changing jobs to gain some experience first?
Just looking for suggestions!
Thanks!

You might want to consider a WHNP program instead. It seems a little more appropriate for reproductive endocrinology.

David Carpenter, PA-C

jer_sd · May 7, 2007

It might not be a bad idea to see about working or at least volunteering in a fertility clinic to see if you actually like the environment and roles. The basic fertility practice would be easy for a FNP to learn. Some people feel that the emotional needs of these patients can be challenging. I have not worked in that field so I cant offer too much guidance.

A WHNP program would provide more training appropriate to this role but a FNP will have more options down the road. WHNP is a great training program but the options when you graduate and down the road are much more limited than FNP, unless you could say 100% that you would want to work in a WHNP role for the rest of your career I would consider FNP or even ANP.

Jeremy

cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN · May 7, 2007

If so, what kinds of things do you do on a daily basis?

When I saw my RE, well... he actually didn't show up. When I saw my RE's office, I was only spoken to by the NP. She was reviewing my history, ready to do a PAP, and discussed the fertility medications with me. As far as the egg retrieval and transfer, I think the MD does that. Just about everything else she would do.

But, I didn't go back to this clinic, so that's all I can tell you. Just know that there are a lot of patients that blindly put their trust and faith in their RE, and would really benefit from a patient advocate.

core0 · May 7, 2007

It might not be a bad idea to see about working or at least volunteering in a fertility clinic to see if you actually like the environment and roles. The basic fertility practice would be easy for a FNP to learn. Some people feel that the emotional needs of these patients can be challenging. I have not worked in that field so I cant offer too much guidance.
A WHNP program would provide more training appropriate to this role but a FNP will have more options down the road. WHNP is a great training program but the options when you graduate and down the road are much more limited than FNP, unless you could say 100% that you would want to work in a WHNP role for the rest of your career I would consider FNP or even ANP.
Jeremy

While in theory an FNP is much broader, you have to look and see if you are within your scope for your state in reproductive endocrinology. Also you can get a post master's certificate in FNP after a WHNP which gives you even more options. There is a temptation to say that since a FNP can see patients of any age, they can do any job. However as discussed her muchly your scope is determined by your training. I would submit that reproductive endocrinology would be much more withing the scope of a WHNP than an FNP.

David Carpenter, PA-C

jer_sd · May 9, 2007

while in theory an fnp is much broader, you have to look and see if you are within your scope for your state in reproductive endocrinology. also you can get a post master's certificate in fnp after a whnp which gives you even more options. there is a temptation to say that since a fnp can see patients of any age, they can do any job. however as discussed her muchly your scope is determined by your training. i would submit that reproductive endocrinology would be much more withing the scope of a whnp than an fnp.
david carpenter, pa-c

david you are correct i have done both fnp and whnp programs, the whnp does go much more in-depth on reproductive endocrinology and all other ob/gyn topics.

however fnps do work in fertility centers in my community, and the daily job of paps, exams, then rx for clomid ect.. can be mastered by a fnp with little additional training. then post graduate training can be used for the ore involved patients. a np) would never do egg harvesting, may do artificial insemination though.

jeremy

joyrochelle · Aug 27, 2007

Hello-- I am in a FNP program and work currently in an IVF/ repro endo practice. I think since it is such a specialized specialty that practice docs know that there is a lot of training to be done on the job (they may even find this beneficial, training you in their protocols from the get-go). I plan very much to go on as a NP in a practice, as a FNP. No one seems to find this to be poorly planned, or unsure of my preparation. Perhaps the NCC cert in Repro endo will someday return, but for now there is no such special certification. do whats right for you--- I wanted to give myself the option of different areas of work other than women's health, although that seems (still) highly unlikely---

best of luck to you!

Trauma Columnist · Aug 30, 2007

Brings up very interesting point...what you may want to do at the beginning of your APN career may not necessarily be what you do for the rest of your life. I've been an APN for a little over a year and know quite a few APNs in IL. Many of them have changed direction after graduation and a couple of years practice because of either the job market, their diverging interests, a combo of both. It is always best to give yourself the widest possible education in order to open up more opportunities.

Sign me as someone who wishes they had done the FNP route versus the adult health CNS.

thewobbles · Jul 31, 2008

I would love to work as an NP RE speciality--did you find any specialty programs?