What is the difference between what a CNM does and an NP of the same specialty?

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I am just wondering if anyone can shed some light.

I know the educational (type of degree) differences...what I am interested in, is in the difference of what they DO.

THANKS!

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Check out this thread:

Different roles for CNS's??? Come on guys share what you do!

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Specializes in L&D, QI, Public Health.
I am just wondering if anyone can shed some light.

I know the educational (type of degree) differences...what I am interested in, is in the difference of what they DO.

THANKS!

Did you mean CNM (as in midwife) or CNS (as in certified nurse specialist). If you meant the latter, then the above link will provide you the answer.

If you meant CNM, then the difference would be that CNM's can provide intrapartum and postpartum care. Women Health Nurse Practitioners cannot provide intrapartum care (deliver/catch babies). I'm not sure if WHNP's can even provide prenatal and postpartum care. You would have to look at the Nurse Practice Act (I think).

WHNP's and CNMs both provide 'well woman' care as a GYN would, so you can do more with a CNM degree.

I hope one of us answered your question.

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Ooops, my bad. I didn't read the thread appropriately. I apologize.

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Specializes in Rural Health.

WHCNP deal with the whole gamma of GYN issues across the age spectrum. In my state (which I have no clue if this varies state to state) they actually can do prenatal care and postpartum care but they are not allowed to "catch the babies" at birth. VERY generally speaking, they focus on the GYN issues of women of all ages.

CNM focus their efforts on the mom/baby aspect. They will generally see the patient thru a pregnancy, deliver the baby and then follow up with them postpartum. Some also do GYN procedures as well but VERY generally speaking again, they deal with mom/baby issues and mainly deal with people during their reproductive years.

Again, these are really broad generalizations and a lot will vary depending on the type of practice, area in which you live, facilities, etc.....

I hope this helps!!!!

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