Which APN degree?

[bnlgoodrichRN]

I graduated with my ADN about 1.5 years ago. without going into a very long, detailed backstory, the short version is that my interest is in lactation and my dream job would be a hospital IBCLC, or mother-baby unit. I have already finished my classes for my IBCLC, I am working on completing clinical hours. In the meantime I know I need an advanced degree and am having difficulty choosing which one. I know I can get my BSN and be satisfied, however since I already hold a bachelors degree in another field, I can go straight into a bridge program and spend the same amount of time and money to earn an MSN instead.

Seems silly to earn another bachelors degree when I could just as easily get a higher degree and make myself stand out in an already swamped job market (my area has too many nurses and not enough jobs...)

The trouble I'm having is deciding what advanced practice degree is appropriate for the specialty I want. All of the programs I've found are nurse educator, administrator or NP. Any advice on which route to head?

[BostonFNP, APRN]

With a APN degree you could do both inpatient and outpatient consults and bill directly for them.

[sadiemae1123]

Is it only breastfeeding that you are interested in, or are there other aspects of women's health that appeal to you?

If so, you might look into becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife or a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner.

I think the major difference between the two is the CNM's ability to deliver babies. Frontier University has programs for both, and is generally considered a very reputable school, I believe.

If its infant or pediatric health that interest you, then you might consider a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner or Pediatric Nurse Practitioner certification.

[Alikatz08]

Sadie beat me to it. What she said! Yes, difference is CNM's have larger scope of practice by being able to deliver babies. If you aren't interested in delivering, WHNP is a great alternative. Several co-workers of mine are attending Frontier for CNM and another for FNP and all are enjoying the school so far. It has a wonderful history!:)