WHNP scope

[Libekh]

I am a WHNP who has a job offer at a family practice office. My focus would be to do women's health/ gyn care but my overseeing physician would also like me to see some walk in "as needed" colds etc. the days I am there. I know that 25% of my board certifying exam was primary care and 10% of my clinicals were primary care but now that I am certified I am wondering if I am allowed to see primary care? I feel comfortable enough to take the occasional patient - I am just more concerned about the legality of it all?

Thanks in advance!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

What does your BON say? In IL, they are the ones who decide what type of patients I can see.

[pro_student_2010]

What does your BON say?

In general terms, WHNP should be trained and able to do primary care (for women obviously, not that a cold would be different based on gender). That's what's supposed to set WHNPs and CNMs apart, the fact that the NP can also manage primary care concerns other than reproductive related issues. Practically, though it comes down to what your state says you can/cant do. If you're in a state that's not explicit on the APRN specialties (which many are not) then you should be able to do primary care. Obviously, you should not be seeing any male patients unless you are also an ANP or FNP but I would run it past the BON just to be sure. Also, ask yourself how comfortable you will feel with the primary care you would provided. There's a huge difference between being qualified and being able.

[Libekh]

Thanks for the replies- My board of nursing is MO and they are very vague on the scope of what we can and can't do. They are also a not very friendly NP state according to the Pearson report with a grade of "F" so I suppose I should send out a specific email to someone on the board. Anyone else out there specialized but still do some primary care?