WHNP vs. Acute Care

[kdub79]

Hi everyone,

I have been on the fence for completing the WHNP program, I'm currently in, vs. switching to acute care. My background is in critical care and made the switch to women's health because I had bad experiences in 2 of my pregnancies. I thought I could make an improvement in some areas in OB. I am wondering though as a WHNP, will I be stuck with GYN cases all day. If anyone is a WHNP, are their positions where the NP takes care of just OB patients? Do WHNP's work in the hospital? I have been thinking of making the switch to acute care because I don't want to be stuck doing GYN cases and also I don't have any experience in women's health/OB. I was also wondering what the current salary is for WHNP, I looked on some websites and they stated any where from $85,000-100,000. Thanks for your input.

[Tinabeanrn]

I strongly recommend switching out of Women's health. I know ppl that graduated with that last year and still cant find a job. There was a Women's health NP doing all the paps and pelvics in my office when I started. Within 2 months of me starting they have me doing the paps and pelvics and she no longer works there because I can do her job and she could not do mine (primary care). Most pts would have a ton of other concerns besides womens health issues and she was not trained or prepared to handle anything but womens health.

With Acute care, you will be more likely to get a job and more than likely employed in the hospital or a surgical center. Many more opportunities afforded to you. Cardiology, ICU, step down, house officer, med/surg, OR, cath lab etc. In womens health you have OB gyn and urology offices. Or one or two days a week at a regular office, but again, someone like me can swoop in and do the womens health stuff and then you would be out of a gig.

best luck!