WHNP vs. CNM

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I am in nursing school because I want to become a CNM ... but now that I've begun my practicum in L&D I am growing concerned about birth in the hospital environment. It's so medicalized and the most vulnerable populations seems to have the toughest time (and I want to work with vulnerable populations) having positive outcomes. If I'm a CNM, will I even be able to work with these populations since CNMs have to work with low-risk women?

I am also in the process of figuring out if it's more important for me to support families before and after the birth (what I'm envisioning a WHNP does) or if I really, really, really want to be a part of the birth as well (the CNM role). I also have concerns about the lifestyle of a CNM .. taking call, leaving home at any hour, extremely high costs, etc..

Does anyone know the major differences between CNM and WHNP roles? And what about salaries? Everyone I've spoken with says to remain an RN because they make more money than NPs and only work 3, 12 hr shifts ...

Thanks for your help!

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I asked the same question on the Nurse Practitioner board, but no one answered me!

Someone must know!!!

:stone waiting, waiting, waiting........

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i recently finished my second certification as a whnp and you are correct, you are heavily involved in all aspects of the pregnancy except for delivery. the curriculum is focusing more on gyn related problems than ob but prenatal and postnatal care is within the scope and expectations of whnps. malpractice rates are significantly less but if you want to work with primarily pregnant patients you might have a harder time finding a job. if you want to do full scope including midlife care, pregnancy, and well woman then there are plenty of opportunities that you can find....

staff rns may make more per hour once you graduate from np school but the ceiling of salaries is much higher as a np than a rn.... so you might take a slight drop in pay initially but it should be able to go higher in the long run. and don't forget if necessary you cal always work perdiem as a rn if necessary....

plus there are a few cnm programs that give advance standing for whnp who want to further their training to be a midwife. but midwives can do anything a whnp can do and more so if you want to have the option later to deliver you may want to think about it.... but from what you mentioned a whnp might be a better fit for you.

just my two cents worth....

jeremy

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hi jeremy-

your response is quite helpful. are you a cnm?

thanks,

alicia

i recently finished my second certification as a whnp and you are correct, you are heavily involved in all aspects of the pregnancy except for delivery. the curriculum is focusing more on gyn related problems than ob but prenatal and postnatal care is within the scope and expectations of whnps. malpractice rates are significantly less but if you want to work with primarily pregnant patients you might have a harder time finding a job. if you want to do full scope including midlife care, pregnancy, and well woman then there are plenty of opportunities that you can find....

staff rns may make more per hour once you graduate from np school but the ceiling of salaries is much higher as a np than a rn.... so you might take a slight drop in pay initially but it should be able to go higher in the long run. and don't forget if necessary you cal always work perdiem as a rn if necessary....

plus there are a few cnm programs that give advance standing for whnp who want to further their training to be a midwife. but midwives can do anything a whnp can do and more so if you want to have the option later to deliver you may want to think about it.... but from what you mentioned a whnp might be a better fit for you.

just my two cents worth....

jeremy

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No I went a different route route, RNFA, to primary care NP and just finished my WHNP.. I am hoping I am done with school but you never know.

Jeremy

Hi Jeremy-

Your response is quite helpful. Are you a CNM?

Thanks,

Alicia

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Can anyone give me a contact for obtaining a second NP certification? My original NP training was a Women's Health certif program not a masters. Thanks so much~

Sherri

[email protected]

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