WHNP vs FNP

Gator Girl 2000 · May 16, 2011

i have not contradicted myself in any posting. interesting that you quote the florida bon. correct me if i am wrong but in florida do nurse practitioners have to have a supervising/collaborating physician? can np's in florida write a prescription for narcotics? i am under the impression you must have a supervising physician and can not write a narcotic script in florida. if that is the case, it is difficult to truly function as a primary care provider in florida due to these limitations. perfect example of the bon differences in each state. here in new mexico, np's have independent practice, can bill under own name, can set up your own practice without any physician involvement and fnp can truly be considered a primary care provider.sailornurse, msn, fnp

my earlier posts in response to yours stand on their own. no need to add anything more.

sailornurse · May 17, 2011

my earlier posts in response to yours stand on their own. no need to add anything more.

actually, there is a need to add, from your own source, the florida nurse practice act. which does state you have to have a collaborating physician. and just i had been informed and as i stated. sailornurse, msn, fnp

64b9-4.010 standards for protocols.

(1) an advanced registered nurse practitioner shall only perform medical acts of diagnosis, treatment, and operation

pursuant to a protocol between the arnp and a florida-licensed medical doctor, osteopathic physician, or dentist. the

degree and method of supervision, determined by the arnp and the physician or dentist, shall be specifically identified

in the written protocol and shall be appropriate for prudent health care providers under similar circumstances. general

supervision by the physician or dentist is required unless these rules set a different level of supervision for a particular

act. the number of persons to be supervised shall be limited to insure that an acceptable standard of medical care is

rendered in consideration of the following factors:

(a) risk to patient;

(b) educational preparation, specialty, and experience of the parties to the protocol;

(d) practice setting; and

(e) availability of the physician or dentist.

(2) a written protocol signed by all parties, representing the mutual agreement of the physician or dentist and the arnp,

shall include the following, at a minimum:

(a) general data.

1. signatures of individual parties to the protocol;

a. name, address, arnp certificate number;

b. name, address, license number, and dea number of the physician or dentist;

2. nature of practice, practice location, including primary and satellite sites; and

3. date developed and dates amended with signatures of all parties.

(b) collaborative practice agreement.

1. a description of the duties of the arnp.

2. a description of the duties of the physician or dentist (which shall include consultant and supervisory arrangements in

case the physician or dentist is unavailable).

3. the management areas for which the arnp is responsible, including

a. the conditions for which therapies may be initiated,

b. the treatments that may be initiated by the arnp, depending on patient condition and judgment of the arnp,

c. the drug therapies that the arnp may prescribe, initiate, monitor, alter, or order.

4. a provision for annual review by the parties.

5. specific conditions and a procedure for identifying conditions that require direct evaluation or specific consultation by

the physician or dentist. the parties to the protocol, to insure an acceptable standard of supervision and medical care,

will decide the detail and scope needed in the description of conditions and treatments, and in doing so will consider the

factors listed in subparagraphs (1)(a) through (e) above.

(3) the original of the protocol and the original of the notice shall be filed with the department yearly, and a copy of the

protocol and a copy of the notice required by section 458.348(1), f.s., shall be kept at the site of practice of each party

to the protocol. any alterations to the protocol or amendments should be signed by the arnp and a florida-licensed

medical doctor, osteopathic physician, or dentist and filed with the department within 30 days of the alteration to be kept

in the department for filing purposes only.

after the termination of the relationship between the arnp and the supervising professional, each party is responsible

for insuring that a copy of the protocol is maintained for future reference for a period of four years.

missvictoriat · May 19, 2011

I'm applying at University of Cincinnati and had planned on taking the Women's Health NP path...but I don't know if I'm having pre application jitters, second thoughts, or a stroke! I would like to focus on pregnancy and disease prevention in teens and young women, which is why I thought the Women's Health path would be the appropriate choice--but with the lack of primary care providers, would I be better of focusing on all ages?
My question is--will I be limiting my options by only focusing on Women's Health? Would it be better to take the Family NP path?
Also--has anyone else been successful with the online program at University of Cincinnati? What are the pros and cons of their program?
Thanks in advance for any help, insight, or advice!
Mel:confused:

I think this is an EXCELLENT QUESTION! Because I too, know for sure that I want to work with mostly women and teens regarding health promotion, birth control, pregnancy, STDs, etc. However, I've gotten alot of response back saying "get your masters in FNP, instead of WHNP, because FNP has a BETTER JOB MARKET" and you could ultimately still work with women and teens. That's why I've decided to go for a FNP. I feel more secure job wise and job flexibility.

missvictoriat · May 20, 2011

I have a QUICK QUESTION.

Has anyone ever known a FNP to go back and get a post masters certificate in WHNP?

Le-Lee_FNP, MSN, RN, NP · May 20, 2011

Women's health is covered in FNP education. I imagine that it isn't covered as in depth as it would be in a WHNP program, however it is covered to the point where a FNP could comfortably enter into practice and care for women's health issues (pregnancy, birth control, STDs, etc.) We do complete an entire women's health rotation in which we learn to complete pap smears, pelvic exams, breast exams, etc.). so to answer your question I really wouldn't see the need for a FNP to go back and complete an additional cert as a WHNP.

I have a QUICK QUESTION.
Has anyone ever known a FNP to go back and get a post masters certificate in WHNP?

gapeach427 · May 21, 2011

If you are 100% sure you want to work in women's health, and you have no other interest, I'd go with WHNP. If you want to keep your options open (if the job market for WHNPs is like my area---slim to none) and be more marketable, I'd go for FNP.

bsnanat2 · May 21, 2011

This whole thread (and the many like it) shows the primary flaw in the NP system: Too many certifications. One would never find these types of things on a PA message board because there is no need for them. A PA is a PA and can choose, as a professional and individual, where to practice. One PA doesn't guard their territory from others like NP's do. Unfortunately, NP's are the biggest obstacle NP's need to overcome. If someone wants to make a DNP program worth something, they would combine a good FNP curriculum with acute care across the life span too. Then an NP could work wherever and however they choose. This is an issue that will have to be dealt with if the profession is going to move forward. Take the FNP route. With FNP you can do Women's Health, but not vice versa.

asue · Jul 8, 2012

I had the same dilemma. I decided I really only want to do WHNP -and I also applied to the University of Cincinnati and USA but haven't heard back yet. Keep me posted if you hear from admissions. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and running to the mailbox everyday.

Did you find out which school you're going to go to? I am attending USA's WHNP program in the fall, just wondered if you'd be going there. I'm curious how everyone is going to manage work/school schedules. Not sure how many hours I can handle...

MandaRN94 · Jul 8, 2012

I am currently in just a MSN program online at Benedictine University. Decided not go the NP route at this time. Enjoy my classes so far -2 yr program.

m157756 · Jul 13, 2012

Hello! I've posted this same question in other threads and NEVER get an answer. PLEASE help if u can :(I am wondering what the market is for whnp is florida. I've only seen about 4 job postings in the entire state. Women's health is ALL I wanna do. I believe the FNP option is outta the question for me as I do not enjoy any other area in nursing. I know this bc I've experienced it. If it becomes impossible to get a job in women's health my plan is to work as staff rn in Mother/baby unit and teach at a university until I find a women's health position. Is this a feasible pan? What are you opinions and thoughts?Would LOVE to hear from whnp in florida!

tigerlogic · Jul 14, 2012

I have a (mostly uneducated) hunch that if you want to do women's health internationally (doctors without borders or similar) FNP or midwife might open more doors as it is a more "standard" degree. Why don't you call up the type of organization you'd like to work for (planned parenthood?) and ask?

m157756 · Jul 18, 2012

Thank you so much for your idea. I will do just that!