Women's Health NP or....?

[Q.]

Hi, I'm looking for some advice.

I'm in grad school about 1 year away from completing my MSN. When I was completed with that, I was thinking about obtaining a post-grad certificate in something women's health related to strengthen my knowledgebase. (My prior clinical area is L&D).

I've kicked around the CNM route (there is a program right in my area) but the thought of doing deliveries at 3am for paltry pay compared to the docs doesn't sound that appealing at all. There USED to be a WHNP program around, but those seem to have evaporated. The only option in my area is a FNP. But I'm concerned about my marketability for a position in an OB/GYN office if I'm an FNP versus a straight WHNP. Any thoughts? Wouldn't an OB office want an WHNP instead of a FNP?

[alk3rainbow]

This won't help much, but the NP I see for my women health issues is a FNP and not a women's health NP. I don't really know if that is the norm or not though. It is hard to find schools that offer WHNP though, so I'd assume there are more FNPs around.

Hi, I'm looking for some advice.

I'm in grad school about 1 year away from completing my MSN. When I was completed with that, I was thinking about obtaining a post-grad certificate in something women's health related to strengthen my knowledgebase. (My prior clinical area is L&D).

I've kicked around the CNM route (there is a program right in my area) but the thought of doing deliveries at 3am for paltry pay compared to the docs doesn't sound that appealing at all. There USED to be a WHNP program around, but those seem to have evaporated. The only option in my area is a FNP. But I'm concerned about my marketability for a position in an OB/GYN office if I'm an FNP versus a straight WHNP. Any thoughts? Wouldn't an OB office want an WHNP instead of a FNP?

[manna, BSN, RN]

I think Vandy has a combined WHNP/CNM program...

I'd think that the FNP might offer more flexibility if you ever decided to move onto something other than strictly women's health, but I don't know about the job market for either.

[TMnurse]

Becoming an FNP or ANP would never "hurt" your options. It might be more than you need to work in an OB/GYN practice. However, a WHNP doesn't have as many options. It MIGHT take longer depending on the program you chose but during the course of your career being an FNP or ANP will allow you options you might not have a WHNP. Good Luck. Also, if becoming a NMW is what you really want than consider it. I guess now and again there might be a 3 AM baby but lets face it that won't be everyday. A midwife in michigan (southeastern) I know just got a job offer of 80K. There are three midwives in the group so every third week she might have a late night baby. However, that leaves three weeks of no call per month... not bad!