Your take on WHNP degree? (also NPs in general)

[MovingRN]

I have been a Mom/Baby nurse for four years. I feel at a point in my career where I am ready to go back to school but have a few concerns. My ideal job would be working in an OB's office following low-risk pregnancies. I would be open to a OB/GYN or GYN office or possibly hospitalist in those areas.

My first concern is the NP/DNP debate, which I only recently heard about. I've read a bit about it on this board but not a whole lot. I'd hate for my degree to get phased out or undervalued.

My second concern is how "political" the job could possibly get. I see a few NPs/PAs in my area who always seem incredibly overworked. I hear malpractice insurance is a requirement and can be very expensive. I worry that I'll spend more time worrying about billing or dealing with insurance than spending time with patients.

So I guess I'm wondering if these are concerns that you find to be problematic with your job? What do you like or dislike about your job? I'd love to hear from WHNPs but am interested in other specialitie's opinions as well.

I know state to state it sometimes varies, and for what it's worth I live and would likely practice in Denver, Colorado area.

Thanks so much for your input!

[NurseFL]

I have been thinking WHNP as well but are concerned about the job market. I've been told to do FNP and then specialize which would make me more marketable. Would like to hear more about this topic as well.

[jer_sd]

I have done both WHNP and FNP programs. If you really want to workin woman's health you recieve a much better education in a WHNP program, FNP just touched on issues. You can do some primary care as a WHNP (it is actually about 25% of the exam) but you are limited in your employment settings. I know WHNPs who also recieved RNFA trainihng and work in the OR and office, some who run bone density clinics, and other more alternative employment options.

WHNP requires 600 clinical hours at the minimum, compared to FNP requiring 500. Depending on where you go you might be able to complete both roles at the same time making for a great primary care NP.

Jeremy