Seven What Is The Career Outlook For A Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , the career outlook for NPs is excellent. As of 2018, there were 189,100 Nurse Practitioners in the United States, while in 2028 there is an expected need of 242,400 providers. This is a 28% growth.
Additionally, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has projected that there will be a shortage of up to nearly 9000 obstetricians and gynecologists by 2020, which will grow to a shortage of up to 22,000 by 2050. Womens Health NPs will fill that void.
A research study from 2019 found that the following 10 metropolitan areas most likely to experience a shortage:
Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Certification
Awarded by: American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Womens health-related applications: Sonography-aided examinations for breast, obstetrics, and gynecology, and fetal echocardiography
Who should earn this certification: WHNPs who will regularly use sonography in their practice, such as those WHNPs who work in a rural clinic where medical imaging centers are not easily accessible. It would be really helpful and useful to have that extra certification if youre a rural provider, says Woo.
Ob/gyn Nurse Practitioner Job Description Example/sample /template
The OB/GYN nurse practitioner performs various functions in providing a broad range of health care services to women who require primary healthcare, or may have acute episodic conditions, as well as those seeking health evaluation, preventive care and education or counseling.
The major obligations, tasks, duties, and responsibilities performed by an OB/GYN nurse practitioner are listed in the job description example below:
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What Is The Job Outlook For Womens Health Nurse Practitioners
In many healthcare settings , nurse practitioners continue to take on an increased role in providing primary patient care, which comes with excellent long-term job security. While the BLS doesnt provide specific job data on womens health nurse practitioners, they estimate the overall employment of nurse practitioners will increase an unheard-of 45% by the year 2029. Considering the average growth rate for all other careers is around 4%, becoming a nurse practitioner means youll have one of the best long-term job outlooks anywhere in the medical industry.
What Is The Difference Between An Obstetrics/gynecology Nurse Practitioner And A Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
A womens health nurse practitioner has training specific to female health concerns and focuses on helping women of all ages throughout their lives, from adolescence to advanced age, to promote their overall health and disease prevention. Not every state requires WHNPs to be certified. An obstetrics-gynecology nurse practitioner has additional training and responsibilities in subspecialties specific to female reproductive and sexual health, so their focus is on treating women who are of reproductive age in matters related to fertility and childbirth. An OGNP may complete subspecialties in the following subjects: urogynecology, reproductive endocrinology, infertility, high-risk pregnancy, puberty, menopause, or family planning. The qualifications to be an OGNP require extra educational and clinical experience. Another main distinction is that WHNPs are not typically nurse-midwives, meaning they dont deliver babies like many OGNPs do with proper certification.
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Five Nurse Practitioner Specialties
In addition to being a general nurse practitioner, NPs can also specialize in a specific population. They will often attend a nursing program that allows them to specialize in this area and obtain clinical competency. If they choose a specialization, they’ll also need to become certified in the specific specialty area.
How To Become An Ob/gyn Nurse
After graduating from high school, the steps towards becoming an OB/GYN nurse are as follows:
- earn an approved nursing diploma, an accredited associate degree in nursing , or bachelors degree in nursing
- obtain licensure as an RN after graduation
- practice in an OB/GYN setting for a minimum of 2 years
- gain certification
Overall, it can take between 3 and 6 years to become an RN certified in the area of OB/GYN nursing. However, this depends on various factors including your chosen educational path, existing qualifications, program format, and whether you study full or part-time.
Many educational institutions offer online or hybrid programs, which can cost less than traditional on-campus programs. These programs tend to be more flexible which may appeal to students who work or have family responsibilities. Note, that curricula with clinical practice components may still require students to go to campus.
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What Is An Ob/gyn Nurse Practitioner
An obstetrics and gynecology nurse practitioner , or OGNP, is a nurse practitioner who specializes in women’s reproductive and sexual health. OGNPs provide primary health and medical care to women in adolescence, childbearing and advanced ages and focus on providing general health care, family planning and prenatal care. Many OGNPs are nurse practitioners who specialize in family health or in women’s health . Some OGNPs hold both credentials, signifying their advanced expertise and qualifications.
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Examination Licensure And Certification
Certification for women’s health nurse practitioners can be obtained upon completion of the graduate program or through educational institutions such as the National Certification Corporation . Eligibility requirements include:
- Current RN/NP license
- Completion of an accredited graduate NP program
- Completion of the exam must occur within eight years of graduation
- Electronic submission of diploma and transcript
- Post-master’s applicants must electronically submit their certificate of completion
Certification is valid for three years, and renewal is through continuing education and assessment.
Women’s health nurse practitioners must also register with their state’s board of registered nursing for licensure. Requirements may vary from state to state nurse practitioners are encouraged to check their state board for requirements.
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Five Facts You Should Know About Whnps
The Obstetrics/gynecology Nurse Practitioner: An Overview
To provide the best care possible for pregnant women and women who are expecting, it is important to have an Obstetrics/Gynecology Nurse Practitioner on staff.
Obstetrics/gynecology nurse practitioners play an important role in ensuring that pregnant women have access to the best possible health care. They work closely with other members of the health team, including doctors, midwives, and nurses, to provide a complete range of services. This ensures that each pregnancy is handled in a personalized way that takes into account the unique needs of each woman.
A nurse practitioner who specializes in OB/GYN is a highly skilled health professional who can provide primary care for women during pregnancy and childbirth. They are also well-trained to deal with a wide variety of other reproductive health issues, such as STD prevention and contraception.
In addition to providing quality care, an OB/GYN nurse practitioner can play an important role in educating their patients about their health and the reproductive process. Its important to have access to this type of expert care, so be sure to ask your physician if they recommend an OB/GYN purse practitioner for you or your loved ones.
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How Long Does It Take To Become An Obstetrics Nurse Practitioner
It takes two years to earn an ADN and four years to earn a BSN. Inpatient obstetric nursing certification requires two years of nursing experience and 2,000 hours of OB/GYN nurse experience. Prospective obstetrics NPs spend two years earning a master of science in nursing. Though a doctorate is not required to be an NP, some go on to complete a doctor of nursing practice which typically takes three or more years.
Enroll In A Bachelor Of Science In Nursing Program
Step one in your womens health nurse practitioner education is enrolling in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program from an accredited college or university. While completing nursing school requires focus, dedication, and hard work, nearly anyone can become a registered nurse if youre willing to put in the necessary effort. For example, to enroll in the BSN program at Brookline College, all youll need is a high school diploma or GED with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, plus a passing score on the ATI-TEAS admission exam.
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Preparing The Patient For Delivery
Nurses check the patients in, monitor their contractions, and the baby’s heartbeat throughout delivery. The OB nurse also helps with blood tests, administering the epidural, and performing any other tests required to ensure the patient and baby are healthy. They also support the doctors in performing routine checks with the patient until the patient is ready for delivery..
Are You Suited For A Career As An Obgyn Nurse
Personality & Skills
OBGYN nursing is a career that can be rewarding, exciting and offer flexibility. That said, its also a demanding career, sometimes requiring the ability to work long hours in stressful situations.
Because OBGYN nurses handle such a wide range of responsibilities, they must be prepared to deal with emergencies at any time.
Becoming an OBGYN nurse can mean completing courses in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology.
Put The Patients Needs First
Nurse candidates are expected to develop skills in communication, critical thinking, and communication.
Nurses of all kinds are expected to demonstrate patience, self-possession, problem-solving, cooperative working and strong organizational skills.
OBGYN nurses are patient-facing, meaning they are constantly dealing with patients and their families. Patients and their families are often stressed, frightened, anxious, and impatient.
Be Able To Manage The Pressure
Successful OBGYN nurses are able to keep their composure, quickly identify when issues need escalation, and help patients and their families through a difficult, often scary process.
Sometimes the job can feel thankless. It can be emotionally and physically tiring.
OBGYN nurses are expected to rise above these frustrations and put patient care first.
Attractive Benefits And Career Opportunities
OBGYN nursing can be a great choice for various lifestyle considerations, as well.
Certifications & Proficiency
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How To Become An Obstetrics
If you’re interested in becoming an obstetrics-gynecology nurse practitioner, one of the first things to consider is how much education you need. We’ve determined that 51.4% of obstetrics-gynecology nurse practitioners have a bachelor’s degree. In terms of higher education levels, we found that 27.0% of obstetrics-gynecology nurse practitioners have master’s degrees. Even though most obstetrics-gynecology nurse practitioners have a college degree, it’s possible to become one with only a high school degree or GED.
Choosing the right major is always an important step when researching how to become an obstetrics-gynecology nurse practitioner. When we researched the most common majors for an obstetrics-gynecology nurse practitioner, we found that they most commonly earn bachelor’s degree degrees or master’s degree degrees. Other degrees that we often see on obstetrics-gynecology nurse practitioner resumes include associate degree degrees or diploma degrees.
You may find that experience in other jobs will help you become an obstetrics-gynecology nurse practitioner. In fact, many obstetrics-gynecology nurse practitioner jobs require experience in a role such as staff nurse. Meanwhile, many obstetrics-gynecology nurse practitioners also have previous career experience in roles such as nurse practitioner or registered nurse.
How To Land Your First Job
Getting into the workforce as a recent graduate or landing your next job after being a short-timer as an OB Nurse can sometimes be intimidating.
However, by familiarizing yourself with the skills and attributes employers are looking for and creating a standout resume, getting your foot in the door can be much easier.
That said, if you are determined to find your next job without experiencing extensive rejection, below, well discuss some of the sought-after skills, followed by advice on how to make your resume stand out.
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Obtain Your Certification In Women’s Health
Once you have your MSN or DNP degree, you can get certified in women’s health. The National Certification Corporation offers the Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified credential, which demonstrates an NP’s knowledge and qualifications as a practicing nurse in obstetrics and gynecology. NPs must renew their WHNP-BC credentials every three years.
Become A Registered Nurse
All nurse practitioners enter the field as registered nurses. You can either complete your associate’s degree in nursing or complete a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree. Many RNs choose to pursue their BSN degrees, as this credential is often a requirement of graduate programs for nursing. After obtaining your degree in nursing, you can take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses , which gives you your RN license and allows you to practice.
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Earn An Associate Or Bachelors Degree
Most OB/GYN nurses start their career by earning a BSN, which generally takes 4 years of full-time study to complete. Some students opt for an ADN, typically requiring 18 to 24 months of full-time study.
Alternatively, students could pursue the less common route of a 1-, 2- or 3-year nursing diploma. Candidates with any one of these degree qualifications are usually eligible for RN or LPN licensure. Obviously, programs that focus on obstetrics and gynecology may help them better prepare for OB/GYN nursing.
A bachelors degree is often preferred among OB/GYN nurse employers.
A bachelors degree is often preferred among OB/GYN nurse employers. Its more extensive than an associates degree, commonly including 120 credits and 800 hours of clinical practice. It also builds a firm foundation for career and educational advancement in OB/GYN nursing and may help fulfill certification requirements.
Course concentrations can include subjects like biology, chemistry, nutrition, and ethics. A program focused on OB/GYN nursing may also include:
- fetal heart monitoring
- prenatal and postpartum care
- womens reproductive health
Admission requirements depend on your chosen school and program. However, a minimum GPA of 3.0, strong SAT or ACT scores, and recommendations are typical prerequisites. A personal statement, in-person interview, and background check may also be required.
What Does An Ob/gyn Nurse Practitioner Do
OGNPs work with female patients ranging from adolescence into advanced age. They provide well-woman care, including annual evaluations and health screenings, preventative care, fertility and family planning, prenatal management and care for chronic illnesses and diseases. OB/GYN NPs commonly perform many of the following job duties to provide women’s health care:
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Examining and monitoring women throughout pregnancy
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Performing abdominal and transvaginal ultrasounds to monitor fetal growth, heart rate and take measurements
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Managing high-risk and abnormal pregnancies and supporting patients with making tough decisions
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Educating patients on health management, disease prevention and hygiene
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Performing prenatal and in utero screenings to monitor health
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Counseling patients in family planning, birth control and other contraceptive methods
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Helping expectant mother manage pain and discomfort during pregnancy
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Assisting midwives and OB/GYN physicians during deliveries
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Maintaining current licenses and certifications by fulfilling requirements for continuing education and license renewal
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How To Become An Obstetrics Nurse
Earn an associate degree in nursing or a bachelor of science in nursing
Pass the NCLEX-RN to receive registered nurse licensure
Gain required nursing experience
Consider pursuing an Inpatient Obstetric Nursing Certification from the National Certification Corporation
How Do I Become A Obgyn Nurse
The first step toward becoming an OBGYN nurse is to become a Registered Nurse , earning an associate or Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited nursing program. It is important to note that the BSN degree is often preferred, and opportunities for advancement are increased with the BSN degree, as well. After graduation, you must obtain RN licensure by taking the NCLEX-RN examination in your state. See our NCLEX study guides.
The next step is to seek employment in an OBGYN setting, such as a hospital birth center. Certification is not a requirement, but it will enhance advancement as an OBGYN nurse. The National Certification Corporation offers the Inpatient Obstetric Nursing certification . Eligibility requires:
- Current, active professional nursing licensure
- 2 or more years of full-time specialty experience as an RN with a minimum of 2000 hours.
- Specialty employment must be within the past 2 years.
- Both practice time and hours must be met.
Certification is valid for 3 years, with renewal requirements based on individual needs.
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Ob/gyn Nurse Careers And Salary Outlook
OB/GYN and labor and delivery nurses care for women in their childbearing years. Our guide offers job and salary information for this rewarding career.
An OB/GYN nurse cares for pregnant women before, during, and immediately after labor, while an obstetrics nurse practitioner may oversee the birthing process. Both obstetrics nurses and NPs also care for womens health-related needs, such as routine pelvic exams, birth control advice, and other reproductive health issues.
How Much Do Obstetrics Nurses Make
According to PayScale, the average salary for an OB/GYN nurse is $61,520, with base salaries ranging from $45,000-$104,000. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nurse practitioners, in general, earn a median annual wage of $111,680 and nurse midwives make $111,130.
All RN jobs are projected to grow by 7% from 2019-29, a much faster rate than the national average. However, growth rates for obstetrics nurse jobs vary by geographic area due to regional differences in birth rates.
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