Sarah Said:

I need help with my career decision. Information please?

We Answered:

It's hard to get a job as a WHC NP, because it is such a narrow field of practice. You're better off becoming a Family NP, or a Certified Nurse Midwife. You would be able to deliver babies as a CNM, but not as a WHC NP. You wouldn't assist in any surgeries (such as c-sections, tubal ligations, etc.), as surgical roles are for MDs and surgical technicians and scrub nurses (NPs are "too" educated to be a simple scrub nurse in an OR, and it would be a waste of your education ).

NPs and CNMs all make roughly the same salary. It depends on where you live, but starting salaries for NPs and midwives are probably around $70k to start.

It's a long process to become one, and you don't have to make a decision on what kind of NP you want to be right away. It's one step at a time. . . you need your RN license first, which could be obtained through an Associates Degree, but if you're looking at going into Advanced Practice Nursing then you'll need a BSN from a regular 4 year university. Once you hold the BSN you need a minimum of 1-3 years of work experience in acute care (hospital), and if you are going for WHC or CNM you will specifically need to have worked in an OB setting, such as L&D. Once you have that work experience, then you can go on to graduate school to complete your master's degree and earn your NP or CNM certification.

Part of nursing school and working for a year or two is that you will develop your preferences and it will help guide your choices in the future. Very few people go into nursing school and know 100% the ultimate track they will be taking. Use the time to learn about yourself, your preferences, your expectations, and your level of committment. Good luck!

Dana Said:

what's the fastest way of becoming a nurse in new york?

We Answered:

pass all the DOCTOR exams? they all should be willing to hire a highly experience doctor who is willing to get paid and do a nurses job.