15 Best Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Jobs for 2024
Written By:
Donna ReeseDonna Reese MSN, RN, CSN
Donna Reese is a freelance nurse health content writer with 37 years nursing experience. She has worked as a Family Nurse Practitioner in her local community clinic and as an RN in home health, rehabilitation, hospital, and school nursing. She utilizes her personal experiences to write from the heart to apply to her writing for various health publications, including BLOGS, newsletters, and educational materials and videos. Read Full Bio »» MSN, RN, CSN
US News and World Report just came out with their yearly job report, and they ranked nurse practitioner positions as the #1 job in healthcare for 2022. Does this mean that women's health NP (WHNP) jobs are included? Absolutely! Female health needs are on the rise, causing an increase in demand for women's care of all ages. That's excellent news for those of you in this specialty and those who are aspiring to enter it. You wisely may be asking the question, "what are the best women's health nurse practitioner jobs for 2024"?
Read on to explore further information about women's health NP jobs and how to land your dream position in this field. 15 best women's health nurse practitioner jobs for 2024 is a complete guide to helping you attain your goal of finding the most rewarding WHNP job that is your perfect fit.
What Exactly Does a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Do?
A women's health nurse practitioner (WHNP) is an advanced practice NP who has been educated and specializes in all aspects of health for women. Unlike a nurse-midwife, who primarily delivers babies, WHNPs tend to work more in outpatient settings serving reproductive, gynecologic, and obstetric health needs across the lifespan of teen and adult women.
Primary duties of a
women's health NP can be:
• Educating patients about and prescribing contraceptives
• Assessing and treating numerous gynecological conditions
• Evaluating and managing pregnant (and those trying to get pregnant) patients
• Addressing and treating infertility issues
• Managing post-menopausal patients
• Diagnosing and treating STD's
• Assessing and screening for sexual and other types of abuse
Where Do Women's Health Nurse Practitioners Mainly Work?
Women's health NPs can be found working in environments such as the following:
• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Private practices
• Community health centers
• Insurance companies
• Telemedicine
6 Pros of Taking Up Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Jobs
WHNPs express a
great deal of satisfaction in their careers.
Some of the benefits of working in women's health NP jobs are as follows:
1. Plenty of opportunity for health teaching -
There is much need for health teaching in the area of women's health. Most NPs enjoy and relish the time and ability to educate their patients. Women's health issues lend themselves to expanded explanation to successfully manage and treat their conditions of concern.
2. Diverse population and health needs -
WHNPs care for teens through older women, which allows them to treat a greater propensity of health needs and diversity in care than many other specialty areas.
3. Professional autonomy -
Women's health nurse practitioner jobs are typically flexible and allow for freedom to treat and in decision-making. NPs in this field are well-respected by their peer providers and patients alike.
4. Excellent pay -
As a mid-range paying position for an NP, women's health normally pays better than some other specialty areas such as FNPs.
5. Job availability -
There is currently a demand for women's health NPs which translates to more wiggle room for salary negotiations and optimal job conditions.
6. Can specialize -
One exciting aspect of WHNP jobs is that there is plenty of opportunity to specialize and niche in the field of women's health.
A few ideas for sub-specialty practice are:
• Online contraception
• Transexual services
• Rape crisis
• Pelvic prolapse and post-menopausal issues
What Qualities Make You a Good Candidate for Women's Health NP Jobs?
Many qualities contribute to an effective and successful nurse practitioner.
However, to be a good candidate for WHNP jobs, employers are looking for a certain skill set such as those listed below:
1. Warm patient approach -
Of all the qualities that can make an excellent women's health nurse practitioner, projecting an empathetic and caring attitude may be the most important. Women need nurturing, especially regarding their more sensitive women's health issues.
2. Passion for women's health -
It takes a special nurse to go into the field of women's health. NPs who share this passion for providing the best medical care possible for females will be good candidates for women's health NP jobs.
3. Ability to work autonomously -
Most women's health practices are very busy. The ability to work independently and smoothly throughout your day will keep the burden off other providers who have their own hectic schedules.
4. Excellent assessment skills -
Your patients will appreciate your accurate assessment abilities translating into a happier practice.
5. Health teaching abilities -
As mentioned previously, counseling and health teaching is necessary to adequately inform and prepare your patients and pregnant mothers during each visit. By portraying this vital attribute to a potential employer, you will check off one of their essential boxes for NP candidates.
6. Communication skills -
WHNPs typically work with a team of medical professionals and staff. In addition to exhibiting excellent communication skills with your patients, you need to be a capable communicator with those you work with.
7. Effective leader -
As I just mentioned, you most likely will be working with a group of other providers, nurses, and medical staff. Your
leadership skills will be an essential aspect of your job. Being a team player and leader will help you be a well-respected and successful WHNP.
8. Telemedicine experience -
Women's health is one of the specialty areas that tends to utilize telehealth less than others. NPs with
telemedicine experience can quickly bring a practice into the virtual world of telehealth. Adding this skill set may be one that helps a hesitant or older practice to improve their patient outreach during the pandemic and afterward via
telehealth services.
What Qualities Make You a Bad Candidate for Women's Health NP Jobs?
1. Limited women's health experience -
Obviously, more experience you have in your field will give you a step up over less experienced candidates. If you are pretty green in the field of women's health, you may have more difficulty finding women's health nurse practitioners jobs.
2. Job hopping -
Frequent career changes never look good to a prospective employer. A good candidate for women's health NP jobs has a track record of longevity in just a few positions prior to application.
3. Lack of enthusiasm for the field -
I have known lesser qualified NPs to land a position due to their enthusiasm and passion for their patients and specialty area. Your love for your patients and their well-being can be contagious and a winning attribute for your future WHNP job.
4. Non-team player -
Nobody likes someone who is not a team player at work. Your future employer is looking for someone who will work well with others, fit in with the group, and contribute to the practice without drama. A lone wolf NP is rarely a top choice for employment in a women's health practice.
What are the Best Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Jobs for 2024?
(Find out about the 15 Best Jobs for Women's Health Nurse Practitioners in 2024.)
1. Community Health Center
Working in a community health center as a WHNP can be very satisfying for those passionate about helping women in need. Typically located in underserved or rural areas, these medical offices serve families in general, concentrating on pregnant women and children.
I remember working in our local inner-city community center as an NP. This facility cared for most of our women and children within the city limits. Housed in this health space were departments for obstetrics, children, and families. In particular, I enjoyed working in the "community check-up center". This service was an adjunct office to the main building, located closer to the neediest population. We nurse practitioners visited housing projects and schools to care for pregnant mothers, infants, and children through this service. This was a truly rewarding position and, for me, one of the best WHNP jobs in the area.
2. WIC Program
Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program is a federally funded program initiated to promote adequate nutrition for pregnant women, infants, and children up to 5 years old. Under the jurisdiction of the USDA, WIC is available to low-income families and children deemed to be at nutritional risk. In addition, WIC provides food vouchers for milk, fresh fruits and vegetables, and other highly nutritious edibles for pregnant women and children up to age 5.
Women's health nurse practitioners are hired to assess and monitor the women and children that qualify for the program. In addition to physical examinations and screening for nutritional deficiencies, WHNPs provide considerable counseling regarding breastfeeding and nutrition for mothers and children.
WIC programs can be housed in freestanding facilities, hospitals, schools, housing projects, or state health departments. One of our local WIC centers was located in the community center where I worked. I found it very convenient to refer women and children for WIC services directly when seen at the community clinic for health issues.
3. Outpatient Clinic
Women's health clinics see female patients from adolescent through senior years. They can be located in a hospital or near the campus and service the larger hospital system. My daughter is a nurse manager of one such women’s medical clinic, and her patients can walk across the road to the hospital from that health office. This convenient location of facilities is convenient when a pregnant woman is in distress during her doctor appointment and outpatient services can not adequately handle the emergency. Inpatient and emergency help within the same system is merely a few steps away.
Services that women's health outpatient clinic NPs can expect to provide are:
• Perform physical exams on pregnant women and women of all adult ages
• Diagnose and treat health conditions, including illness
• STD testing and treatment
• Contraception
• Monitor for female cancers and disease
• Health counseling on all female health issues
• Perform minor surgeries such as IUD placement and cervical cancer ablation
• Menopausal guidance
• Monitor and treat sexual abuse and human trafficking victims
• Diabetes care and counseling
4. Remote Menopause Care
Healthcare for older women has recently gained attention, and therefore, practices dedicated to the specialty of menopause and aging women's health issues are popping up everywhere. Many of these specialty businesses are now being offered through
telehealth. Female medical concerns can be embarrassing and hard to discuss face-to-face with a primary doctor, so these remote interactions are quite popular with women.
Sensitive topics that you may address via telehealth in WHNP jobs are:
• Sexual and libido difficulties
• Urinary incontinence
• Breast concerns
• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• STDs
• Hormone issues
As a remote WHNP specializing in menopause care, companies like
Evernow even supply women’s health-related medications to be delivered right to the door of their clients. Evernow employs experienced full and part-time remote WHNPs with multiple state licensing. For seasoned NPs looking for an autonomous job with loads of flexibility, this type of position sound like a great opportunity to
work from home.
5. Travel WHNP (Locum Tenens)
Travel nursing jobs, otherwise termed Locum Tenens, are so hot right now that you can literally
get rich as an NP in this career. The crazy thing about working as a travel NP in this current environment of extreme provider staffing shortages is that you do not even have to travel outside of your town to get this type of work. Almost all hospitals are short-staffed and need NPs, and are hiring from the
locum tenens pool.
Travel careers are currently listed at the top for best women's health nurse practitioner jobs due to their flexibility and outrageously high sign-on bonuses and pay. If you are thinking of becoming a travel NP, many agencies are currently available to assist you in your new career path.
Weatherby Healthcare lists the top 5 Locum Tenens agencies to get you started. Whether you are looking for adventure, more flexibility or generous pay, a career as a travel WHNP is a great choice for WHNPs who are experienced, resilient, and able to adapt quickly to new environments.
6. US Health Veteran's Association
Taking care of our female veteran's is an honor for many WHNPs. NPs working at the VA have the opportunity to get to know their patients due to the long-term management of their acute and chronic conditions. Women's health nurse practitioner job openings with the VA are abundant and include excellent benefits and competitive pay. Offering a Monday through Friday 9-5 schedule, work with the VA is similar to a private women's health office. They even offer remote opportunities to increase the flexibility factor of the job.
Just be aware, the application process can be long and arduous. As a US government employee, WHNP applicants must be US citizens. In addition, strict screening requirements are necessary. This includes:
• Drug testing
• Physical Examination
• Hearing testing
The VA also requires that women's health NP applicants are fluent in English and have at least 2-3 years of clinical experience. Due to the rigorous screening process, the hired medical professionals are top-quality. This high level of providers and nurses contributes to one of the many reasons
why WHNPs enjoy working with the VA Health Administration.
7. Infertility
One of the most respected specialty areas in women's health is that of infertility specialists. Whole clinics are dedicated to this niche due to the incredible demand for fertility services. However, as a WHNP, if you are interested in offering infertility counseling, you do not have to pigeonhole yourself in a job at a
fertility clinic. If you want to spread out your skills in the field, many women's general health practices also include fertility issues and procedures as part of their services.
Suppose you do decide to work in a fertility clinic. In that case, you will be part of a highly skilled and respected team of medical providers offering vital services to disheartened couples and women who have endured much to get to this juncture. Your compassion and excellent educational skills will be appreciated by patients who need both attributes during this stressful and sometimes painful time in their lives.
Although there is no specific certification for an infertility nurse practitioner, it is wise to have on-the-job experience in this area. In addition, there are skills necessary to work in the field of infertility are:
• Willingness and ability to learn new skills
• Compassion
• Good hand-eye coordination and dexterity for egg-retrieval and other delicate infertility procedures
• Patience
• Willing to work weekends and off-business hours as necessary
For nurse practitioners who want to be highly specialized and a part of a new and innovative nursing field, working in the niche area of infertility is one of the best WHNP jobs available.
8. Education
Currently, there is a great need for more nursing instructors. Nurse practitioners with clinical specialty areas such as obstetrics and women's health are in demand for community colleges and 4-year nursing programs. If you are a WHNP with an
MSN or
DNP, you are qualified to be on the faculty and teach nursing students in your field of expertise.
Being a part of the educational environment and preparing nurses for future generations can be an enriching career. However, the field of nursing education has lagged behind other advanced practice nursing careers when it comes to compensation. According to Salary.com,
nurse educators make on average $102,483 per year, which is below the average NP salary in general.
With a
growing need for APNs to educate our future replacements, it is hoped that compensation will increase with the demand. Despite low pay, working in education is still considered to be one of the best WHNP jobs for those who are passionate about teaching and are not interested in clinical positions.
9. Private Practice
The beauty of
full practice authority for nurse practitioners is that it allows you to work autonomously and even own your health practice. As a women's health NP, you can be the proud possessor of a general women's health practice. In addition, you can niche your practice down to a specific interest area such as
fertility specialist or an
integrative women's health provider.
By owning and operating a women's health practice, you can make your own hours and be free of administration demands. However, not all NPs are suited to be business owners.
Here are a few important questions to ask yourself before launching into an independent healthcare endeavor.
• Am I willing to take a risk?
• Do I enjoy working without many colleagues?
• Am I an expert in my field?
• Do I know anything about business?
• Am I willing to make a financial and time sacrifice to get my business going?
• Am I secure financially for at least the first year of start-up?
• Am I a competent leader?
• Am I a self-starter with good time management and organizational skills?
If you can answer yes to all of these questions, then the chances are that you will be a success as a private women's health practice owner.
10. Family Planning Practice
Family planning clinics and practices are always looking for good WHNPs. Women's health nurse practitioner jobs through Planned Parenthood are one example. With 600 centers to pick from, WHNPs are in demand.
Family planning practices and clinics operate regular office hours and typically offer competitive pay and compensation packages.
Some of the duties that you may expect to perform in a family planning environment are:
• Contraception counseling and prescribing
• Pap smears and other women's health exams
• Breast cancer screening
• Pregnancy testing
• STD education, screening, and treatment
• Pregnancy counseling and care
• Medically assisted abortions and day-after pill prescription and administration
• Surgical abortions (depending on the type of services offered by the clinic)
• Ultrasounds
It is evident that there are 2 schools of thought for many family planning practices. Some are pro-choice, while others are pro-life. For those WHNPs wishing to work in a family planning position, it is critical to first examine your own views on this sensitive topic and then find a compatible job to match your personal ideals. Otherwise, the position may prove to be an emotional challenge for you.
11. Surgical Specialty
Women's health nurse practitioners are in a perfect position to further their employability by learning and specializing in certain female surgeries and procedures. However, you may wonder how you can specialize in female surgical techniques. Much of the training for this type of work is on the job or through certification courses.
There is a wide variety of surgical needs for females, such as:
• Colposcopy and cervical ablation
• Hysteroscopy
• Vulvar and vaginal ablation
• Endometrial biopsies
• Estrogen contraception implantation
• IUD insertion and removal
• Pessary services
• LEEP procedure
• Tubal ligation
• Fibroid and ovarian cyst removal
• Egg retrieval
For some procedures, you may be the primary provider performing the surgery. However, you may often be working with a team of physicians, nurses and NPs to achieve the complete outcome. Working in a surgical specialty practice can be one of the best women's health NP jobs for those who enjoy a highly specialized and technical career.
12. Correctional Facility
Prisons, penitentiaries, jails and border facilities all need NPs to take care of their female detainees. County,
state and federal correctional institutions hire WHNPs to give medical treatment to women of all ages in detention. Services are similar to that of any women's health private or clinic practice, such as caring for those who are pregnant, STD testing and treatment, and gynecologic issues.
A new and innovative practice called
Mend Correctional Care deploys healthcare providers to a tri-state area in the Midwest to supply a variety of compassionate and effective support to inmates in any correctional setting. WHNPs help to provide specialized care to female detainees through Mend.
Although some NPs may consider working in corrections unsafe, scary, and rough, others disagree. This piece on
corrections nursing gives an honest and eye-opening exposé as to why one nurse enjoys this environment and is proud to be a corrections nurse.
In this job, you will earn excellent pay with a very generous compensation package and typically work 9-5 office hours. It takes a special kind of medical professional to work in a facility with female inmates but perhaps you are one that is suited for this type of work.
13. University
University female students need women's health services for conditions such as STD testing, contraception, sexual abuse, rape and pregnancy testing and counseling. Working as a WHNP in a university setting is a rewarding position for NPs who enjoy health teaching and working with a young adult population.
Colleges such as
Florida State University utilize women's health nurse practitioners in their college health clinics. Working as an NP in higher learning institutions can involve weekends and evenings. However, with set clinic hours, you may be able to tweak your schedule to fit your specific needs. Previous clinical experience as an NP is a plus as you will be making independent decisions right from the start in this environment.
One thing is for sure; you will work autonomously and, at times, by yourself. WHNPs considering employment in this setting need to enjoy working without much support or colleague interaction. If this sounds like you, working at a university health clinic may just be one of the best women's health nurse practitioner jobs available.
14. Sexual Abuse/Human Trafficking Unit
Working with victims of sexual abuse or those who have been trafficked is a gut-wrenching but highly gratifying career for WHNPs who want to work with women who have been through the worst kind of possible female trauma. Units in this specialty area can be found in hospitals and private, social, and government agencies. Many of these programs also service runaway and homeless teens and victims of gender violence.
Duties of a WHNP serving in a
human trafficking unit or with those who have been sexually abused can be:
• Rape examinations
• Sexual abuse investigation and counseling
• Human trafficking and sexual abuse education
• STD testing and treatment
• Referral for mental health services
• Pregnancy testing and counseling
• Educating and supporting primary care providers and schools
15. Department of Public Health
I recall traveling to rural areas of Pennsylvania during my nurse's training to deliver health services for the health department. For some of the pregnant female patients, these visits were all the prenatal care they received. The majority of the women were very young, some with several other little children in tow. Most had limited support and resources. Health teaching was greatly needed and, for the most part, appreciated. Typically, basic food supplies, small treats, toys, and clothing were distributed and gratefully accepted on a visit.
I'm sure that WHNPs at the
Georgia Department of Health and those across the US have similar stories.
For example, women health NP job responsibilities at Georgia Department of Health lists the following:
• Ability to travel between health clinic sites
• Provide prenatal and women's health services of reproductive age
• Work on-site at clinics and perform phone triage
• Provide training to other health staff
• Provide educational seminars, health fairs, and outreach events
• Participate in emergency and disaster preparation and events
Generous compensation packages and encouragement of staff wellness breaks during the day make this job one that could turn out to be a lasting career. Previous experience is required in women's health for this environment.
What Challenges Could You Face In Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Jobs and How to Overcome?
Pretty much all nurse practitioners face some
challenges on the job. However, those working in women's health nurse practitioner jobs may be susceptible to specific concerns.
Read on to prepare yourself for what challenges may be ahead if you choose to look for WHNP jobs and find ways to overcome them.
1. Staff drama-
Most women's health practices are large, with numerous providers, nurses, MAs and support staff. Due to the female clientele, the team usually is a mix of (mainly) women. Anytime you work within a large group, there is bound to be drama. But a primarily female environment can lend itself to a higher level of catty behavior.
One way to
avoid drama at work is not to lend yourself as part of the gossip mill. By politely staying away from the drama queens and malicious story spreaders, you can shield yourself from some of the less savory aspects of working in the group setting. If you are a person of influence in the group, helping to gradually wean out and remove the ring leaders will go a long way in bringing about a cohesive and compatible practice.
2. Burn-out-
There is a lot of stress in a busy women's health practice. You will have a full daily schedule with many interruptions and unexpected challenges.
By acknowledging that
NP burn-out is a real possibility, you can plan ahead and incorporate ways to help prevent emotional and physical exhaustion. If you find it harder and harder to drag yourself into work, you are already on your way to burn-out. By having
stress relief ideas in your tool-belt all ready to go prior to complete overwhelm, you can hopefully catch yourself in time to provide yourself with the respite that you so desperately need.
3. Changing environment-
Now is a great time for women. We are dealing with less stigma and more freedoms than ever before. The same holds true for women's health. It is a moving and changing environment with more and more women seeking care for a variety of women's health issues that in the past were hidden. Sexuality has come out of the shadows and providers are seeing more patients for post-partum depression, abuse of all kinds, gender and
transgender issues, post-menopausal concerns, along with an increase in infertility services.
For some NPs, keeping up with the change can be a challenge. By keeping an open mind and continuing to educate yourself on
current female health issues such as those listed above, you will feel comfortable moving forward into the future of women's medicine.
4. Administrative demands-
Pressure from the above authorities is an ongoing challenge for many NPs. Women's health NP jobs face the same stress from administration, particularly in the area of over-scheduling of patients. Due to the high patient numbers, providers in this field are expected to move quickly throughout their day, taking on as many appointments as they can squeeze in. This pressured visit expectation can lead to inadequate patient interactions and high-stress levels for the NP.
One way to help ease this time crunch issue is to discuss your concerns with your peers. Try to brainstorm some solutions and then take up your issues with administration. You are a group of valuable providers and most administrators are willing to do whatever it takes to keep you on the job.
5. Sometimes painful cases-
If you have worked in women's health for any period of time, you should already be aware that there are disheartening and sometimes heartbreaking patients that you will have to deal with. Rape, gender confusion, miscarriage, infertility issues and mistreatment of women on many levels may at times get you down.
As a nurse, you are probably already a strong and resilient medical professional. Disappointment and trauma come with the territory. But on occasion, there will be a situation that really will get to you. You will need to take time to decompress, grieve the problem and give yourself grace in the process. Seek someone to talk to about your feelings and counseling if needed. If you need to take a break, do so by taking time off or moving to another office, even temporarily. Do whatever it takes to keep yourself mentally well.
On Average, How Much Can You Make With a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Job?
The average yearly salary for women's health nurse practitioner jobs is $103,930, according to ziprecruiter.com. This wage is slightly below the average salary of $109,024 quoted by
zip recruiter for nurse practitioners in general. Overall, WHNPs make a median wage, with psychiatric and travel nurse practitioners topping the charts, while family and pediatric NPs earn lower salaries than average.
Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
$49.97 | $8,660 | $103,930 |
(Source: Ziprecruiter.com) |
10 States Hiring the Most Number of Women's Health Nurse Practitioners
It makes sense that the
highest populated states hire the most WHNPs. California, New York, Texas and Florida hire the most NP specializing in women's health and also happen to be the top 4 populated states in the US. In fact, all of the states listed in the chart below are in the top 10 most populated states, except for Tennessee and Massachusetts (who are not far off the top 10 mark).
Rank | State |
1 | California |
2 | New York |
3 | Texas |
4 | Florida |
5 | Ohio |
6 | Tennessee |
7 | Pennsylvania |
8 | Georgia |
9 | Illinois |
10 | Massachusetts |
10 States Offering the Highest Salaries for Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Jobs
California leads as the state that pays the highest salary for women's health NP jobs, offering $132,480 annually. Being the 3rd
highest cost of living state, paying top dollar makes sense. According to the chart below, there is a considerable step down to the rest of the highest paying states. And those ranked 2-10 in the table below offer little difference in pay. Surprisingly, Hawaii, the costliest state to reside, is paying pretty much the same as all of the other top 10 states (except for California), making approximately $51.83 per hour.
Rank | State | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
1 | California | $63.69 | $11,040 | $132,480 |
2 | New Jersey | $57.12 | $9,900 | $118,800 |
3 | Washington | $55.19 | $9,570 | $114,790 |
4 | New York | $55.17 | $9,560 | $114,760 |
5 | Massachusetts | $55.00 | $9,530 | $114,400 |
6 | Nevada | $52.31 | $9,070 | $108,810 |
7 | Minnesota | $51.88 | $8,990 | $107,910 |
8 | Wyoming | $51.84 | $8,990 | $107,830 |
9 | Hawaii | $51.83 | $8,980 | $107,810 |
10 | Oregon | $51.75 | $8,970 | $107,640 |
7 Main Factors Contributing to The High Growth Of Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Jobs in The Next Decade
Women's health nurse practitioner careers have a bright outlook.
I have listed a few excellent reasons below why there is high growth predicted in the specialty area of women's health.
1. Growth in female population over age 60 -
It is a well-known fact that baby boomers are now in their senior years. In addition, our younger US population, in general, is dwindling. That leaves us a higher population of older females for our healthcare system to care for.
2. Trouble conceiving -
According to the CDC,
approximately 10% of women have difficulty achieving a viable pregnancy. This trend is not getting better, leading to the need for more WHNPs jobs in the future.
3. Increased awareness of women's health issues -
Thankfully, women's medical needs have come out of the dark ages and into the limelight the past few years. With more freedom to speak about sensitive female health issues such as rape, abuse, LGBT issues, menopause and sexual dysfunction, women are now more comfortable seeking help for these issues. This translates to the need for expanded services for women of all ages.
4. Increased funding for women's medical conditions -
With this improved awareness comes government and agency buy-in for more research and treatment in the area of female health. Additional funding towards women's services has been on the upswing since the
2010 Affordable Care Act.
5. Rise in unhealthy lifestyles -
Unfortunately, women, in general, are not helping their health. With an increase in poor diet, lack of exercise and a more sedentary lifestyle,
female health is on the decline. Obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease are on the rise in women.
6. Increase in osteoporosis -
Osteoporosis
numbers are rising due to diets low in calcium and an aging female population. Treatment of osteopenia and osteoporosis and associated fractures have impacted the need for a considerable uptick in healthcare for this condition.
7. Increase in breast cancer screening and detection -
Although it is fortunate that breast cancer screening has become accessible to all women, a surge in breast cancer diagnosis is the result.
My Final Thoughts
There certainly are many exciting and alluring jobs available for women's health nurse practitioners! It is no wonder NP jobs are ranked at the top of the list of professional medical careers. With such a variety and demand for NPs in this field, there is no reason to stagnate or burn out. Just look around. I trust that this article has helped to motivate you and answer the question of what are the best women's nurse practitioner jobs for 2024? Hopefully, by presenting the 15 best women's health nurse practitioner jobs for 2024, you are now prepared and excited to embark on a new and fulfilling position as a WHNP.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered by Our Expert
1. What Are The Highest Paying WHNP Jobs?
At present, any kind of traveling nurse practitioner will make top dollar. Since WHNPs are in demand everywhere, being a traveler is a lucrative choice for those seeking the highest paying position. In addition, Kaiser Permanente
jobs rank as a premier organization for top wages for all NPs. Lastly, hospitals are desperate for providers of all types. As a women's health NP, you should command a very healthy wage if you accept a position at an inpatient facility.
2. Are There Any Remote WHNP Jobs?
Oh yes, there are plenty of remote WHNP jobs available. A quick search on indeed.com under "remote women's health nurse practitioner" will bring up a healthy list of telehealth WHNP opportunities to explore.
3. What Are The Top 3 WHNP Jobs For New Grads?
As you may have noted in this article, some WHNP positions require experience. However, many employers are still willing to give new NP grads a shot at jobs in women's health.
3 of the top new graduate women's health nurse practitioner jobs are:
• Practices or hospitals where you were an RN or trained as an NP
• Women's health surgical practices. Since training is required for this position, many physicians prefer to work with new grads who are eager to learn new skills.
• Infertility clinic- Once again, this niche practice can train new grads just as easily as ones with experience.
4. Are WHNP Jobs Part-Time OR Full-Time?
As with most NP positions, opportunities are abundant for both part-time and full-time hours. Women's health NP jobs are advertised as contract, hourly, part-time and full-time. Remote positions tend to be more flexible with the number of hours you can work.
5. Are WHNP Jobs Stressful?
All nurse practitioner jobs come with some stress. It is best to decide what kind of stress is the most tolerable for your personality type prior to accepting a new position as a WHNP. Do you enjoy a fast pace? Then a busy clinic or office job may not put you over the edge. Do you mind working with the neediest of women in circumstances that may be rough? If so, working in a correctional environment may be stressful and not for you.
6. Can A WHNP See Male Patients?
In general, WHNPs do not see male patients. The only exception would be for transgender services and counseling of couples on fertility issues.
7. What are some disadvantages to working in a WHNP job and how to deal with them?
Stress from a WHNP job can threaten
burnout for some NPs. Being mindful of what is causing your tension and purposefully taking action steps to help cope and self-care is wise for any women’s health NP job. In addition, as mentioned previously, you may deal with some pretty traumatic situations in your job. Taking time to decompress and talk to a trusted friend, counselor or colleague will help you get through these tough situations.
8. What requirements will an employer look for when seeking WHNP job candidates?
First of all, you will need to get your MSN and NP certificate in Women's Health from an
accredited program. Many employers are looking for NPs with 2-3 years of clinical experience in women's health. In this day and age, telemedicine exposure is always a plus. In addition, new and innovative knowledge and skills in women's medicine will make you a front contender.
9. Can a WHNP perform deliveries?
In general, most WHNPs are not hired to deliver babies. This area is usually left to nurse-midwives and obstetricians. However, you may be involved in pre-and postnatal care of the moms.
10. Can a women's health nurse practitioner practice independently?
On the most part, yes. However, the full extent of your autonomy depends on what state you work and are licensed. It is best to consult your state board for
NP practice authority regulations for any NP position.
Donna Reese MSN, RN, CSN
Donna Reese is a freelance nurse health content writer with 37 years nursing experience. She has worked as a Family Nurse Practitioner in her local community clinic and as an RN in home health, rehabilitation, hospital, and school nursing.