The difference Between Various Clinicians Providing Women's Health Services

A Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) may work in women’s health without being a Board-Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP), as it is within the FNP scope of practice. However, a Family NP is not permitted to call themselves a WHNP (Women's Health Nurse Practitioner) They must identify as an FNP practicing in a women's health setting

FNPs are trained to treat patients across the lifespan, which includes providing primary care and reproductive services for women. They  can work in OB-GYN clinics or women's health centers using their FNP license.

In most states, NP's must be board-certified in their specialty(e.g., FNP-BC or FNP-C) to obtain and maintain their state license to practice as an NP. Practicing without any board certification is generally not permitted by state boards of nursing.

If a clinician is an FNP, they should identify as a  Family Nurse Practitioner or FNP. They can specify their focus by saying they are an "FNP specializing in women's health" or an "FNP with a focus on gynecology".

Many FNP's can provide important women's health care based on trheir education and training with FNPs hired by OB/GYNs to contribute to care provided in busy practice environments. Some may seek a post-master's certificate to become and  call themselves a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP).

The name "Women's Health Nurse Practitioner" is a legally protected title. In order to be called a WHNP, an individual must graduate from a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program and pass the National Certification Corporation (NCC) exam and can then use the title "WHNP-BC".

Some female patients may wish to utilize an FNP for their general health while having a separate relationship with a women’s health specialist; Others may choose to receive most of their ongoing comprehensive care from their FNP. In this way, a family nurse practitioner working in a group medical practice or public or private health clinic may have the privilege of treating such women and members of their extended families.

NP's should use the title that matches their actual certification (e.g., FNP-C, APRN or CRNP or APNC, WHNP-BC to avoid misrepresentation). There are legal risks using the title "WHNP" without the corresponding degree and certification, and is considered  misrepresentation and can lead to disciplinary action by State Boards of Nursing. It is also a misrepresentation to patients and the public who rely on our trust and compassion to faithfully embody and state who we are legally and professionally. While both clinicians can provide women's health services, there is a difference in depth of training in women's health in the specialties for both FNP's and WHNP's. WHNP's focus a lot on Obstetrics and pregancy mangement but may also  screen and treat hypertension though not trained to treat cardiac disease. Likewise, FNP's may not receive in depth Reproductive Technology or Gynecologic Oncology or Obstetrical training, but for example, can evaluate vaginitis and  prescribe birth control. Each specialty's focus emphasizes different things even though there is some overlap.