What Is a WHNP?
WHNP stands for Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner—an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) with particular expertise in women’s health. To become one, healthcare providers go through a nursing program and then complete the specific WHNP program to get certified. They focus on providing holistic care for women throughout their lives—from puberty through adulthood—helping them navigate conditions typical in women, their reproductive system, and overall health.
What a WHNP Does
A Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner takes care of comprehensive expertise in women’s healthcare to care for women and their needs throughout different stages of their lives.
Thanks to their training, they are prepared to help cover different areas, including:
- Primary care for women.
- Gynecological care.
- Reproductive health.
- Prenatal and postpartum care.
- Menopause transition and post-menopause care.
- STI diagnosis and treatment.
A WHNP is qualified to perform many different tasks to maintain overall woman wellness. It is important to know that, despite having a comprehensive knowledge of the female reproductive system, these healthcare professionals do not deliver babies. But their WHNP education and expertise, allows these healthcare providers to perform a wide range of tasks, such as:
- Interpret test.
- Make a diagnosis.
- Order treatment.
- Prescribe medication.
Which is of great importance when it comes to diagnosing and treating different illnesses, and conditions related to women. As well as to refer complicated cases, or high risks pregnancies to doctors when it’s necessary.
Our WHNP’s work in partnership with our CNM’s practicing midwifery philosophy of care working closely with their patients, but do not deliver.
WHNPs can be found in different areas, such as: primary care, prenatal and postpartum care, general wellness and preventive care, in addition to care through menopause. And they are also committed to educating and empowering patients to make informed, healthy choices.
WHNPs at Lone Tree
Starting their careers as APRNs in women’s health settings, our WHNPs further advance their knowledge by earning a Master’s of Science in Nursing. Guided by the principles of the midwifery model of care, they focus on a holistic approach and embrace natural remedies when possible.
WHNPs work closely with pregnant patients. Offering the same high level of care as our certified nurse-midwives (CNMs), although they do not deliver babies. In addition to diagnosing conditions, performing procedures, and prescribing medications, our WHNPs are dedicated to building long-lasting, supportive relationships with the women in their care.