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Women's Health Nurse Specialist - Career Profile |
Career OverviewThere has always been an array of health issues that affect women, beginning in adolescence and continuing through the aging process. During pregnancy and the post-partum period, for example, women require specialist medical care and support. However, they also require regular medical check-ups to assess the risks of gynecological issues, cancers, HIV, common STDs, and other common illnesses.
Oftentimes, the treatment necessary for the general improvement of women's health is routine and thus increasingly it is falling into the realm of nurses rather than physicians, who are under pressure to treat more complex cases only and to spend less time on individual patients.
Women's Health Nurse Specialists are Clinical Nurse Specialists trained to deal with women's health issues for both diagnosis and treatment. They are increasingly pivotal in applying nursing theory and research to clinical practice and in functioning as administrators, consultants, and educators in the field, to promote women's health and to improve it.
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Career RequirementsWomen's Health Nurse Specialists are required to train as Clinical Nursing Specialists prior to completing any advanced training in the field. They are required to have some advanced training in the nursing field. Most Clinical Nursing Specialists have advanced degrees. Approximately 93% of all CNSs have a Master's Degree or equivalent graduate certificate to compliment their training as an RN.
Women's Health Nurse Specialists are required to have an active RN license and typically have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing to have obtained this qualification.
Specialist training in women's health care is requirement for this profession, typically met by the practical experience of each candidate. Experience is focused on outpatient treatment of conditions that affect women, such as pregnancy, gynecological issues, prenatal issues, cancer, HIV, disabilities, and forms of abuse.
Some institutions offer specialist training programs and certification in women's health care for nurses. More information about training programs and certification is available through the following organization:
Association of Women's Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses
2000 L St. NW, Ste. 740,
Washington, D.C., 20036
www.awhonn.org
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Job OutlookWomen's health issues continue to be a regular issue and concern for the medical community and so the role of a Clinical Nurse Specialist who has advanced training in areas relevant to women's health is particularly valued.
Whilst Women's Health Nurse Specialists do not necessarily work independently of physicians, particularly in the diagnosis and treatment of complex issues affecting women's health, they nonetheless have a vital role to play in promoting women's health and, at the very least, assisting physicians to do so.
Employment prospects for Women's Health Nurse Specialists are likely to remain good, with opportunities opening for those interested in taking on administrative, educational, or policy-orientated roles to promote women's health.
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Career TrackSee Clinical Nurse Specialist
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CompensationSee Clinical Nurse Specialist
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