All about Nursing Informatics Education

Hi,
I'm an RN, Ass. degree, with 8years working experience and considering going back to college to specialize in nursing informatics. This area seems very new to me and will be grateful if you could give me more light with regard to the below;

1.I 've decided to do this program online as I will still have to work. First I've reviewed the course contents of most colleges and they seemed to be having some variations. With your experience, which college(s) do you recommend as having the best program? Among those I have reviewed are University of Phoenix , University of Maryland, Walden university......
It really depends on what you want your degree concentration to be in. I'd say dont limit your self to Nursing Informatics but think about and look at Healthcare Informatics programs too - excellent programs - Excelsior, U of Maryland, Vanderbilt, Colorado U, Duke, Loyola, U of IL and Northwestern.

2. What basic IT requirements do you recommend I have before going into this program?
A Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (MS Word, Excel, Power Point, etc), comfort level with e-mail and in navigating in on- line enviroments - Blackboard, message boards, forums, IMing, etc.

3.Having been there for years, what are the challenges out there? Any good motivation/compensations? And have you ever regretted going into that specialty?
Challenges - take a look on this forum and read what other informatics professionals report. For me, clinician resistance to change has been one of the big challenges. Other challenges include:IT leading the project instead of clinicians, automating for automations sake and not to improve practice and care. Motivation/compensation - You are involved in improving clinical practice and pt care through the use of technology, for me its "fun". I've paid my dues and am well established in my career so monetary compensation is not usually an issue. Don't expect to make the highest salary when first entering into the specialty - you do have to learn and pay your dues just like in clinical nursing practice. Yes occasionally I've regreted it but there were days when I practiced clinically and regreted being a nurse but for the most part I enjoy what I do.

4.Where do I get info on financial support/scholarships for this program?
Check with each school and Good Luck with your decision.

Thanks.

Erikmla