a poss. start to pursing NI?

Specialties Informatics

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Hello- my current situation: an Rn with 6 years experience as a floor nurse. I am interested in the Nursing informatics- I dont mind computers or technology, but I would say I would be completely new at this- having no computer background. I see my community college offers a AAS in Computer Information Systems. Some of the curricula would be programming for info systems, building and maintaining the pc, ms office, Visual Basic programming, system analysis and design, applications database and/or concepts with Oracle, intro to networks, and Unix1/shellscripts, or Linux.

Would this be a justafiable route towards Nursing informatics? Must one have a bachelors degree in NI? Or a MS? None of my local colleges offer a specific NI degree, and I really cant afford anything more than a community college education. Is there a chance this might work?

Also, I am 45 now. By the time I would in reality be done, I would probably be 50. Will any education I learn now be obsolete by then? Thanks for any opinions/guidance.

Specializes in Informatics, Education, and Oncology.

Greetings jrwest,

This curricula sounds more specific to someone who might have the role of a pc support tech or an entry level programming job.

I think the knowledge one would acquire in these courses could definately be useful NI but no this is exactly what the course description reads - an "AAS in Computer Information Systems" not a Nursing Informatics degree or certification course. If you already have your associates (in Nursing) and are interested in another degree wouldn't you want to get a Bachelors or even better and more marketable your Masters? What about taking a NI certification course that is offered via distance education format? Less expensive and less courses than a full blown degree program.

No you do not need to have a degree in NI but this is a very competative market (like most) and you either need to bring previous experience and or an advanced degree to be as marketable as you can.... or the other route is to secure an entry level position where the employer is willing to train someone who is an experienced clinician but who has no previous informatics work experience.

You wrote you "dont mind computers or technology" WOW, you really sound enthusiastic about pursuing this new specialty!!!?..........maybe not?

I'd suggest you do more research about the specialty of Nursing and Healthcare Informatics, speak with those who are practicing in this area and read the posts on this forum for additional knowledge.

No, to your question about knowledge aquired now being "obsolete" in 5 years. A technology, procedure or written text may become "obsolete" but it is the person's responsibility to keep abreast of changes in their specialty and remain a life long learner, correct?

Good Luck

Hello- my current situation: an Rn with 6 years experience as a floor nurse. I am interested in the Nursing informatics- I dont mind computers or technology, but I would say I would be completely new at this- having no computer background. I see my community college offers a AAS in Computer Information Systems. Some of the curricula would be programming for info systems, building and maintaining the pc, ms office, Visual Basic programming, system analysis and design, applications database and/or concepts with Oracle, intro to networks, and Unix1/shellscripts, or Linux.

Would this be a justafiable route towards Nursing informatics? Must one have a bachelors degree in NI? Or a MS? None of my local colleges offer a specific NI degree, and I really cant afford anything more than a community college education. Is there a chance this might work?

Also, I am 45 now. By the time I would in reality be done, I would probably be 50. Will any education I learn now be obsolete by then? Thanks for any opinions/guidance.

Specializes in PCCN.

Thank You for your information rninformatics. I guess the "don't mind computers or technology" was said tongue in cheek, as everyone I work with hates the computer formats like the new computer charting , and always ask me how to get around "these things". Some people are resistant to change.

Are the distance learning formats legitimate? I have taken online classes at my local college, but I knew where the money was going. Maybe I am a little old fashioned in this thought.

I do appreciate your advice on this curricula. It would have been a waste of time and money.None of my local colleges offer a specific NI, and pretty sure my employer is not offering any entry level positions in this field. We have specific Computer Support people who work on the programs- they are not RNs or have any medical background.

Oh, I did apply to the RN_BSN program at the local college. Thanks

I will continue to read these forums, but it does sound like since I have no computer experience at this stage in my life, that it a bit too late to learn enough to be marketable before I am 60.

Thanks for the info- Jr.

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