Just finished the MSN/Informatics

featherzRN, MSN · May 17, 2017

g8sushma said:
I am currently on the RN to MSN track to ed. I asked to be switched to Informatics. I am just concerned about the classes. Was anything a pain in the *** class like biochem? Stats I am a math wiz no worries there for me. Also job prospects??? are you currently looking?

If you can handle stats, that's the only class that might be a sticking point for some. I'm not looking for a job right now. ?

xodarian · May 18, 2017

Hi Featherz! I joined so I could ask you some questions...but I cant message you without the 15 posts? Is there another way I can contact you? Thanks!

featherzRN, MSN · May 18, 2017

Someone at WGU decided my capstone was worthy of an excellence award! I personally think they just wanted an informatics example and as I was the only one they had mine was chosen.. but I get a certificate and a notation on my transcript. Neat!

xodarian · May 19, 2017

Hi! It wont let me send a PM yet! Sooo.... I have been an LPN for 6 years and am starting my last year of ADN school, I am looking into WGU for my BSN (possibly MSN). I still need micro and stats for the WGU BSN program, I was going to do them through straighterline but am thinking about just doing them through the WGU BSN program. I am very highly motivated..... 3.9 GPA, class president, started school with a 2 week old. My ultimate goal is to get into frontier universitys CNM/WHNP program. I am hoping to complete my BSN in 6-9 months, but I am now torn as to just go ahead and do the MSN nurse leadership while I am at WGU. The program at frontier requires a minimum of a 3.0 GPA which I am a tad concerned about but the advisor there told me I can shine through with other aspects of my application such as essays and such. I've heard entrance can be quite competitive... they have an RN-MSN bridge at Frontier (3years) and no BSN is awarded plus you have to have 1yr of RN experience. I figured I might as well get my BSN in that year. So then my decision was to just do the BSN-MSN (CNM/NP)program which is two years, but now I am wondering if I should stick with WGU for MSN and transfer after. My heart and passion is in women's health so I want to be a practitioner somewhere in that realm. Sorry, I am rambling I am just so torn... should I take SL classes to finish what I can before WGU or just wait and take them in the program? Should I just do the RN-MSN or stick with the RN-BSN? Any tips would be very appreciated as I feel like a lost puppy! LOL

Thanks!

Darian

Vivianrok · Jun 17, 2017

Congratulations!!

I am starting in July in nursing informatics. i currently work as a quality specialist. I am excited and motivated to finish it within a term. Only a couple of months for you? Dang, that was fast! Can you tell me more about the capstone? Is it something you do on your own and just submit it to WGU? Thanks!

featherzRN, MSN · Jun 17, 2017

Vivianrok said:
Congratulations!!
I am starting in July in nursing informatics. I currently work as a quality specialist. I am excited and motivated to finish it within a term. Only a couple of months for you? Dang, that was fast! Can you tell me more about the capstone? Is it something you do on your own and just submit it to wgu? Thanks!

Yep, two months to the day.

The Capstone is kind of unusual- different than the other two tracks.

For informatics you complete an assessment of the health information system at your facility (or wherever you get permission to do it) and do a powerpoint on various aspects. You do need an MSN preceptor, but I really didn't need mine to do anything.

Assuming you start as a BSN, it's definitely doable within a term. The only sticking point for most appears to be the stats/data analysis class. I didn't find it horrible, but I've done stats before.

Caitoco · Jul 5, 2017

Congrats on graduating! How many hours did you dedicate to the program per week to finish in that amount of time??

featherzRN, MSN · Jul 5, 2017

Caitoco said:
Congrats on graduating! How many hours did you dedicate to the program per week to finish in that amount of time??

At least 5 hours a day, including weekends. Sometimes more.. Work is 7-3, everything else was fair game for school. ?

Caitoco · Jul 5, 2017

Wow that's dedication!

JennJan · Jul 12, 2017

WOAH! How the heck do you do RN - BSN in 3 months??? Do they give class credit for current job or experience?

I have had an ADN for 24 years and really want to go into Informatics. Trying to decide on which online program to use as well as doing RN-BSN first then an Informatics certificate or just go for RN - MSN Informatics right away.

Any advice?

featherzRN, MSN · Jul 13, 2017

JennJan said:
WOAH! How the heck do you do RN - BSN in 3 months??? Do they give class credit for current job or experience?
Any advice?

You do receive 50 CU for being an RN, but other than that no credit for experience. The classes are self paced, meaning that if you are able to complete the requirements for the class in a short period of time you are done! ? These 'competencies' could be a test or a project of some sort (powerpoint, paper(s), video).

bnizi · Jul 19, 2017

Thank you for the wonderful information about WGU MSN Informatics program!

I am in the middle of the application process and I saw your comments regarding the capstone project. I currently work for a Home Health company with EMR services outsourced, do you know of any peers that had a similar situation? How would I go about connecting with someone that could assist me with the capstone project when that comes? Thank you again for your information!