Considering MSN (Informatics) + NP (FNP), please give me opinions/input.

Nursing Students Post Graduate

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Hello, I am considering the following:

Beginning an MSN in Informatics and simultaneously pursuing an NP as FNP.

I like both the medical/nursing as well as the computer/information technology aspects of nursing and don't want to pigeon-hole myself into only one of the two paths. I would like to get back into school after I feel comfortable as an RN. I have my Associates degree in Nursing and currently work in something between an ICU and step-down unit. I have a Bachelor Degree in computer science.

I will be researching various online and traditional programs. I haven't found any informatics MSN programs that my hospital will sponsor (South Florida schools, they won't sponsor online only programs).

I am curious as to any overlap that would exist between these two programs.

How long it might take if I was taking 1-2 courses at a time, year round.

How much it might cost.

I know most of this will be program specific, and I will find that out during my research.

On a more general level. I would like opinions as to the pros/cons of going for both degrees.

I would love to hear any input from anyone that has either or both degrees.

I like and miss school already, I don't want to overdo it, but at the same time, if I can start and have it subsidized by my hospital I believe that starting earlier rather than later is the way to go.

For clarification, I will be doing an RN-MSN/NP type bridge program as it seems more beneficial to just go directly to the MSN instead of BSN first as I have most of the pre-reqs done from an earlier pre-med program I did.

thanks in advance :rolleyes:

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Specializes in ICU, Informatics.

I have to say you are not the only one thinking like this (also have B.S. in Computer Science)!! :) I have been considering the same approach. One of my main reasons for considering this is the same reason you have mentioned in your post, not being pigeon-holed into either career track. I truly appreciate both clinical and information technology.

Currently, I'm pursuing my MSN (Health/Nursing Informatics focus) on a part-time basis. I'm taking two courses while working full-time. It will take 2.5 years to complete this degree. Of course, it depends on your program, but I'm leaning towards it will take you longer to complete a dual Master's in Informatics and NP on a part-time basis (thinking not a lot of overlap in regards to required courses per track). You can consider completing either the Nursing Informatics or NP degree first and then do a post-master's for the other.

Regarding the pros/cons, you'll be the best judge on this one. Just think on what are your short-/long-term career goals for both degrees? Of course one of the cons is the expense of getting two Master degrees. However, I think there is a benefit to having both depending on what you are trying to accomplish.

Best wishes with this pursuit!

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Nice, I didn't think I'd find someone interested in or doing the same thing. I wasn't sure about the no overlap aspect, thanks for clearing it up. If that is the case I may start on the informatics MSN first, and then decide (If I haven't become complacent by then :-) whether to do FNP or CRNA (or overseas medical school) after about 5 years. If history is any marker, my plans and life will change a lot in 5 years anyway, so I'll just go with the flow. Right now, I'm learning a ton in my current position, everyone has been very helpful and nice, it's a bit stressful at times, but still manageable. Where are you doing the Informatics MSN? Do you recommend any online programs (Like Univ. of Phoenix) or are they to be avoided? Thanks.

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By the way do you work bedside still or are you 100% informatics? or vice versa?

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Specializes in ICU, Informatics.

I'm 100% Informatics. I PMed you my school.

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Specializes in Critical Care & ENT.

WOW! Another person as well. I was thinking about doing the same thing, but I have not researched the informatics stuff yet. I am currently a FNP student. I work with the information technology side but from a clinical perspective. I'm not a programmer nor do I understand how to build screens for documentation. Not interested in that at all. I will not go after a degree in informatics, but I will expose myself to as much of it as possible. There will be a huge need due to the transformation we are doing with medicine. As you may know, we are moving to Electronic Health Records and Computerized Physician Order Entry. There are many jobs out there now and more to come for people with a clinical background who also want to work with information technology.

Good luck!

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Since this thread is almost 4 years old, I'm curious how did you make out? I am also thinking of doing an MSN in Informatics and/or FNP.

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Since this thread is almost 4 years old, I'm curious how did you make out? I am also thinking of doing an MSN in Informatics and/or FNP.

Hi, I am also interested in doing Masters in health Informatics. Which online universities are you looking for??

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Anyone out there doing Masters in Health Informatics cab share the feedback and hows job market affer that?!?

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I am interested in the feedback as well. thanks

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Specializes in Informatics, Orthopaedics.

I am in Informatics as well, mainly because I worked in IT for 25 years before I became a nurse. I am doing my Masters in Informatics now, and will be doing a DNP in FNP at Grand Canyon University in 2018. I would say if you are interested in both go for it! It will definitely help in your job search, though I wouldn't expect to be doing both or a mixture, as an ADN or BSN is perfectly suitable to work in Informatics.

I am focusing on becoming a Director of IT or Informatics (or both), and I figured since I wanted to go for a DNP anyway, I may as well do an advanced practice focus.

Good luck!

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I've been looking for an online nurse informatics school. Any ideas?

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