MSN--Informatics vs. Management emphasis?

Specialties Informatics

Published

Specializes in Critical Care, Informatics newbie.

Hello all,

New to the forum, would like to pick the brains of some of you well-informed folks.

I have 5 years of bedside ICU experience, but my hospital is implementing Epic, and I have a position now as an Epic Credentialed Trainer (ClinDoc). I will be in this position for about the next year and a half, until our entire system has gone live.

After that point, we are going to have an Informatics department that will continue to support Epic going forward. I'm hoping to be a part of that when the time comes...seems like a good chance to get in on the ground floor.

I am planning on beginning an RN-MSN program, but looking at the various options, I'm not sure what to choose. I see programs with an Informatics emphasis, others with more of a management emphasis. What I'd REALLY like is to be in management WITHIN Informatics, so I'm torn.

I won't be able to finish an MSN before our training finishes and the Informatics department gets launched, but by the time the department gets up and running, I'll have two years of Epic training experience. I don't have any managerial experience.

I'm kind of leaning toward getting the MSN with the managerial emphasis, since I'll have some actual job experience with informatics with my two years of Epic training. I'm thinking that might be best out of the gate, with a plan of picking up a post-Master's certificate in Informatics later. On the other hand, it is an Informatics DEPARTMENT, so I wonder if I shouldn't focus on that first, and worry about management stuff later.

Anyone have any helpful advice for my dilemma? I'm looking mainly at the online degree programs...which brings up a sub-question, are there any of the online programs anyone would particularly recommend or avoid?

Thanks much for any help!

Blue

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Hi Blue,

Have you spoken to your supervisors about your plans? I'm sure they would be happy to give you some perspective.

I personally like your idea of getting a masters in management with an informatics certificate. Management is broad and I think that background can lead you into different areas. Technology will also move forward which may change Informatics and different roles in the industry.

I think rninformatics has a degree in Informatics? She's a great source of information!

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Specializes in Informatics, Education, and Oncology.

WELCOME BlueRenegade!

I'd say go for the program with the management emphasis since that is what you want to do within Informatics.

You will be getting your informatics experience on the job/real world experience and not via class room instruction - which I think carries more weight.

Also utilize your manager in the informatics dept for guidance on your career path related to further education.

Obtain management experience by asking to lead project teams, work groups etc

Read this forum as there are MANY posts about the different on-line degree programs in informatics and in nursing.

Good Luck, post often here and keep us informed of your progress.

Angela

Hello all,

New to the forum, would like to pick the brains of some of you well-informed folks.

I have 5 years of bedside ICU experience, but my hospital is implementing Epic, and I have a position now as an Epic Credentialed Trainer (ClinDoc). I will be in this position for about the next year and a half, until our entire system has gone live.

After that point, we are going to have an Informatics department that will continue to support Epic going forward. I'm hoping to be a part of that when the time comes...seems like a good chance to get in on the ground floor.

I am planning on beginning an RN-MSN program, but looking at the various options, I'm not sure what to choose. I see programs with an Informatics emphasis, others with more of a management emphasis. What I'd REALLY like is to be in management WITHIN Informatics, so I'm torn.

I won't be able to finish an MSN before our training finishes and the Informatics department gets launched, but by the time the department gets up and running, I'll have two years of Epic training experience. I don't have any managerial experience.

I'm kind of leaning toward getting the MSN with the managerial emphasis, since I'll have some actual job experience with informatics with my two years of Epic training. I'm thinking that might be best out of the gate, with a plan of picking up a post-Master's certificate in Informatics later. On the other hand, it is an Informatics DEPARTMENT, so I wonder if I shouldn't focus on that first, and worry about management stuff later.

Anyone have any helpful advice for my dilemma? I'm looking mainly at the online degree programs...which brings up a sub-question, are there any of the online programs anyone would particularly recommend or avoid?

Thanks much for any help!

Blue

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Informatics, Education, and Oncology.

Thanks for the compliment Lorazepam!

But remember I am a grad school drop out :clown:

although I do advocate advance education in whatever form works for that individual .....

and I do hold certifications in NI and as a CPHIMS

Hi Blue,

Have you spoken to your supervisors about your plans? I'm sure they would be happy to give you some perspective.

I personally like your idea of getting a masters in management with an informatics certificate. Management is broad and I think that background can lead you into different areas. Technology will also move forward which may change Informatics and different roles in the industry.

I think rninformatics has a degree in Informatics? She's a great source of information!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Informatics newbie.

Thanks much for the advice! Will be spending the day scouring this board--have already learned tons!

Thanks,

Blue :)

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