mquddus

Sorry I didn't clarify. You're meant to choose 4 of those courses for a total of 12 credit hours. So my next question would be which 4 courses would be the most beneficial.

Hey, I'm an RN/BSN with about 4 years ED experience looking to work towards transitioning into Informatics and want to learn the best way to do so. I currently have no IT experience/education but am very comfortable and competent with computers and tech. I'm on my hospital's informatics council, but haven't gotten to participate due to my work schedule, but will make this a priority in the upcoming future. As far as education, I gather that experience > an MSN. When I looked at my nursing school's website, they offer a 2 semester "Healthcare Informatics Certification" - is there any value to this? So other than the council, and possibly some education, what else should I be doing? What is a day to day NI job like? Any other information would be super helpful too. Thank you.

So it seems like the best thing to do is think about getting a DNP as it's the wisest choice for the long run. Due to that, let me update the choices a bit: 1) Like option 2 above, go to Loyola's ABSN program until mid/late 2014 to have BSN-RN, then (I'm assuming) work a bit, then go into UIC's DNP for BSN holders program (and most likely work during that). 2) DePaul's program which would turn me, a non-nursing BS holder, into an MSN-holding RN by mid 2015, then since I have an MSN I'll be able to go into any DNP program regularly. Which is better/faster? What are the key pros/cons of each? Thanks again

I definitely agree, and what I think I forgot to mention was that I more than likely will be working as an RN and do the MSN portion part time (I think pretty much with either option, to finance the degree at the least). However UIC's direct-MSN program (1st option) has no requirement for work hours before getting the MSN as tigerlogic mentioned, since they allow you to go full-time through the MSN program after doing the NCLEX. That actually is another option, I am aware that UIC also has a program for BSN/RN to DNP, so doing Loyola's ABSN (until mid 2014) then getting into that direct-DNP program. What key advantages does a DNP give me over simply being a master's level NP?Thank you all very much for your help

Hello, I'm a university graduate from Chicago holding a non-nursing BS degree, but I have all the pre-req's completed to be able to jump into, say, an ABSN program. My ultimate goal is to become an NP (preferable Family or something related to the ER). However I also want to reach this goal ASAP, or at least be able to support myself and a family ASAP. Which of the following options would allow this the best? ---Option 1) UIC's GEP program which is basically: 15 months of BSN curriculum, then sitting for NCLEX, and then going straight into an NP program (2-4 years depending on full/part time) - this would take me from roughly Jan 2014 to Fall 2017-2019 Something to consider here: It's definitely possible for me to be doing the MSN portion part time and then working to support myself as well ---Option 2) Loyola ABSN program to become an RN w/ BSN by Mid 2014 then go onto an NP program, roughly 2-4 years. Something to consider, however, is that many if not all MSN/NP programs require at least a year of work experience as an RN, so that could delay the date in which I become an NP, but gives me time to work full time and save up (with family support) Considering my goals above, and the various considerations given with each option, which do you think is best for the long run, and also getting on my own two feet as quickly as possible?

Would they treat me as a transfer even if i've graduated from elsewhere? And this can be done at basically any school with a bsn program? This is looking like the best option for me, previously I thought absn was my only route.

So that leaves me with absn/second degree bsn right? How would I go about doing a normal bsn program considering I'll have a BS psych anyway?

Another question, how about becoming an RN* and then doing an RN-MSN program (MSN for RNs w/o BSN) such as Resurrection's? *if this was a viable option how would I go about becoming an RN without doing an all out bachelor's program?

I didn't know there's that option, thanks! I will look into it. Does the nursing specialty then have to relate to psych?

Thanks, that helps a lot, now that my scope is broader - what are good schools in Chicago, other than Loyola?

So would this mean looking into any ol' bsn program, and not just second-degree/absn programs?

That would mean only the nursing classes for those 2 years right, and not gen eds and the numerous science classes I took as pre reqs right?

I'm a few months from graduating with a BS in Psychology from Loyola Chicago (+ pre-requisites for Loyola's ABSN program) - seeing as there are not many choices for ABSN within the city I was wondering what other paths can I take to become a nurse? I know there's ABSN, can I use my already-acquired credits to enroll in a normal BSN program but having to take only the necessary nursing classes? What are my options?