Just finished the MSN/Informatics

featherzRN, MSN · May 8, 2017

ErinF said:
I'm considering the MSN informatics or the MBA... just not sure. I have a BSN, currently work in a PACU. Trying to figure out my long term goals! Any advice?

I have both the MSN and the MBA. The MBA was more of a bucket list item as I have no intention of being a manager - but I think it all depends on what you want to do. I currently work in health information, so the informatics degree was perfect for me. Would you want to work in informatics?

LCESPEDES · May 10, 2017

Congrats on your successful completion of your informatics msn. May I ask for tips on how to complete it in a short period of time? Are there any resources to study ahead of time? I plan to enroll soon. Thanks

featherzRN, MSN · May 10, 2017

Not really anything to do 'ahead of time' unless you want to brush up on stats for the data analysis class. My best tip is to join the facebook groups - they are invaluable to help when you get stuck or just need encouragement.

Get started as soon as you can (if you have never been to WGU before, you may get access to your classes about two weeks earlier than your start) and don't overthink!! :)

If you want to speed up capstone, try to ID a preceptor nurse with a masters degree at your facility that will be willing to help you and see if your facility needs an affiliation agreement. I would have been done two weeks earlier if I didn't have to wait for that agreement!

KellyBSNRNC · May 12, 2017

I am a BSN graduate from WGU. Thinking of doing either MSN leadership or informatics. I am a bedside nurse now and informatics interests me but I am not a wiz at Excel. How were the actual informatics classes?

featherzRN, MSN · May 12, 2017

KellyBSNRNC said:
I am a BSN graduate from WGU. Thinking of doing either MSN leadership or informatics. I am a bedside nurse now and informatics interests me but I am not a wiz at Excel. How were the actual informatics classes?

There was no Excel in the informatics classes. ? You use Visio, Access, and a few other things but they do tell you how to use them. There should be no issue learning it fresh. Keep in mind there is a statistics class, which is not horrible but could scare some off.

KellyBSNRNC · May 12, 2017

Thanks for the info. I passed the BSN stats fine....i am not a math wiz but I was so happy to have gotten thru that one. Stats is scary but as the program gets further along I would hope there would be resources to help get us thru that one.

featherzRN, MSN · May 12, 2017

If you passed the BSN stats fine, I don't think this one will be an issue. I thought it was similar in scope.

rntbrothers · May 13, 2017

Congrats! Was this program a requirement by your employer to advance? Do you feel this degree is necessary in your position? In your opinion what is your outlook for this part of nursing? Thanks for the info! Nervous in making a transition as you say its not very versatile. =)

guest042302019, BSN, RN · May 13, 2017

I'm currently in the program. I'm finding it feels like a lot of fluff. Have you learned viable skills from the degree? And, have you gotten job offers or advancement opportunities from taking it? Thanks for your input!

featherzRN, MSN · May 14, 2017

AndrewCraigRN said:
I'm currently in the program. I'm finding it feels like a lot of fluff. Have you learned viable skills from the degree? And, have you gotten job offers or advancement opportunities from taking it? Thanks for your input!

Honestly, I'd have to say no - but I already knew how to use most of the apps they are having us use like Access and Visio. Hadn't used Epi-info before, but it's just an access front end with some nice features.. Someone new to the field may learn more than I - are you in the informatics classes yet?

For me, it was more of a bucket list item. I wanted the MSN, but didn't want Leadership or Education. ?

I am in a clinical documentation position I like in a place that is convenient to me and don't plan to leave any time soon UNLESS an informatics position opens at my hospital.

The capstone may be helpful if the student is seeking an informatics position at their current hospital, as it requires a full eval of that EHR and would be a networking opportunity with the current informatics staff..

.02

besaangel, ASN, BSN, MSN, CNA, RN, APRN, NP · May 17, 2017

CONGRATS HON ?

g8sushma, ASN, BSN, MSN · May 17, 2017

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 ass class like biochem? Stats I am a math wiz no worries there for me. Also job prospects??? are you currently looking?