Which school path for nursing informatics?

rninformatics, DNP, RN · Aug 29, 2011

I have found an elective undergrad nursing informatics course I can take beforehand to get a better idea if it's something I'd want to do.

Your idea of learning about the specialty to see if it really is something you would like to do is an excellent first step.

I see no reason why either of the educational paths you outlined would in any way "hinder" you.

Your choice depends on what it is in informatics (and in the future) you want to do. Remember in any industry one wants to stay as marketable as possible and not limit themselves.

Please use this forum to continue to learn more about this specialty. Additionally, I have also provided you with a few very recent resources that may help you.

Good Luck!

How to Get Started in NI

http://nursing.advanceweb.com/Columns/Nursing-Informatics/How-Do-I-Get-Started-in-Nursing-Informatics.aspx

NI an Overview

http://community.advanceweb.com/blogs/nurses_18/archive/2010/11/26/nursing-informatics-an-overview.aspx

Currently an ADN telemetry nurse looking into nursing informatics. Which road would be better to take? 1) Get my Bachelor of Nursing then Master of Nursing Informatics or 2) Go for Master of Health Informatics (I already have a Bachelor of General Studies) Would not having the Bachelor of Nursing and Having the Master of Health Informatics hinder me at all? I have found an elective undergrad nursing informatics course I can take beforehand to get a better idea if it's something I'd want to do. But I really enjoy computers and I really enjoy nursing, so why not combine the two?

jab3da · Aug 30, 2011

Thanks! The websites were really helpful. After thinking it over, I've decided continuing

with my BSN is probably the best way to go. One reason I decided to go into nursing was because there are so many options available. There's no way of knowing what path my career will take so I think the BSN and then later MSN will give me a broader educational base to work with for the future.

From everything I've read it seems like one of the best ways to get a foot into NI is to be a super user, so I'm going to let my clinical coordinator know I'm interested in that role when it comes up.

rninformatics, DNP, RN · Aug 30, 2011

I'm so glad this forum could be a resource for you.

I so agree with you related to the opportunities within nursing.........and also nursing informatics.

Please continue to visit, contribute your posts and keep us updated on your career.

Thanks! The websites were really helpful. After thinking it over, I've decided continuing
with my BSN is probably the best way to go. One reason I decided to go into nursing was because there are so many options available. There's no way of knowing what path my career will take so I think the BSN and then later MSN will give me a broader educational base to work with for the future.
From everything I've read it seems like one of the best ways to get a foot into NI is to be a super user, so I'm going to let my clinical coordinator know I'm interested in that role when it comes up.