Hi everyone,
I’m a bedside RN currently and also pursuing a Master’s in Health Informatics. I’m trying to get honest perspectives from people in the field because I feel a bit stuck and anxious about whether I’m making the right long-term decision.
For context:
- I’m a bedside RN making six figures depending on if or how well I work OT shifts
- I’ve worked as a super user during our Epic transition (limited involvement, but some exposure)
- I don’t have formal informatics job experience yet
- My goal in moving toward informatics is to eventually leave bedside nursing and ideally move into a more flexible or remote role
My concerns are:
- I’m worried I might take a significant pay cut after graduating compared to what I currently make
- I don’t yet feel confident I can break into informatics roles without prior experience
- I see other paths (like NP) that seem more structured and higher earning, and I’m questioning if I chose wrong
- I’m also unsure how stable health informatics is long-term, especially with AI and automation coming in
-I also joined ANIA to possibly network but that hasn’t been really helpful
What I’m hoping to understand from people already in the field:
- Is breaking into informatics really as difficult as it feels right now?
- What entry-level roles are actually realistic for someone like me?
- Do people regret leaving bedside nursing for informatics?
- How do salaries typically progress over time?
- Is this a field that offers real stability and growth, or is it oversaturated?
PLEASE I’d really appreciate honest, practical experiences, especially from nurses who transitioned into informatics.
Thanks in advance.