ANCC indicates that the NI certification exam is at the generalist level and for those who have been working in the field. That means in theory you don't need special education or a master's degree as preparation for the NI exam, as long as you know the content reflected in the test content outline posted on ANCC's website.

How did WINI get started? 

We developed the first WINI in 1995 as a means for us as faculty to complete a review of informatics content that we thought might be included on the first ANCC exam. It was also envisioned to be a time just for us, away from work and away from family, dishes, carpooling, laundry, beepers and cell phones.That first event proved a very enriching experience because we could network with peers and share the problem solving and learning. We talked and talked well into the night.

Who attends a WINI? 

Many WINI participants consider this continuing education experience a must for them as preparation for the certification exam to "put it all together." Others attend WINI for the CE credits to add toward the required 30 contact hours when submitting their application for the exam. Those just entering the informatics environment come as "sponges" to soak up everything possible. Faculty attend because they have been assigned to teach informatics and don't have an idea of what informatics education should be. CNOs and deans of schools of nursing feel committed to lead by example and stay one step ahead of their staff. We have had others who are not nurses attend so they can understand how nurses think and how to best support nursing when designing systems, programming software, or completing their systems analyst work.

Does anyone come to a WINI more than once? 

We even have several regulars, returning WINI folks who have become certified but come back for the networking opportunities and to re-energize by learning something new with others who talk the same language and have the same practice issues. These folks identify that being the only informatics nurse in their workplace is a very lonely position. Some attendees have indicated the accompanying resources and reference list are invaluable and surpass the registration fee.