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To those experienced in informatics, I am looking for advice in regards to advancing in the field. Currently I am working on a degree in informatics. In order to gain more experience in the field I applied to a few jobs within my own hospital that had openings in informatics related jobs. Both positions offered me the opportunity, but now of course I have to choose. I was hoping to inquire those with experience in the field which would likely be the better launch point. The first is a clinical informatics specialist, and thus is the most obvious related job. This would essentially be working on the electronic health record, making updates and alterations for a particular unit's assessments. While this is good experience, I have a few concerns. First, during my interview sets there was a slight disconnect between the vision for the position from my immediate management, and upper management. Additionally, the position serves less of a bridge between clinical and computer science. Instead it seems to be utilized more as a coding position. The second position is an educational coordinator for clinical software. This job is less obviously related, but still has great opportunity. This position teaches staff, including nurses and physicians, on the use of clinical software applications within the hospital. Additionally, it develops computer based learning modules, conducts filming and editing, website management, and at times serves as an IT help desk resource. The education department is largely considered the best run and supportive of the departments, and I feel if anyone was going to write a glowing review it would be this department. That said, those with experience in the field should have a better perspective as to which is the better environment to learn and grow in. Any advice or guidance you would have is greatly appreciated.

Hello, Currently I am interested in applying to nurse practitioner programs with a focus in preventative health. I have certain concerns regarding my prospects as an applicant and would like feedback from the community in order to improve my odds. Currently I have 2 years experience, and will have over three years by time of entry into a program. I serve actively on two committees, have med/surg certification and plan on getting my ACLS certification, and precept students. I have strong patient satisfaction and letters of recommendation. My GRE is 160 verbal 156 quantitative and 5.0 writing. My one concern is regarding GPA which stands at 2.93 overall and 2.77 in last 60 (nursing school). The grades are largely due to a high stress time in which I was still not independent of my parents and had a rather toxic family environment. Is there anything I can do to improve my outlook as a candidate, or are my prospects poor even with additional experience, etc.? Do I need to look at a different field of practice to advance myself in nursing?