Does a "B" stand for Blackeye

[BamaDan]

Hello, I'm new to the forum and have really enjoyed reading alot of the posts on here. I have searched thorougly and haven't found an answer to my question so I thought I would come out and ask. I graduate from an ADN program in May of this year and will immediately begin work on my BSN. It appears that I will graduate with a GPA of 3.8 and here is the big BUT....I made an A in my first pharm class and got a B in my advanced pharm (my own fault). I really don't think the interview board will want to hear that it was an 89. A "B" is a "B". I have a 4.0 in all my sciences by the way. Seeing as CRNA programs are hardcore Pharm will this "blackeye" severely diminish my chances of even getting an interview later on. Has anyone had this happen to them and still get in? Any replies would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

BamaDan

[Trauma Tom]

JSB,

Try not to worry so much about your GPA. I also went to an ADN program that did not give out real high GPA's. In the last two classes that graduated there were no 4.0 averages. All of my prerequisite courses I had all A's and one B in Intro to Psych. I had A's in both organic classes as well. I finished by ADN with a 3.25. This included 1 A, 2 C's and the rest B's in my nursing classes. I have gone on to work on my BSN and presently have an overall GPA of 3.5. In my BSN program I have a 4.0. I applied to five CRNA schools. I have been accepted at one, declined by another, am an alternate at one and am awaiting to hear on the other two. I had a 1300 on my GRE and worked for 1 year at a trauma/SICU at a level one trauma center at a teaching hospital. Continue on and get your BSN, this will allow you to focus on more schools. Do well there, study hard for the GRE, and focus on getting good experience. All this should get you an interview. The rest will depend on how well you do in the interview. Try to relax about your grades. They will not hurt you as much as you think they might. Good luck and do not let anyone dissuade you from your dream.

[BamaDan]

I agree, so much of the RN programs nothing but busy work. Don't get me wrong I have learned a ton in the last two years but so much of the things that they make you do seems so unneccesary. I honestly believe that most programs would see an improvement in grades if they didn't give the students so much busy work to take away from their study time. Oh well, I'll get off my soapbox.

As far as the level of difficulty of CRNA school. The CRNA that I talked with while doing my OB rotations said she breezed through RN school and when she went into CRNA school it was a whole new world. Definately not nursing school anymore. As the saying goes " Toto, we arent in Kansas anymore". She did say this to me "It's doable" I think having your feet firmly planted on the ground and sheer determination coupled with huge loans will get most people through a CRNA program.

As far as hospital work goes I plan on working in a CTR unit so I should get my fill of the vents and all the vasoactive drips etc. So by the time I apply for CRNA school I should have at least 3 years of experience in that area, maybe even four if I take my time with my BSN. That would put me at around 37-38 years old then. I'll also need all that time to SAVE the money that I will need to put myself through.