[RUcon08]

Although I'm a year from completion of a BSN program, for awhile now I've had sights set on eventually going to school to become a CRNA. Something that has been bothering me, though, is the grade I recently received after finishing MedSurg clinical. I ended up with a C, and it being my first C ever, it was pretty devastating at first. Anyhow, my main concern is how CRNA programs may look at it, or if they'd even look at it at all? I calculated my graduating GPA, (yes, I am THAT obsessive), and if all goes according to planned, I will have a 3.6. So I'm mainly just wondering if having such a bad grade in a clinical like MS would be looked at negatively.

Also, two other questions, I'm curious if CRNA programs generally care about extracurricular activities(I'm hoping. And for GRE, when do most people usually take this? I would think it'd be hard to fit in senior year since we have HESI (requirement to graduate) and then NCLEX after graduation. Is there a certain point you're supposed to take the GRE, or can you take it a month before applying to CRNA school if you so please?

Thanks!

[Phishininau]

1. Grades do matter, but there is a school somewhere that will take almost anyone with reasonable grades. You just have to find that school. At my program, the C would be "frowned upon," but that said, if there are myriad A's to go along with it, it wouldnt be so bad.

2. 3.6 is a decent GPA. It wont be the highest of the applicants or the lowest. In my class you would be right in the middle. Remember though, that schools calculate several GPAs to predict your success or failure. They calculate nursing school GPA, math and science GPA, and last 60 hours GPAs...all along with your cumulative GPA.

3. You can take the GRE right before you apply, but my advice would be to take it much earlier. That way, if you do not do well you will have time to retake it before your application is due. Think "safety net."

[cinqly]

What is the percentage of future CRNA students that appy directly out of their BSN degrees? I kind of had the impression that for the CRNA degree, they prefer to have students with a little experience under their belt, preferable at least 1 year in ICU. How true is this? Does anyone know? I'm just asking because I am also interested in CRNA as a future possibility, and I'd like to know what I can do now to better my chances of being accepted (as well as preparing for the field!).

[piper_for_hire]

You'll need 1-2 years of ICU experience, depending on the school. Many people apply just as they finish their BSN because they had an ASN and are working in an ICU while doing the RN to BSN program.

-S

[cinqly]

Originally Posted by piper_for_hire

You'll need 1-2 years of ICU experience, depending on the school. Many people apply just as they finish their BSN because they had an ASN and are working in an ICU while doing the RN to BSN program.

-S

Ahhh...thanks! I guess I need to read a little more around the forum! Thanks!