Low GPA and looking into grad school for BSN to DNP program

[rpnurse90]

Starting from the beginning:

2008 - enrolled in a BSN program

2011 - completed program with a 2.68 GPA

I realize that my GPA is extremely low and I have no excuses for it. It wasn't that I didn't study or work hard, but my dad was sick through my 3 years at school and 1 year after I graduated. I thought about holding off on nursing school after my first year when I saw that I hadn't done well, but the accelerated nursing program that I was in did not allow for me to stop mid-way without having to reapply. The only reason I didn't just choose to reapply was because I had worked hard in highschool to get into this program and I knew that if I gave it up, there would be a chance that I may not be able to re-enter. I do have a passion for nursing and I do want to apply into a BSN-DNP Family Nurse Practitioner program but before I send out my applications, I am afraid that I won't get in.

Other important things you might need to know:

I took the GRE and my score were: Math: 670 and Verbal: 490

I was on the Student Nurses Association board for 1 year and participated in many events for the organization.

If anyone has been in a similar position as me or has any suggestions on what I could do, please let me know. I am just so nervous because this is something that I really want.

[UVA Grad Nursing]

Entering any graduate program may be tough with a low GPA (especially a doctoral program). In graduate study, a grade of B is a minimum passing grade and the receipt of grades less that level might mean expulsion from the program.

I would recommend taking a graduate class or two as a non-degree/guest student at a school near you. Do well in these classes (preferably getting As). Get to know the graduate faculty well, as a letter of recommendation from a graduate professor would me more helpful that a letter from someone from your BSN program. You will need to convince an admissions committee that you as a doctoral student in 2014 or 2015 will be very different than your past academic performance.

You might have better luck pursuing a MSN degree first, and then doing a DNP degree afterwards. Again, you will likely need to establish a stronger academic track record. Pursing a doctoral degree is not a race -- no one will care what year you earned the degree. What matters is that you establish a strong academic and clinical dossier that will help you gain entry to a good program. This may take some time.