Potential PMHNP looks to bolster graduate GPA...advice?

[ThePsychWhisperer, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP]

I am a BSN-trained nurse with two years worth of experience in an emergency department wishing to continue on to graduate school to become a PMHNP and return to the military in Reserve capacity. I attended a graduate school program immediately out of my bachelor's program and sort of shot myself in the foot. I won't bore everyone with extensive details, but the long and short of the situation is due to issues with finding an administration clinical preceptor and not being able to log adequate hours (and not being willing to fudge a log or massive assignment), my beautiful 4.0 graduate GPA fell to a 2.9 with an F in a clinical course. I have been out of school for a bit and as stated, now wish to return. However, I feel as though most schools see this F and go "No way, Jose." I'm looking for constructive criticism or advice on how to bolster my GPA or make myself look more competitive to graduate schools.

Thanks!

[PauperRN]

I think the most formidable way would be performing highly on a GRE. That would definitely cover you. Since a program like the one @ UT of Arlington makes an individual take GRE if GPA is less than 3.5

[ThePsychWhisperer, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP]

I think the most formidable way would be performing highly on a GRE. That would definitely cover you. Since a program like the one @ UT of Arlington makes an individual take GRE if GPA is less than 3.5

I was hoping you wouldn't say that, but I guess I figured it was the most likely route. I dread the math portion of that thing. I haven't seen the inside of an algebra class in over 7 years :'(

[verene, MSN]

In addition to taking the GRE and getting a high school. Many grad schools allow you to take a up to a certain number of credits as a non-matriculated student. It may be to your benefit to take a class or two at the graduate level and score well, showing that you are clearly capable of high performance at the graduate level. Depending on how your prospective program calculates your GPA it may also bump up your GPA to 3.0+ for admissions.