CRNA school chances after failing two first semester courses

Nursing Students SRNA

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So I was literally a few points away from passing Fundamentals and Pharmacology but I ended up failing them after making As and Bs on the last few exams. It's just that I got off on a really bad start at the beginning of the semester (had poor study habits) and I was also going through multiple personal crises. Either way, I'm sure it doesn't look good to an CRNA admissions committee that I failed two courses in the same semester, one of them being Pharmacology which is essential to the profession. I feel like a total failure. I would appreciate if anyone could realistically tell me if I still have a shot at being admitted into CRNA school or did I truly blow it? I do plan on retaking these courses and doing much better by the way and my school offers complete grade replacement. I can't help but feel like that's not enough.

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Is it possible that you're getting too far ahead of yourself? If you had zero chance at CRNA school, would you continue on course with RN school or do something completely different?

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Is it possible that you're getting too far ahead of yourself? If you had zero chance at CRNA school, would you continue on course with RN school or do something completely different?

I would consider being a nurse practitioner if becoming a crna was out of the question. That was my original plan but I've since then considered other options. I have huge respect for the nursing profession in general though, and being a floor nurse is rewarding enough but I would like to expand and advance in my education and areas of expertise at some point. I do like the autonomy that comes with being a crna and a NP as well.

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.
I would consider being a nurse practitioner if becoming a crna was out of the question. That was my original plan but I've since then considered other options. I have huge respect for the nursing profession in general though, and being a floor nurse is rewarding enough but I would like to expand and advance in my education and areas of expertise at some point. I do like the autonomy that comes with being a crna and a NP as well.

Well to do that, 1) you need to become a practicing RN so need to pass...and the classes only get harder with each semester, and 2) you need to be a competitive candidate for programs.

CRNA programs are EXTREMELY competitive. I don't think the programs in my area even take anyone with a GPA

NP programs aren't as notoriously competitive, but again with 2 Fs on your transcript/GPA...in fundamentals no less...

Being this early in the program, I really think you need to decide if you can stomach the respectable and rewarding career of floor nurse (assuming you make it through the program), or if you prefer to cut your losses.

Just being realistic.

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Well to do that, 1) you need to become a practicing RN so need to pass...and the classes only get harder with each semester, and 2) you need to be a competitive candidate for programs.

CRNA programs are EXTREMELY competitive. I don't think the programs in my area even take anyone with a GPA

NP programs aren't as notoriously competitive, but again with 2 Fs on your transcript/GPA...in fundamentals no less...

Being this early in the program, I really think you need to decide if you can stomach the respectable and rewarding career of floor nurse (assuming you make it through the program), or if you prefer to cut your losses.

Just being realistic.

I appreciate you being realistic, that's what I love about this forum. Everyone tells it to you straight. I mentioned that my school allows for grade replacement so the Ds on my transcript won't count towards my GPA assuming I do much better the next time around. Only the 2nd grade counts. But the fact that the original grade is still visible is what makes me nervous even if I end up making As the next time around. What do you think regarding that?

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.
I appreciate you being realistic, that's what I love about this forum. Everyone tells it to you straight. I mentioned that my school allows for grade replacement so the Ds on my transcript won't count towards my GPA assuming I do much better the next time around. Only the 2nd grade counts. But the fact that the original grade is still visible is what makes me nervous even if I end up making As the next time around. What do you think regarding that?

Sorry, I missed that part. To be honest I'm not sure, as I've never heard of a school not factoring those into the GPA. You could always call the admissions people at your area programs and ask. I'd just hate for you to have to go through nursing school not wanting to be a bedside nurse, and then find out later that this will be an issue. (If in fact it is.)

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I am glad that you are interested in advancing your career! As mentioned above CRNA school is extremely competitive. Most applicants have a cumulative GPA > 3.5. That's not to say that if it is less than that you wouldn't get in. Pharmacology is VERY important to the CRNA faculty and you should retake it and get an "A". While grades are very important it is not the only factor in getting in. The GRE is VERY important as well and is a crucial component to the totality of you application. Working with CRNA students, those with lower cumulative GPA's had higher GRE scores. Clinical experience is also an extremely important factor. A minimum of one full year (OUTSIDE OF ORIENTATION, usually at least 3 months) in a critical care unit is required. The more experience the heavier that weighs in on your overall application. Certifications like CCRN, CSC, and CNRN also add weight to your overall application.

The "D" will be on your transcript, but when you retake the courses if you get an A, you can elaborate on how the first time you took it you had a rough start.

The interview is crucial, I had a friend with the PERFECT CV, GRE, and GPA and bombed his interview, he didn't get in the first time, but got in the second time around. If you interview really well and are able to explain physiological processes really well (I am sure there are horror stories about how intense this interview is, questions like how does Propofol work at the molecular level or explain the path of a PA catheter and the ECG rhythms associated with it). If you can ROCK the interview, even if your grades are slightly lower, you may still be offered a spot in the program.

All this to say, you need to re-take those courses for your future as an RN! While it is important to think about the future and going the EXTRA mile to get all A's and B's in nursing school! You will first and foremost be a NURSE! Some people are really tuned off by that, but whether a CRNA, NP, or Midwife, you are still and NURSE! The are certainly other paths to consider to be a mid-level provider (PA in primary care or anesthesia or Anesthesia Assistant), that you may want to consider if you'd rather go a different direction than nursing.

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My concern would be if you still have a place in your schools nursing program. Many schools have a policy that if you fail 2 classes in the same semester you are either removed and have to reapply after a wait period or you are removed and have to find a new school.

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Specializes in school nurse.

I'll reiterate a theme because it can't be said enough.

Worry about becoming (and working as) a nurse first. The other stuff will wait.

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Specializes in ER/Tele, Med-Surg, Faculty, Urgent Care.
I appreciate you being realistic, that's what I love about this forum. Everyone tells it to you straight. I mentioned that my school allows for grade replacement so the Ds on my transcript won't count towards my GPA assuming I do much better the next time around. Only the 2nd grade counts. But the fact that the original grade is still visible is what makes me nervous even if I end up making As the next time around. What do you think regarding that?

But the D's will still be on the transcript and may be included in decisions about grad school. And as a FNP, my Advanced Pharm class was taught by a PharmD, & if you earned a C you were out of the FNP program. You failed Pharmacology & Fundies, as a former faculty in a BSN program, failing fundamentals usually means that unless you regroup seriously, you may continue to stumble. Take time to figure out what contributed to failing these 2 essential classes. How did you do in your other classes? As everyone has said, you are putting the cart before the course at this point. Good Luck.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Moved to the Student Registered Nurse Anesthetist forum.

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Most nursing schools only allow you to fail 2 classes the entire program... Are you even eligible to retake those classes? After 2 fails you're likely not eligible to continue on in your program.

It looks like you're getting ahead of yourself, before anything else, you actually have to get through RN school.

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