Advice for new graduate with BSN wanting to pursue BSN-DNP route

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Hello! I have just graduated with a BSN and will start my internship in July. I would like to be a NP... An adult-gerontological nurse practitioner, to be more specific. I don't want to purse the family np route, because that incorporates pediatrics and I would like to focus more on the adult population. I didn't graduate at the top of my class... I made one C while in the BSN program at my university... I would have to characterize myself as a B student, with few A's. Before enrolling in the BSN program, I was a science major. Unfortunately, I made few C's during that time and thus it has impacted my cumulative GPA. I know that many BSN-DNP programs require a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher... with some requiring a 3.4 or higher. When it comes to academics, I do set myself to high standards. I would like to go to a well-reputable university for grad school... But, I also know that may not be easy considering my cumulative GPA rounds to a 3.1 (actual is 3.0789). I worked really hard to boost my GPA. I have a learning disorder, which I don't blame my lack of academic success on... but just throwing that out there in case anyone else who is in a similar situation could give me advice on how to cope through grad school. I hope to gain experience with new internship/ job as a new future RN in July. I plan to work for about 2 years, if not less, and then start graduate school. I was wondering if any current BSN-DNP students or NPs that have already graduated from such a program wouldn't mind giving me advice on this matter. I'm worried that I will not get in with such a low GPA. I know that grades aren't the only thing that is considered and that your GRE scores and what you do as an RN is factored into it, as well... but I really want to get into a decently-ranked grad school. I plan on joining my hospital's committees and a research committee, too. Is there anything else I can do as an RN that would help with admittance into a BSN-DNP program. Thank you for taking the time to read this novel and for all the advice! :)

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Specializes in L&D, Critical Care.

Join hospital committees, take on leadership positions-they want to see if you are and can be a leader, lots of community service such as BBBS, habitat for humanity, disaster relief organizations, junior league, etc, strong letters of recommendation, variety of RN experience with different age levels and diff areas of nursing, maybe try to schedule an interview when applying in order to let them know how badly you want it-it is optional at some universities

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I was just accepted to a BSN to DNP program and am a new grad. I was similar to you in the sense that I didn't have perfect grades. I think my cumulative came out to a 3.4 but I definitely had C's from my previous undergrada major before nursing. I honestly think the biggest thing that made me a standout on my application is my essay. I had definite goals and reason I wanted to pursue this degree. My advice is that perfect grades don't really matter it's being well rounded but also having something about you that sticks out as special!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, High-Risk L&D, Antepartum, L.

I know some programs only look at grades from the last x number of credits. So that could work in your favor. Just something to ponder....sounds like that could work in your favor.

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I went directly from BSN to DNP. I'm just starting out now so I don't know everything will pan out. Like you I did get a C in my undergrad which was because I had absolutely no time management skills and was going through one of the toughest moments of my life, plus just starting out in nursing school (we all know how demanding that is).

If the school you got your BSN from has a graduate school, you should look into it because most schools like their past students. As long as you meet the required GPA, the GRE (you can appeal in some schools), and have an outstanding essay, you'll be good. The essay shouldn't be prize winning; it should convey your goals and show the school why you have those goals and that you have the motivation to get to where you want to go. And show how you're going to get there. If you have a weakness, let it be known if you want but show that you're working on them.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Emergency.

I think you have gotten some very good information from secretagent2011 and maanggohs. If you wish to do extra activities (charity work, committees, etc) then fine do them, but I don't think that is necessarily the most important or only way to get in. I think whatever you do, should be done to a high level, and if your heart is not in that committee or charity, then it's not going to help you much.

Your essay and references are there to make the selection committee think "we want this person to be a future alumni of our school". So, your essay should stand out and any contacts you can make during the next two years that will provide you with exceptional references will be vital.

You have stated a preference for AGNP, so I would think that your nursing experience should be in that area as well. This would show the committee that you have already started planning towards your goal which dovetails into their program's goals.

As for grades, at this point it is really hard mathematically for you to increase your GPA, but many programs also considered GRE (especially if the GPA was below a certain level). You have two years to study and produce one hell of a good GRE which would offset the low GPA concern somewhat.

Finally, I would start researching programs now, and identify your top 10-20 programs that you felt met your criteria and you would have a chance to get accepted into, see what their criteria is, and put together a plan on how you can make yourself a more viable candidate to some/all of them. Keep refining that every 3-6 months, identifying what you are going to do during the next 3-6 mo to improve your eventual application.

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Specializes in PICU.

Something else to think about when considering grad school is whether or not you're really ready to dedicate yourself to it. Think about why you got the low grades in undergrad and determine if things would be better for you in grad school. NP school is significantly harder than undergrad and if you aren't willing to put the time and effort in you won't make it through. There were a number of people in my class who dropped out when clinicals started because they couldn't handle the amount of work it took. Just something to keep in mind. If you know you are ready and motivated let that come through in your essay and it should help you.

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I would work on making the rest of your application stand out. Getting a few years of nursing experience under your belt will certainly help your chances of getting into an NP program. Work hard on your application essays as these can help your chances of admission. One thing was to take a graduate level nursing course, maybe the year before you apply, and do your best to get a good grade. This shows NP program admissions staff that you can cut it at the graduate level.

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The GPA is only a part. Balance it out by showing leadership qualities. Also, join your National, State and local nursing organizations because it shows you are involved. Getting great referral letters from credible people will also help. Write a terrific essay and have it professionally edited. Make your essay reflect the program goals. Many programs only look at the nursing classes as far as the GPA goes. Find a school that works best for your individual circumstances. Good luck.

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