Advice

[ZoeZ]

Hello! I'm applying to UAB's AGACNP program and for Fall 2024. I hope to also do the RNFA track. Some background for context and the reason I'm seeking advice and guidance. I've been a nurse for 12 years with the majority of my experience in SICU and CVOR serving as a preceptor. I have CNOR cert. I currently work in a quality role for the cardiothoracic surgery population at my facility and have been out of the clinical setting for 2 years (had a baby and couldn't maintain the call with a newborn and my husband's schedule at the time).
My main concern with my application is my GPA. 
I struggled in my ADN program because my mom died unexpectedly in a car accident my first semester. I was helping care for my siblings and grandparents, all who lived 3 hours from me, juggling RN school and honestly, I was just devastated so my focus was all over the place. I probably should've hit the pause button on school but didn't. GPA was not the best as a result. I graduated with an overall 3.05 GPA in my associates degree. I'm currently completing my RN to BSN program (will finish in May 2024) and have a 4.0. Hoping that helps. I want to go ahead and apply so I can stay in the schooling mindset and I'm excited to take this next step. This has been a longstanding goal for me and I'm in a good place to go for it.
I plan to talk about the circumstances around my ADN GPA in my essay but if anyone has any advice on how to go about that, I'm very open to hearing your thoughts and suggestions. Not trying to elicit sympathy but do want to explain what happened in a meaningful, concise way. I can be long winded when I write ? I'm also concerned that my current role will be seen negatively since I've been away from direct patient care for 2 years. Any words of wisdom or guidance? Thank you for your time!

[FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP]

You should be fine.  Your most recent GPA is 4.0 so far, and that will carry more weight. 

I am so sorry about your mother.  As you mentioned, just explain why your ADN GPA was lower.  It is perfectly understandable why that was the case.  You can spin that into a strength - despite very challenging personal circumstances, you were able to complete the program!

You've had a lot of direct patient care experience and it makes sense you took your current role for personal reasons.  It seems to me that it is good that you have a variety of RN experience.  Quality control is extremely important in healthcare.  In your essay, you might discuss how your experience in QC will help your future NP work or how it influenced areas of further research in your career.

Best wishes.

[ZoeZ]

Thank you for your insight and thoughtful response! Agree - I will definitely incorporate how a very difficult situation helped me learn resilience and fortified my determination. I also like your idea of weaving my QC experience into my future as a NP. I've read and taken to heart another post you commented on where you listed several resources for successful NP applications. I believe in transparency and sharing information for the betterment of colleagues and the nursing profession. Thank you for doing just that!