Another do I stand a chance thread

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Specializes in ICU.

Hello

I finally did an ACTUAL GPA calculation from all schools that I attended:

I have a 2.972 GPA spread across 221 semester units. My last 60 GPA is 3.33 (BSN GPA 3.59), and my science GPA is 3.3. I partied really hard when I was 18, and then became an LPN, and pretty much worked full-time throughout the rest of school without putting in full effort. I took the LPN-->RN-->BSN route with a bunch of extra courses because I was never really sure of what I wanted to major in. I can receive As when I put the effort in, but I never really thought about CRNA until recently. I always thought I would do FNP if I decided to pursue grad school, but my interest is in anesthesia now.

I plan on taking gen chem and biochem online and intend to receive As in those. This will boost my overall to a 3.008 and last 60 and science GPA to 3.49 and 3.47, respectively. I am specifically looking at University of Oklahoma's online chemistry, and UC Berkeley's intro to biochem.

I also intend to take grad level pathophysiology and either graduate level health assessment OR pharmacology (I got an A in undergrad pharm). I intend to do this online at CSUDH.

I will have a little a little over a year of MICU experience (at the time of application) at a busy level 2 trauma center that gets A LOT of surgical, neuro, and trauma overflow, and will have close to two years by the time of matriculation. I also have 3 years of SDU experience. I already started studying for CCRN (which is also helping me adjust to becoming an ICU nurse).

Assuming I get As in chem, As in the grad level courses, do well on the GRE, and get my CCRN, will I stand a chance? I'm specifically applying to schools with a higher acceptance rate d/t saturation to increase my chances such as those in FL. I'm also interested in Texas Wesleyan, and my fall back is Inter Americana university of Puerto Rico. Well, Puerto Rico may even be my first choice due to cost. Anything else I can do?? Switching over to SICU isn't an option at this time, at least not for another year.

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I would make it a point to contact the programs that I am considering and posing this question to them.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Sorry but i am stand fast in that I think only 1 year of ICU experience is not enough. They really need to up the requirements for experience. And you may want to research PR, Im have heard that you need to be fluent in spanish, but someone who has actually gone there may know better than I do. Good luck.

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Specializes in ICU, SICU, Burns, ED, Cath lab, and EMS.

Hows your Spanish?

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Specializes in ICU.
Hows your Spanish?

I can understand a good amount of it. My conversational skills are limited, but I'm practicing. It would nice to become completely fluent though. It would definitely make me more marketable.

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Specializes in CVICU.

You most definitly have a chance!! And if you stick with it, you will get in. Do NOT think otherwise. I was in a similar situation with my GPA from a prior degree and my RN and BSN gpa were very similar to yours and I was accepted into a program. Many schools look at your last 60 credits especially your science gpa and what you have accomplished since becoming a nurse. Get your CCRN done, volunteer, get involved in a team at your hospital, teach cpr or acls, anything that will strengthen your resume. I wouldn't go overboard with all the classes before you apply. Some schools don't require the GRE. If you meet the minimum requirements then go for it. You may just get in and save some precious time and money. Also, you may have to broaden the schools your willing to go to, just to play the odds. You will get in.

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You'll get in if you really want to. Good luck!

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Specializes in ICU.
You'll get in if you really want to. Good luck!

I ran into your "Journey to become a SRNA" post, and wow...I just have to say thank you for posting that. Very, very motivating.

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I ran into your "Journey to become a SRNA" post, and wow...I just have to say thank you for posting that. Very, very motivating.

That's exactly why I wrote it. The people that get into CRNA school and don't have stellar stats typically won't post in these forums and others inflate their stats. It can be very discouraging when you read these threads and it seems like everyone has a 3.8, 310 GRE score and 8 years ICU experience. I had none of those and I've not only been accepted, but I have straight As in my anesthesia program and clinicals are going great (nervewracking but great). You'll 100% get into school if that's what you want to do esp if you're willing to relocate and apply to several. It's not as difficult as people make it seem. The easy part is getting in...staying in and maintaining your sanity is the challenge. :) Good luck to you!! I'd love for you to keep me updated on your journey.

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Specializes in ICU.

Well, I ended up retaking a course, and taking only one chemistry course. I didn't take any grad level courses. My overall went up to 3.1. Last 60 3.4. I got 306 on the GRE, CCRN, and CMC. I picked up an additional PRN job in an ICU float pool, and I interviewed very very well. I also had good letter of recs. I shadowed for 16 hours.

I got into the only school I applied to. SO.....it's doable. My GPA came up during my interview. I explained that I've always worked full-time throughout school, and I believe that the my GRE scores and CCRN-CMC should be viewed as equalizers between myself and other applicants since my grades were so old. They agreed with my reasoning.

I am proof that if you want to get in with less than stellar stats, it's certainly attainable if you're ready to put some work in.

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