BS of Psych and ADN okay to get into a CRNA program?

[machelhead]

I have a slight dilemma: I completed a Bachelor's of Science degree in Psychology from a large State University, and immediately entered an accelerated Associate's program in Nursing for individuals with a prior bachelor's degree. I have now been working as an RN for three years; one of which was on the Surgical Floor, a few months of which were as a Clinic Nurse (NOT FOR ME!), and the last year and a half in the PACU at a large hospital with upwards of 50 surgeries per day (separate from L&D ORs.) I have been extremely interested in becoming a CRNA since a couple of weeks into working as a Recovery Room nurse; however, my grades were never very good, and my Bachelor's degree is in Psychology, not Nursing. What I want to know is: does it make more sense for me to complete an RN to BSN program, with the intention of bringing up my GPA, before applying to CRNA programs, or are there enough programs out there with lower requirements for admissions? Please understand, I have been extremely successful as a Recovery Room nurse, and very much believe that I would thrive as a CRNA, even though my GPA has never fully reflected this fact. Honestly, any of your thoughts would help! Thanks for your time.

[questionsforall]

I don't know if this will help, but my first degree was a BA in psychology and I completed an ADN program at the local community college because 1. it was cheaper 2. I did not know about the variety of entry into nursing programs that existed at the time. I ended up completing a ADN to BSN program even though it seems like the long way around because my nursing grades were much better than my previous degree and I wanted to show an improvement. I was also like you with the great recommendations and success as a nurse. Also, there are other prerequisites that I did not complete in my ADN program that were required for CRNA school (such as Community Health Nursing and Research in Nursing, Chemistry and Physics courses.) Also, many programs require ICU experience and do not accept PACU experience (while other's do). So, maybe you can do a year of ICU while you complete your BSN (they have online programs now that would make it easier). This could all help you. (I just applied for two programs so, I will let you know if my plan worked out.

Hope this helps.

[iLovemyJackRT]

There are a few issues with your current situation. 1, you need a bachelor's to go to CRNA school, and 2, you need to get in an ICU asap. I believe there are very few (if any) schools that except PACU experience. You do have a few advantages though....you can go get your BSN and bring up your GPA, compared to people (like myself) who already have their BSN but don't have a strong GPA. Also, you can apply to school before your year requirement in the ICU and before you've completed your BSN. Of course, you will have to have completed your year requirement in the ICU and BSN upon starting school. But, I know a few people who have applied and are currently interviewing for NA school right now who have only a semester of getting their BSN degree left. Again, get in an ICU asap and get enrolled in a BSN program and bring up that GPA.

[Jbrock718]

There are a few issues with your current situation. 1, you need a bachelor's to go to CRNA school...

Brooke,

The OP states that he/she HAS a Bachelors's degree already. It seems to be a common misconception that you need a BS in Nursing in order to get into CRNA programs. That is NOT the case as has been discussed in several other threads such as this one:

https://allnurses.com/certified-registered-nurse/does-matter-if-423076.html

I listed a couple programs that look at applicants with degrees other than BS in Nursing. Others did the same.

OP---That being said I would agree with Brooke that a RN-BSN would allow you to bring up your grades. Having the BSN allows you to apply to other CRNA programs that do NOT look at apllicants w/o a BS in Nursing. Brooke is also correct that getting into an ICU setting would help your cause tremendously. I have seen many schools list that PACU is not acceptable experience.

Good Luck!