Chances of getting into CRNA school after failing out of an ADN program?

[Hedgehog25]

Hey guys. I decided several years ago that I wanted to become a CRNA, and after originally earning a B.S. in Biology, I returned to college and began an ADN program. However, I failed out of the third semester (out of five) of that program -- and not with a "D" (as most people who fail seem to fail with), but with a stinking, glorious "F." To make matters worse, I was originally attending a university's satellite campus, which decided to NOT matriculate another cohort to follow the one I was (formerly) enrolled in, and I tried to re-take the class I failed during the next semester at the main campus located several hours away, but things just didn't work out.

So with all that having been said, at this point, it's looking like my only option is to completely start-over as a brand-spankin'-new RN student at a totally different program. Luckily enough, I applied to and was accepted by several local ADN programs (as well as a BSN program), so the opportunity to attain and capitalize on that coveted second chance is there.

HOWEVER... even if I do decide to follow-through on starting over at one of these new programs, what will the previous failure mean in the context of my future chances of getting accepted at a decent CRNA program? Will most CRNA programs see that I failed out of a program, couldn't hack re-taking the failed course and managing to continue on with the aforementioned program, and reject me outright? Or would I still have a decent shot at receiving, at the very least, a trickle of interview invites... provided I blast through the new RN program and graduate with a 3.8 - 4.0 GPA?

For what it's worth, my GPA after the failure is right at a 3.5; however, this is also taking into account my previous Biology B.S. grades. I have also already taken upper-level courses such as physics, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, and neuroscience, all as requirements for my Bio degree, so there really aren't many more classes I can think of to take to improve my GPA and impress CRNA admissions committees.

At this point, is it really even worth still trying to become a CRNA? If so, should I just focus on applying to programs that only calculate the most recent 60 credits' worth of courses into an applicant's GPA? ... But even if I manage to graduate from the new nursing program with a 4.0, are there some CRNA programs that have strict policies forbidding the consideration of applicants with previous nursing course failures, regardless of whether they tried to "redeem" themselves by starting over at another program? Thanks in advance for any advice you guys would be willing to offer!

[SionainnRN]

It's unfortunate to hear about your experiences with your co-workers. I guess all I can say is, I respect your opinion, but at the same time, if I apply to a broad array of CRNA programs and one of them accepts me, what am I supposed to do?

At the same time, if I apply to the same many CRNA programs and not a single one of them extends so much as an interview offer, then it means I have no choice but to spend additional years working in the ICU, just like you guys suggest, right?

Either way, won't the profession (and/or its competitiveness) be doing its job?

It has nothing to do with the profession it has to do with your attitude. It comes across as settling and pretty much saying that if you can't get into CRNA school you guess you'll put up with working in the ICU. It can be taken as you spitting on other people's dreams.

And honestly, knowing you've already flunked out of nursing school once, your plan seems really far fetched. I think you should put CRNA school on the back burner for now and focus on what's right in front if you, which is nursing school.

You have no idea how long it will take to: graduate nursing school, pass NCLEX, get a new grad job, and get an ICU job. Those are the things you should be focusing on. Because the odds of you going to CRNA school in the next two years is slim to none. Just try to be the best nursing student you can, realize no job is beneath you, and take it one step at a time.

[Hedgehog25]

Of course -- anytime somebody fails not just any class, but a NURSING (or any other health professions) course, it's going to raise eyebrows. That's why I made this thread in the first place; I was primarily unsure of whether I had already closed too many doors by simply failing out.

Although, to address some of the concerns you raised, the program I hope to be attending in the spring is actually only 3 semesters long, so I will be graduating next December (provided I don't fail out again). And I'm not sure if the job market will change over the next year or so, but there are several "new grad" programs in my area that hire/train nurses for the ICU. Regarding the NCLEX, that's anyone's guess, but like everybody else, I hope to pass it on my first attempt.

Ideally, I would like to graduate next December, start as a new grad in the ICU, then apply as soon as most programs' application cycles begin in the summer/fall. That's why I originally referred to applying after getting 5-6 months of experience. For example, let's say I graduate in December, start working in January, and then apply to school "A" in July or August... by the time I do that, I will have been (hopefully) working for at least 5-6 months.

Like I said, if I give it a shot at that point, what's the worst that can happen? I get rejected? And if that happens, what do I do?... Just re-apply the following year, right?

[Hedgehog25]

Also, to briefly add, I know several folks who have gotten accepted with only 5-6 months of experience by at least a few programs in Florida. I'm not sure if they're poorly-reputed schools or not, but if they actually are solid programs, then why not at least just apply to them and see what happens?

[SionainnRN]

You need to take a look at the new grad threads, there are people who graduated two years ago that can't find A job, let alone a new grad ICU job. But you've got your blinders firmly in place and won't seem to acknowledge any path but yours. Good luck in your endeavors, but I'm afraid you're in for a rude awakening in the next few years.

[Hedgehog25]

You need to take a look at the new grad threads, there are people who graduated two years ago that can't find A job, let alone a new grad ICU job. But you've got your blinders firmly in place and won't seem to acknowledge any path but yours. Good luck in your endeavors, but I'm afraid you're in for a rude awakening in the next few years.

I realize that many job markets have gotten tough for new grads over the last few years, but the point I was trying to make was that, in my area at least, there is still a (more-or-less) 100% job placement rate, including for new grads who want to work in the ICU. I know that, on a national level, there's an oversupply of new nursing grads and that there are simply too many nurses being introduced into the workforce, but that isn't the case in my area.... yet. However, that's why I stated in my previous post that things could still change in the next year or so. Ironically enough, several of my former classmates who just graduated from the program I failed out of were hired in the ICU a few weeks after they graduated.

When you say I'm in for a rude awakening... in what sense do you mean? Do you think that by the time I graduate, the job market in my area will be saturated and I won't be able to land a job in the ICU? Or do you mean that, even if I finish my next program with a 4.0, even the CRNA programs that are known to have lower admissions standards will be reluctant to let me in with out 4-5 years of experience?

Again, to reiterate, I understand that the state of my local job market could take a turn for the worse over the next year-and-a-half, but it's not there yet.

[SionainnRN]

My philosophy in life is: hope for the best, expect the worst. This helps keep me from getting disappointed. I think that setting your sights on getting admitted to CRNA school a year and a half from now, after just flunking out of nursing school, is setting yourself up for a severe letdown.

If you looked at the situation and aimed for getting admitted five years from now, I think it would be much more realistic and allow for bumps in the road. And if things go great and you get in sooner, well that's icing on the cake. I think you're setting yourself up for disappointment and are refusing to listen to people who have been through a lot of these situations.

[Hedgehog25]

Yep, I think it's called being hard-headed, and I won't deny that's what I am. I guess I am just a blind optimist, figuring that if I can pull-off a 4.0 over the next 3 semesters, then I will do everything I can to get in to one.... just ONE, single, CRNA program somewhere in the country. I do know several people locally who were accepted by various programs with only 6 months or so of experience, but I realize that they didn't fail out of nursing school, either.

Just out of curiosity, do you honestly think I'll fail out of my next program? I'm just wondering, because aside from potentially having issues with getting hired as a new grad in the ICU, that's the only other issue I can think of that I'll be likely to encounter, but who knows.....

[SionainnRN]

Yep, I think it's called being hard-headed, and I won't deny that's what I am. I guess I am just a blind optimist, figuring that if I can pull-off a 4.0 over the next 3 semesters, then I will do everything I can to get in to one.... just ONE, single, CRNA program somewhere in the country. I do know several people locally who were accepted by various programs with only 6 months or so of experience, but I realize that they didn't fail out of nursing school, either.

Just out of curiosity, do you honestly think I'll fail out of my next program? I'm just wondering, because aside from potentially having issues with getting hired as a new grad in the ICU, that's the only other issue I can think of that I'll be likely to encounter, but who knows.....

How should I know?? I know nothing about you. But the fact that you failed, and not just by a rounding issue or a percentage point or two, with a F doesn't invoke a lot optimism.

Since you're unwilling to even consider what I've been trying to tell you I'm giving up. I can't keep repeating myself. Good luck with your future endeavors.

[Hedgehog25]

Oh, I'm listening to you and understand what you're saying, and I acknowledge that things might not go as planned. I guess I'm just trying to stay optimistic that things might work out this time. Everything you say regarding my chances of getting accepted to CRNA school with minimal experience could end up being absolute, prophetic truth. And again, even if that happens to be the case, then what are the implications? I continue working in the ICU for another year, possibly take more classes (if having a low GPA is one of my problems at that point), and re-apply a year later, right?

I guess what I'm trying to say is, even if I have less than 5% chance of getting in with 5-6 months of experience, why not just give it a shot, just to see what happens? If it doesn't happen, I'll be sad, but I will be happy to eat my words. :-)

[MeiLana]

Going to jump in here, because I thought it odd you'd ask someone on the internet if THEY think you'll fail again...

I see you're looking for hope and optimism and faith to hang on to as this journey goes forward -- am I right?

If you want answers about what CRNA programs will do upon viewing your transcripts, then call them now. While I asked a question yesterday about what is viewed regarding GPA it was only because it was after 5 pm and I couldn't pick up the phone and call the local grad schools with questions on how they dissect out the GPA.

If you really want to know, call. If you REALLY REALLY want to know -- make an appointment and go, if you can get someone to meet with you, for a full transcript review upon the premise you want to plan now and not waste your time if there's no hope.

[PMFB-RN, RN]

First understand that getting into CRNA school is easy. I don't know anyone who couldn't get in. I knew a few people who had to apply two years in a row and in the meantime take some grad classes, but they got in too. Every year 6-12 RN from my unit apply to CRNA school. I have written dozens of letters of recommendation for them. All got in on their first or second try. I have never even heard of an RN who meets the qualifications and has good ICU experience not getting accepted to at least one school.

Second why are you even thinking about getting your BSN if you have a Bio degree? BSN isn't required for most CRNA programs. Just this year I know a RN who got accepted with a degree in forestry and his ADN. The only CRNA program in my state grants a masters in biology to their CRNA grads. They don't require a BSN.

[Hedgehog25]

First understand that getting into CRNA school is easy. I don't know anyone who couldn't get in. I knew a few people who had to apply two years in a row and in the meantime take some grad classes, but they got in too. Every year 6-12 RN from my unit apply to CRNA school. I have written dozens of letters of recommendation for them. All got in on their first or second try. I have never even heard of an RN who meets the qualifications and has good ICU experience not getting accepted to at least one school. Second why are you even thinking about getting your BSN if you have a Bio degree? BSN isn't required for most CRNA programs. Just this year I know a RN who got accepted with a degree in forestry and his ADN. The only CRNA program in my state grants a masters in biology to their CRNA grads. They don't require a BSN.

Thanks for your input. Actually, at this point, I'm about to start at a new ADN program (hopefully) in January, so I'm not sure if I'll end up pursuing a BSN or not after that. If I do, it will primarily be because my GPA still isn't competitive enough for whichever CRNA program(s) I hope to gain admission to after completing the ADN program. In other words, if my GPA is only, say, a 3.54 after I finish the ADN program, then I might see about enrolling in an RN-to-BSN program for the sake of raising my GPA.