Competitive pharmacology grades

ICUDOUCME? · Oct 5, 2005

I am a student at the University of Alabama Nursing program and have some questions that maybe some of you can answer. What is a competitive grade to make in pharmacology if applying to CRNA school in the future. I have made an A in every science course so far including Pathophysiology.

BWoods,

I would always strive to bring home the A. CRNA programs are competitive enough without worrying if your GPA is up to snuff. If you have earned As in all your other science classes, why are you sweating this one? Regardless, if you do end up with a B, one B in a field of As will be seen as a fluke rather than a pattern so I wouldn't kill myself if I got a B.

If you are trying to make up for a lower cummulative GPA because of earlier "loss of focus", then the As become more important.

On another topic, one thing that I concentrated on during nursing school was cultivating relationships with my professors and clinical advisors. I chose the ones I had an affinity for and who I felt liked me, and I would go to their offices to ask questions. I was respectful, on time, and never had lame excuses for why I couldn't do something. I helped other students. I tried to stay above the emotional scenes that played out all around me with some of the other students.

I also asked if my clinical advisors could set me up in more critical care settings so that I could say I had prior experience to prospective employers. I did a 90 hour ICU rotation in my senior year to give me the competitive edge right out of school.

Most importantly, I tried to learn as much as I could about myself and my motivations for wanting to further my career. You have to have self awareness. Take personality quizzes. Read self help books if they pertain to your background. If you have any integrity issues, ferret them out and face the music with yourself so you can be confident. Just my two cents.

TexasCCRN · Oct 6, 2005

Don't worry too much about having to have an A. Actually someone with a 4.0 may have a problem with school. IF you have all A's makes you look like just a book worm and that you have no other life. Not always the case, so it is kind of unfair. I only had a 3.1 to get into school, but.....I was an excellent ICU nurse, had great letters of recommendation, was a clinical instructor at a large university, etc. I had lots of skills under my belt. At this time in school I am presently making A's, but I do nothing else but study. I can say that my classmates who are making good grades do pretty much the same. I hope this helps your question.