I have spent the past several years preparing myself for CRNA school. I was super excited when I was finally accepted and I spent a big chunk of change on tuition and relocation.
However, during the first semester, I had a bad test early that was worth a huge part of our grade (I did better moving forward after tweaking my study habits), but it was not enough to pull my grade up above the required 83%. I received a B- in the course, which ultimately led to my dismissal from the program. My overall GPA for the semester was 3.8. I had 4 A's and the B-. Apparently, this is failing in CRNA school. Has anyone else ever heard of this? I've done some research and found that many schools offer academic probation for one semester or do not have as strict of a grading policy.
I feel defeated and I'm not sure where to go from here. I did seek help early on but was only given study advice. Tutoring was not offered and it seemed that seeking help was frowned upon. I've never struggled academically before. I'm not a genius, but hard work and studying have always paid off for me. Until now.
I wonder if I should bother applying to another CRNA program? I know my odds are decreased now. Or just stay a nurse. (FNP has never appealed to me personally) I wish I had waited and gone to a different program, because this seems ridiculous. I'm back at the bedside now and I just want something more and can't think of any other progression within nursing that I would rather have than being a CRNA.
Any advice or insight would be appreciated. Thanks.
I had a similar experience, but it was after two semesters. The grading inconsistencies across programs, and the bizarrely high standards where C's are considered failing, never made sense to me. If it is not failing in medical school, dental school, etc, why is it failing in CRNA school? Don't even get me started on all the differences in letter grade cutoffs between schools. Factor in variations across programs that are often arbitrary (An 86 vs an 82 vs an 80 as the lower cutoff for a B. And that is just what I remember from skimming this thread). All the rounding down. I have never seen anything like it. I have never felt so unsupported by the same faculty that promised to help me succeed only months before...I have a lot of complicated feelings about CRNA school, and while I truly thought it was what I wanted, I do not "want it" enough to go through that horrible experience again. I imagine that it would be even worse, somehow LOL. Anyway I really identify and agree with several of your sentiments. It is encouraging to know that I am not the only one!
This exact situation has just happened to me after 2 semesters. Straight A+ and one B-. Our cutoff is 85% with no rounding. Each class is based on exams weighing 25% and the first test score ruined me.
What did you end up doing? Also weighing my options. Not sure if I want to continue this route.
I finally told the Dean of Students everything I had been experiencing. He was not happy. Encouraged me to appeal and I won. The asst clinical Director was fired. I had to take a leave of absence though because the ruling didn't come until after the semester started. I also had to retake the courses I failed. That put me a year behind. I also had to show I retained my knowledge from previous classes that I took.. But I got through it. And no one ever bothered me again I've been a CRNA now for over 6 years. And I am the founder of the Society of Future Nurse Anesthetists.
Do you need to report a school dismissal to board of nursing?
Why would you report it to them? What does that have to do with your nursing license? Why report it to anyone? Other than fight to stay in your CRNA program.
CDefTx, BSN, RN
1 Post
I had a similar experience, but it was after two semesters. The grading inconsistencies across programs, and the bizarrely high standards where C's are considered failing, never made sense to me. If it is not failing in medical school, dental school, etc, why is it failing in CRNA school? Don't even get me started on all the differences in letter grade cutoffs between schools. Factor in variations across programs that are often arbitrary (An 86 vs an 82 vs an 80 as the lower cutoff for a B. And that is just what I remember from skimming this thread). All the rounding down. I have never seen anything like it. I have never felt so unsupported by the same faculty that promised to help me succeed only months before...I have a lot of complicated feelings about CRNA school, and while I truly thought it was what I wanted, I do not "want it" enough to go through that horrible experience again. I imagine that it would be even worse, somehow LOL. Anyway I really identify and agree with several of your sentiments. It is encouraging to know that I am not the only one!