Do I have a Chance? IF not, how can I give myself one?

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Specializes in Cardiac ICU.

Hi All,

I am new to this site and am just looking for any and all insight I can get. My profile is as follows: My GPA (nursing) 3.2 science Gpa closer to (2.0). I had an undergraduate prenursing GPA of 2.7. I recently took Organic Chemistry and made a B. I have been studying for the Gre for three months, 3-4hours day and using kaplan prep. and a private tutor and my math scores on the practice exams are still around 360. I have contacted schools in houston where I live to inquire about taking adv. pharm. and adv. pathophysiology, however, the schools have told me that they do not have openings for students who are non matriculated or not enrolled in a degree plan.

I have worked in the coronary care ICU for 4 years(Texas Medical Center) and in medical surgical ICU for one year.

I am planning to shadow a CRNA at my job for at least 30hours, after I take my GRE next week. I also plan to volunteer with a non profit organization this year. In addition I plan to sit for my CCRN at the end of this year.

I don't know what else to do, or if I even still have a chance. All I have ever wanted to do since I discovered this career is to be a CRNA and inspire others. Can I still acheieve this goal or is it too late?

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Specializes in Transplant/Surgical ICU.

It's never really too late... I would shadow a CRNA FIRST, just to solidify that it is indeed what you want. I'm yet to hear of a CRNA that does not like her/his career choice, but you never know. How do you know for sure that it is what you want to do, if you have not shadowed a CRNA yet? I started shadowing in nursing school... I'm sure you have done your homework, but I know of people that decided it was not for them.

As far as GRE, you could look at schools that do not require it or list lower scores as minimum requirement. A friend of mine got an interview at TWU with barely a 900 overall score, but graduated with honors. I believe the minimum GPA for most schools is a 3.0, although most applicants have over a 3.5. You coul take biochemistry, take on leadership roles in your unit, and get involved in committees. Also, it ould be a good idea to call the school and see if they would grant you a counseling session to advice you on what you could do to be more competitive.

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Specializes in Cardiac ICU.

Thank you for the info. I shadowed a CRNA once in nursing school and I am planning to shadow for at least 30 to 40 hours this year. I also recently took organic chemistry one and scored a B. I am currently looking into taking some graduate school classes to show my maturity and growth. Hopefully, these actions show my current state of mind and determination. Thanks for the support! Please keep it coming!!

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Specializes in Surgical ICU.

So here is my honest opinion. This is not a hate message or one aimed at discouraging you. I believe that anyone is capable of doing anything with the right amount of preparation and dedication. All of this takes time.

My advise would be to NOT apply to schools this year. Whether the GRE or college schools grades are applicable to how good of a CRNA you will be is up for discussion. What is not up for discussion is that in CRNA school you have to be able to study for an exam and pass it. You will be given information and you must retain it and apply it. So far it seems that you have made great efforts to succeed in such settings such as getting a tutor for the GRE. However, you are still doing poorly on this test which in all fairness is a 1)reasoning test and 2) applies 8th grade knowledge. You will be expected to learn and apply much more advanced sciences and mathematics laws and you will be required to use reasoning. If you are not doing well with private tutoring and very little pressure or obligations around you, then I do not believe you are ready to take on this endeavor.

You did not tell us how long ago your undergraduate schooling was, however, those grades are barely passing (science), to average (overall). Your efforts to take organic chemistry were well intended and I do not doubt how hard that class was, but your final grade of a B did not show improvement from your undergraduate years. This says that even with your focus being CRNA school now, even if your maturity increased, your greatest efforts only lead to a B.

Now that was the harsh part,... here is the encouraging part.

Don't rush everything. Continue studying for the GRE, dump the private tutor and pick up some FREE 7-9th grade math textbooks at the library. Since your science grades were dismal, if you can afford to, retake those classes. If you are unable to afford this try taking some of the GRE subject tests such as (Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Biology, or Chemistry). Take your CCRN, CMC, and CSE to show dedication and knowledge in your practice. Precept if possible to show that your hospital trusts you to teach the newbies and respects your knowledge. And if you really do want to take graduate classes and are really ready for the rigors of it you could apply to local schools as a part-time nurse practitioner (your hospital may even pay for it). At least 4-5 of the classes will be applicable to the field (patho, physio, general pharm, and theory)... although they most likely won't be transferrable... and once you have exhausted those classes you can "quit", put yourself on "hold", etc. All of this will take time and lots of dedication. May be even up to 2 years, but I feel like you would be doing a disservice to yourself if you didn't prepare yourself better.

Good Luck, Never get discouraged!!

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