feedback and opinions needed on how to continue education

[heelnurse]

Hi all!

I've been a nurse for 5 years and I really want to go back to school for my MSN. My thing is I had a really tough time in nursing school due to undiagnosed anxiety disorder and my mom being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor with a year to live all while in nursing school. My gpa was really low and though I always excelled clinically, when it came to exams my anxiety went through the roof and I just really could not think straight (those of you with any anxiety disorder or panic disorder will understand). I didn't get diagnosed until my last semester in nursing school and though I have been a nurse for 5 years, and consider myself a knowledgeable and well-prepared nurse, I am afraid that my gpa in school will not allow me to continue my education in nursing.

Though I have taken classes to bring my overall gpa up my nursing school gpa is still low. Is there any way of raising that nursing gpa? taking other nursing related courses perhaps? Is there any chance that I can actually continue my studies? Like i said I've been a nurse for 5 years and even recieved nurse of the year this last year; but I cannot help but be discouraged in continuing my education.

I know that getting into an MSN program is not solely based on gpa but I really cannot help but be discouraged and even a bit scared...

Thoughts?? Help??