Getting instructor references from online BSN programs?

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Specializes in Neuro ICU.

I actually have two issues. One I'm more sure of answer than the other.

Firstly, my desire since about age 15 was to work in surgery in some capacity. The ability to fix or assist in the repair has been intriguing. I finally realize that CRNA is that way. Well, I have been to three colleges in my short post-secondary education. Two community colleges and a pretty reputable university. I am enrolled in the nursing program at my community college. I currently work as a patient care tech on a 16 bed Neuro/Medical ICU. The plane is to get my ADN and continue employment on this unit while getting my BSN online. Probably through Chamberlain. By the time I have my BSN I will have two years nursing experience on a mid-high acuity ICU and two years of patient care on the same unit. Ok, sorry with the boring details. The community college I previously attended hurt my academic record. I had some dedication issues and failed two classes. History and Sociology. Both subject I am good in. When applying for CRNA school I know I am required to submit all transcripts. Would it help my academic appearance to go back to that community college and complete the coursework again or should I be able to complete the courses at my current college?

Secondly, my hope is too complete my BSN online to allow time to work full-time as I need to support myself. I plan to apply to Murray State since their anesthesia program is within 45 minutes of my current location. They have their own reference letters. They are essentially questionnaires rating my abilities academically and professionally. There are three different reference form's. Instructor, supervisor, and co-worker. You aren't allowed to have the reference write a letter. Just fill out this form and mail it back in. Has anyone else completed a BSN online and applied to/been accepted to a nurse anesthetist program? I am concerned with the difficulty of obtaining a reference from an instructor I never met. Is it acceptable to get one from a professor in my ADN program?

I'm sorry to have written a book, I was always taught to preface thoroughly. The actual question is in bold so you can skip the bs. I appreciate all feedback. Of course my game plan is IDEAL and anything could happen.

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I actually have two issues. One I'm more sure of answer than the other.

Firstly, my desire since about age 15 was to work in surgery in some capacity. The ability to fix or assist in the repair has been intriguing. I finally realize that CRNA is that way. Well, I have been to three colleges in my short post-secondary education. Two community colleges and a pretty reputable university. I am enrolled in the nursing program at my community college. I currently work as a patient care tech on a 16 bed Neuro/Medical ICU. The plane is to get my ADN and continue employment on this unit while getting my BSN online. Probably through Chamberlain. By the time I have my BSN I will have two years nursing experience on a mid-high acuity ICU and two years of patient care on the same unit. Ok, sorry with the boring details. The community college I previously attended hurt my academic record. I had some dedication issues and failed two classes. History and Sociology. Both subject I am good in. When applying for CRNA school I know I am required to submit all transcripts. Would it help my academic appearance to go back to that community college and complete the coursework again or should I be able to complete the courses at my current college?

Secondly, my hope is too complete my BSN online to allow time to work full-time as I need to support myself. I plan to apply to Murray State since their anesthesia program is within 45 minutes of my current location. They have their own reference letters. They are essentially questionnaires rating my abilities academically and professionally. There are three different reference form's. Instructor, supervisor, and co-worker. You aren't allowed to have the reference write a letter. Just fill out this form and mail it back in. Has anyone else completed a BSN online and applied to/been accepted to a nurse anesthetist program? I am concerned with the difficulty of obtaining a reference from an instructor I never met. Is it acceptable to get one from a professor in my ADN program?

I'm sorry to have written a book, I was always taught to preface thoroughly. The actual question is in bold so you can skip the bs. I appreciate all feedback. Of course my game plan is IDEAL and anything could happen.

I did amy adn and bsn at Excelsior college and they don't give references. I just explained that when I sent in my application, and it wasn't a problem. Also, the classes you failed will probably always be on your transcript, when UT Memphis tallies your gpa, they include all grades, even in the same courses. By retaking them, you show dedication and perserverance, as well as academic ability. So go ahead and take them anywhere, but just know that it will hurt your gpa. Good luck to you, hope you make it.

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Another thing to remember, since I am not familiar with Chamberlain, make sure they are NLNAC approved. Most colleges require this for entrance into their masters programs.

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Specializes in CCRN, ATCN, ABLS.

1- I would not worry about getting a reference from an online program. ADN should be fine. I understand the appeal of taking classes from online programs, but if I were you, I would instead look for a bridge program close to your area. Then you can ask for a letter of reference in your own right.

2- I would not repeat a course in the liberal arts area. If you are concerned about grades, do well from now on. You can always explain a couple of bad grades, especially if those were taken early. If you want extra courses, definitely do a chemistry sequence instead. This will not only impress the adcom, but it will help you understand anesthesia concepts better in the future. Since your plans are not definite, taking a chem sequence will also open up many other schools, since many have chem as a requirement.

good luck

Wayunderpaid

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Specializes in CCRN, ATCN, ABLS.

One other thing... Chamberlain School of Nursing has been acquired by DeVry University, which is a For-profit school. Which means that there are stakeholders and investors making a buck out of your education. Even though the school is accredited, I would be a little careful, and study all my options. There are plenty of non-profit schools who have online BSN programs (or partial online). Good luck again.

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