2.5 gpa from 1st degree... any chance at nursing school?

cnmbfa · Jun 19, 2010

Where are you located?

CRNA programs will look at your science grades and nursing grades, plus you will need 2-3 years of ICU experience to get in. I doubt they will consider a ADN on top of a BS in another area good enough.

Even though it may seem easier, the community college route may not be a good idea for several reasons.

1) Everyone and their uncle wants to be a CRNA because of the $$$. You will probably be competing with 20 other people for a slot in a grad program. They can pick & choose, and will take someone with a BSN form a well respected school over your credentials.

2) To make it through grad school, you will need certain skills (ability to synthesize your own thoughts and write critically, using near perfect grammar, punctuation, APA format, etc.; ability to find, read, interpret, and apply evidence; knowledge of the change process; understanding of epidemiology & prevention; some idea what nursing informatics is, and its potential, etc.). ADN programs may just touch on these.

3) I cannot imagine that any of the local hospitals where I am would hire a new grad ADN into an ICU setting. BSN yes, depending on the individual, the program, and IF they had an ICU internship. This is becoming more and more common nationwide; except in rural areas, some hospitals will not hire ADN new grads at all.

4) In many places, the wait list for ADN programs is 2-3 years long. You may as well just work on a BSN.

5) Many BSN programs are also highly competitive, but some will look at your TEAS/ACT/SAT scores combined with science grades, and give you a chance. I teach at a BSN program that might consider you, depending on many things. That said, I would move heaven and earth to get the best possible grades in every class you get if I were you.

Sorry to be such a realist, but it comes down to this: because the economy stinks, many, many, many of your fellow Americans want to be nurses. You are up against huge competition. I wish there was a better marker than grades for who will succeed in nursing school, but that is a sticky issue. Schools of nursing get hurt badly and sanctioned if their NCLEX pass rates drop, so they are unlikely to admit students who may not pass. Our school has found that the biggest predictors coming in to the program are ACT scores and (somewhat) science grades. However, the science grades for some community colleges are NOT always reliable for this, and we are beginning to not accept credits from some.

I hope I am not too much of a wet blanket here. Just trying to say that there is no easy route to nursing, and you will have to work for it. Too many people really don't grasp that to be a nurse in today's high tech world, where almost all the patients are really sick, takes brains and really good thinking skills.

Have you thought abpout retaking a science or two (at a higher level school, not a CC) to push up your science GPA? Have you met with the academic couselors in their leraning center to learn how to study more effectively, read for meaning and understanding, improve test-taking skills, etc. I don't get why people will pay for tennis lessons or an exercise class, yet never realize that there are folks out there who can help you become a better student and learner. Please make use of them.

Good luck to you in this. I

Samantha79 · Jun 19, 2010

My first BS (marketing) gpa was 2.54. I worked full-time and went to school full-time as well, and clearly my grades suffered. That was in 2001. I am now back in school working on my AAS (nursing) and currently have a 4.0. All schools, regardless of degree type, are highly competitive. I chose to get an AAS instead of a BS because my husband is in the Navy and we will be moving before I can complete a BSN degree. Most nursing programs will not accept 'nursing specific' transfer course work, so wherever you start, that's where you need to finish. If you have an option, I would suggest a BSN. You spend about the same amount of time in school and come out with a BSN instead of an Associates. I spent one year getting all my pre-reqs done for the AAS degree (would have been 2 years if I didn't have hours from my BS that fulfilled some requirements), and now I have another 2 years of nursing school... that's 4 years folks... same amount of time it takes to get a BSN. Also check in your area to see if there is an accelerated BSN program (1 calander year, no breaks) since you already have a BS. That was my first choice but my local CC really screwed me over and didn't allow (or advise) me to take the pre-reqs I needed, when I needed them, so that I could start that program with enough time to finish before we moved again, but that is a whole other story.

Good luck on whatever you decide.

GM2RN · Jun 20, 2010

I understand when someone says that they didn't make college a prioity the first time around and they end up with a low gpa, especially if they were right out of high school. But basically you said you have a different focus now and want to change that, yet you are still pulling the same gpa.

I have no idea if you have too many other things going to give proper time to classes, if you are not focused enough and are spending too much time with recreation, or if you just don't have the necessary intellect. Whatever the reason, you need to really examine if this is something that can be corrected and then work your rear off to do it.

Also examine why you want to go into nursing. Nursing school is tough enough, but a CRNA program is equivalent to med school in terms of intensity. If your only reason to become an RN is become a CRNA, then what will you do if you don't get accepted to a CRNA program?

Samantha79 · Jun 20, 2010

Also examine why you want to go into nursing. Nursing school is tough enough, but a CRNA program is equivalent to med school in terms of intensity. If your only reason to become an RN is become a CRNA, then what will you do if you don't get accepted to a CRNA program?

I think you hit the nail on the head with this one. You really have to want to be a nurse, regardless of what department you end up working in down the road.

happy2learn · Jun 21, 2010

As it stands, i'm hoping to get my ADN (if I get accepted?) and then do the bridge over to BSN while working. My most optimistic goal is to maintain a high GPA throughout the ADN program so I might be considered for a CRNA program since I already have a BS.

The CRNA program won't accept your current Bachelor's degree. They want a BSN or if you can find an ADN-MSN bridge. So you will have to do the ADN, then ADN-BSN or ADN-MSN bridge. Or DNP. Who knows by then. My local university is already making the CRNA program a doctorate program, no MSN.

The CRNA program is the most competitive out of all of the advanced nursing degrees, and they have a good reason to be. Think about it, you can easily kill someone with a tiny miscalculation.

The CRNA program has EXTENSIVE science and math courses, so you really must to be good at science. By your GPA, science is either not your best subject, or you just have not dedicated enough time to it.

You will also have to work as an ICU nurse for 2 years I think before you can get into the CRNA portion of the program.

I'm not trying to discourage you, because by all means, make your goals happen. I just want you to be informed.

Let's stick to the near future for the moment. You have a shot at nursing school, you will need to look around though. My school requires a 2.75 GPA to get in and 2.5 to stay in. So maybe if you take a few courses you can get your GPA raised and increase your chances of getting in. Every ADN program is different, so you'll need to spend a bit of time looking around at what each one requires.

jinsooked · Jun 29, 2010

My comments may not be the most helpful one... Previous comments would surely guide you through the right way.. but I was just in your shoe about a month before I got accepted to local cc.

I graduated past winter with 2.7 GPA in BS in Biology, and was afraid of even applying to nursing school because of my unsuccessful undergrad years. I knew I wanted to be a nurse in my head but my body just didn't follow up. I was afraid of failing, ended up applying to only one school (which was very very stupid).

I must admit that I was a very fortunate one here. The local cc I will be attending for ADN, is known for competitiveness due to low cost and good repuatation.

Anyway, it probably depends on the system of admission of schools, but I don't think the GPA can be the only thing they consider. I am sure it is important for their decision, but other factors get into consideration, too.

I think they accepted me because the class can be balanced in terms of diversity (i am a male, asian). The class must be diverse especially because I am in a northeast region. I also hold a BS degree just like you. All these things were taken into consideration (I prayed a lot too :)).

Well, I don't know what I just wrote, but I just wanted to say these things because I know how you really feel. You are all set to go, ready to hit books in school, can't wait to be one that help peoples lives. But this admission!! It just kills you... I was literally hopeless and depressed until the day before I got my acceptance letter. Everyday was painful, lost smile...

But you know, keep your head up... You will get in as long as you don't lose your passion! Everything will work fine. God will be watching you over, and I know this because you are trying to do something that only certain people are willing to do. That is very humble. I am not going to lie about the money I will be making. I NEED them paychecks, too to live! But I think there is a need for us to think little further. And I am sure you have imagined yourself in a hospital, lending hands to those who need YOU! How great would that feel?!?!!! You know, I just can't wait until I am able to do that!

Well, I apologize if I took your time away, but I wish you the best, best of luck!!:)