GPA

Yes, you can overcome poor grades, but it takes a lot of work to do so. So just to give you my perspective as someone applying to three DNP programs, first attempt. My first undergrad (B.S./UCLA) 15 years ago, graduated with a 2.5, BSN ten years ago 3.6, and I took two graduate level nursing courses last year at the university SON affiliated with my academic teaching hospital (as a non-matriculated student) and killed it. CCRN-CMC, TCRN, 9 years work experience in critical care in addition to participating in research with my attending providers/medical director, committee work, charge and precepting.

I intentionally took the GRE as an adjunct to my cumulative GPA even though there is evidence that indicates it has absolutely no bearing on success in nursing graduate programs.

Definitely take additional chemistry courses and ace them, and determine which programs you may want to apply to and see if their program directors will consider the GRE as an adjunct to poor (older) grades.

Prove that you want it. Become the best critical care nurse you can be in a multifaceted manner. Three applications in this year, two committee reviews thus far, two interview offers, waiting on one window to close.

I will piggyback on Asherah's post, I had a very similar situation with my GPA when I was 18. Went to college for 1 year, my mother got cancer and I bombed out of college. Went back to college at 21 and absolutely murdered it. Got straight A's in all my nursing courses as well as pre-req's and graduated with a 3.7 gpa with my ADN. Continued on and got my BSN with a 3.6, and last semester I took 6 graduate credits with a 4.0 gpa. Like Asherah, I also got certified, CEN CCRN-CMC and work heavily on my units committees. I've been blessed to be invited for two interviews this cycle already. You can 100% overcome early mistakes. Honestly when I interviewed last year they didnt even ask me about my first year of college, because that was over 13 years ago.

The last 2 posters are spot on. It can be overcome, absolutely. But it does take some time and effort to do so.

Most resumes can have one hole in them, yours currently has 1 to 2, those being your grade history and your relatively small work history. But you can patch them both at the same time. Take a few grad level courses. Contact progams in which you have interest in attending and ask them what classes they would like to see you take. Then do well. very well, all the while working and becoming the very best ICU nurse you can be. All that will be left for you to do, is to be prepared to be up front and honest about the mistakes your youth.

There are literally hundreds of threads almost identical to this here in the forum. Review the forum and you should finds tons of good advice on the topic. You are not alone. Good luck.