How to strength CV for low GPA?

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Little about myself...25yo male

BSN Graduating December 2014

ADN Graduated May 2013

Bachelors in Health Sciences Graduated June 2010

Overall GPA 3.0,

Anticipated BSN GPA of 4.0

BLS

ACLS

PALS

Anticipate CCRN

Member of....ANA, MONA(missouri), AACN

Seven months experience in a coronary care unit, working on getting into an ICU right now. Hopefully I will be in an ICU by April. My GPA is weak, I did a lot of partying in the undergrad years. My nursing GPA isn't too strong either as I did not envision myself as going further until I actually began working in the field. I've read other success stories of applicants that got into programs without a strong GPA. I know I can nail an interview once granted, as I have fantastic skills as a communicator. The problem is getting that interview, what else can I do to beef up my CV? What additional classes are worth the money?

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Specializes in Step-down ICU.

Biochemistry and statistics may help based on what I've read and been told. Check the program requirements for the schools you want to attend! Don't forget about the GRE!

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graduate level physiology - shows you can handle grad level work. good luck

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I had a 3.17 GPA. However, I had to retake my chems because they were old and got an A in them (idk what that shows to be honest). I had much of the same certs as you, with the additions of CCRN, CMC. I was also an EMT and Firefighter of over 12 years and I worked at one of the most prestigious hospitals in the country. While some people may say that where you work does not matter, I personally think it does. If you work at a large teaching institution where you're exposed to all sorts of stuff you'll be far better off than someone who works in a rural ICU and has never seen, let alone heard of a IABP or ECMO. Everyones experiences and opinions are different. You'll be fine, apply and see what happens. Doing grad level work would probably help as well.

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After some research, it looks like the plan is this...

Being transferred to the adult ICU in March.

Nail the GRE this spring and/or summer.

Graduate in December with the BSN.

Take Chem this summer.

BioChem in the Fall

Apply to these institutions in August

UAB

Wolford

Gooding Medical

Clarkson College

Medical University of SC

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Specializes in Critical Care.

How much ICU experience will you have when you apply ?

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I will have 6 months when applying, then 1.5 years by time of matriculation. The way I see it, what do I have to lose by applying...if anything I can get feedback on how to strength my Cv

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