low GPA but Good experience

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I graduated nursing school in 2009 with an AA with a GPA of 2.3. During nursing school I worked as an anesthesia tech for our local shock trauma center. After graduation, I started working at a level 1 trauma OR as a circ./scrub nurse for 4 years. I finished my BSN online with a 3.9. I also worked in the medical IMC for 2 years and now I am at a SICU. I currently precept and am the president of one of our SICU committees.

I got a 295 on the GRE. Have my CCRN. I am thinking of applying for CRNA school. I have always had it as an ultimate goal but had such poor grades during my AA program - I thought it was impossible.

I was immature, unmotivated and quite frankly just didn't care at the time of my AA degree. Now I have goals, have the support from my husband and work with such inspirational leaders - I am more motivated than ever to become a CRNA.

Do I have a chance?

Any advice? How do I explain my poor grades from my past and prove I am capable of completing a program now?

THANK YOU!

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I am too looking towards CRNA school. You are my current competition, but I will say do not give up. I know they look at overall GPA. You experience as well as other things will make you a great candidate. All you can do is keep improving. Go ahead and apply. All they can say is no and you keep applying until you get that yes. I have had mixed reviews on when to apply. I am working and building myself even though I have sent out two applications to date. All I can say is they say no, next time it will be a yes.

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That's very true! Have you taken any grad level classes? I am thinking of taking pathophys but i'm not sure it will help?

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So funny you asked that. I just got off the phone with an admissions director and I got the email for someone I need to contact for two classes I am able to take while I sit and wait in limbo. Have you shadowed a CRNA?

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Retake classes or take grad level science classes. I'd retake the GRE. Not sure if schools still require the GRE, some are content with CCRN. But for those that do, your grade is on the low side.

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Im just going to be honest and say that you literally have no chance at getting in with that GPA, unless you somehow find a CRNA school that would allow you to retake the classes you did poorly in. And even then, its a long shot.

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Specializes in ICU, NICU.

Disregard the last poster... You have a more than worthy nursing GPA of 3.9. Some schools only consider the last 60 credits anyway. If you are willing to relocate and be flexible, I'm sure there are schools that will consider you a good candidate.

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Specializes in Critical Care.
Disregard the last poster... You have a more than worthy nursing GPA of 3.9. Some schools only consider the last 60 credits anyway. If you are willing to relocate and be flexible, I'm sure there are schools that will consider you a good candidate.

Yes, good job with the 3.9, but the online associates to BSN transition won't matter at all to admissions committee. Have to retake / take hard science courses and do well in them

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UPDATE:

I have an interview next month!

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Congrats, I got an interview as well. Think we are applying to the same program after looking at your other thread. Email me [email protected] and will give an update on the interview process. We might eventually become classmates and would be funny if we do after all this time. Small world

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along if you do not mind me asking, what classes did they suggest you to take?

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I wasnt given any recommendations on classes. Feel free to email me as well. My interview is on tuesday in the morning if anyone else will be there at that time, would like to say good luck.

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