MSN for a low BSN GPA? (pre-CRNA)

[IDoNotGiveOut]

Hello, I am a current SICU RN who has a BSN with a low GPA of 2.9. The CRNA school I would most love to go to is a DNP program that is extremely competitive. I would also be willing to go out of state if I can't get in there. My question is do you think the following is a good plan?

1. Go to MSN program online degree focusing in nursing education (only other choice is nursing leadership which sounds so boring) through a respected university, which I have already been accepted into.

2. While in online MSN program take 1 class per semester of the following science classes: Princ. of Chem II (already took principles I), human biology, basic physics, and re-take calculus I for second grade only option (got a D in it last time.) While I am doing this I will obviously not be able to work full-time but will hopefully get a weekend option for those four semesters. I chose those classes because they are the only pre-reqs I'm missing for the program I most want to get into.

3. Around graduation from MSN program take GRE prep class and then take GRE (I do pretty well on tests, got 1400 on SATs way back when)

As soon as I'm done with the MSN I will go back to working full-time (I plan on not applying until after I graduate so there will be a lag year before I start CRNA).

So, by the time I apply for CRNA I plan to have:

-2.9 BSN GPA, 4.0 MSN GPA, competitive GRE

-CCRN, ACLS, PALS (already have these)

-3 yrs FT SICU RN experience plus 1.5 yrs part-time

-Additionally three years of experience as ECMO specialist (running ECMO pump) on PRN basis

-3-4 years of community service ~ 8 hrs/wk (surprised nobody ever mentions this)

I chose online for MSN because I have a young child and it just won't work for me to be gone all week for school when she's this young. By the time I go to CRNA school she will be in school herself so that will help a little bit. And hopefully my mom will be retired or I will have some other support (husband?) by that time, not that I'm counting on anything like that. But I will figure that part out, I always have.

Any holes in the plan? Suggestions? Do I need to take more graduate or upper level science than what I've mentioned to look better? The university in my area doesn't allow non-degree students for grad level nursing classes. I don't know about the other sciences.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. I want to make sure I'm doing everything I can to maximize my chances. I know where there's a will there's a way but I want to be smart about it!

[wspfan]

Not sure what state you are in, but I was in a similar area as you. I had grades from 20 years ago that were pulling my cum down. I did a MSN(Leadership, and it was actually interesting even though I didn't think it would be) and re-took any science class I received a C in (there were 2). I also took an organic chemistry class and got an A and ended up being accepted into two diffierent out of state schools.

I applied to 5 schools and was offered interviews at all, alternate at two and accepted to two. Perseverance and showing current science grades is what got me in. I had to prove that I wasn't the same student that I was 20 years ago, but in 28 months, it will be all worth it.

Good luck and keep trying...you will get in.

[Class2011]

Sounds like a bit of overkill with the MSN, but maybe not for the DNP program that interests you. Retaking and acing sciences courses is a must.

The volunteer work is definitely a plus; not everyone has it, some just don't mention it, but do put it on your application along with any leadership roles.

You'll be a good candidate once you fix the grade concern.