Old Nurse looking to start a new career

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I am a nineteen year RN with an Associates Degree. Currently, I am working on my BSN thru Indiana Wesleyan University. I will be done summer '09. I would really like to go to school to be a CRNA. I realize the 1 yr requirement in ICU, and I plan to get back to the hospital to get what I need for experience, but I am wondering about the acceptance into a CRNA program.

When I got my A.S. degree, my GPA was I believe 2.5-2.75. (was young, too many classes at once, etc) but I passed and was accepted into my current BSN program. I now have a GPA of 3.8, and will strive to keep it high. All this said, I am wondering if I will be able to get into a CRNA program with the lower GPA from the past, with the high GPA that is current.

I have wanted to be a CRNA since I graduated from nursing school, but life got in the way, so now it is a mission for me. I have many fears about getting into a program, and wondering if I am capable of making it through the program. I have worked in the OR with many CRNA's, and I don't think that they have any more brains than I do, so I wonder if it is a persistance/desire, along with hard work scenario.

Can anyone shed some light on my chances of success? Good or bad opinions are appreciated, I need some unbiased help please....

Thanks,

Confusednurse1

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You can and should absolutely do it. First of all, kudos on going back for that BSN after 19 years. Everyone knows that (in general), the longer you are out of school the harder it is to go back. (I speak from experience, I am 32 and am just finishing an accelerated BSN program.) Secondly, it sounds like you have good judgment. Sometimes we have to recognize when we have too much on our plates (family etc...) and balance our lives accordingly at certain times. Lastly, you have the drive and you know what you want. You have a great GPA now, so focus on that, add some critical care experience and give it a shot! You are not too old! You will be in my prayers...go for it!:bow:

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Specializes in icu/er.

don't sell yourself short.

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Go for it... Many schools will look at the last 60 hours and they know that everyone is young and may not have figured out what they want to be yet. When I interviewed there were more older students than I thought there would be... (notice I did NOT say old...) I have been a nurse for 15 years and will be starting a crna program soon. I like to think the years have given me insight- yeah thats what we will call it... insight :)

plus you have a great gpa now.. so once again - if it is really what you want..... GO FOT IT

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Specializes in CVPACU, CCU, ICU.

I have been a nurse for 14 years and have wanted to be a CRNA since year 1. I didnt do it because of family obligations - the minute I got divorced I applied and have been accepted into school. My first 2 years my GPA was horrific! My past 60 were excellent though - I was prepared to explain my GPA from when I was 18 but the director just waved her hand and said "long time ago, obviously your doing well now" and that was it. Go for it!!!!

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Specializes in Anesthesia ICU LTC Dialysis.
I have been a nurse for 14 years and have wanted to be a CRNA since year 1. I didnt do it because of family obligations - the minute I got divorced I applied and have been accepted into school. My first 2 years my GPA was horrific! My past 60 were excellent though - I was prepared to explain my GPA from when I was 18 but the director just waved her hand and said "long time ago, obviously your doing well now" and that was it. Go for it!!!!

I was 40 when I went back. Should have done it when I was in my 20s like my wife did.

You will NOt regret it... do whatever it takes. its the best job in nursing PERIOD.

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