Published Jul 21, 2006
Gift.Fr.Virgo12
58 Posts
Hello everyone! I am a current SN. I am actually debating b/w becoming a NP or a CRNA. I am going into either direction (as soon as i get more experience and info), b/c I am interested in the responsibilites and aspects that both field covers. I am not attracted by the amount of $$$ each pays. Just thinking about performing a successful intubation while thinking about how much money I'll make after the shift makes me sick. I just wanted to know what i can do to improve my science GPA, I'm not ashamed to say that I got all C's on my science courses. This was because I worked two jobs to help my father who is a single parent and help care for my grandmother and younger siblings. I have learned to manage my time well-- which helped earn better grades and earn a decent income. I wonder what I can do to improve my science GPA. I know 2.0 is way too low.
fullmoon1love
8 Posts
You could try to take the science courses over and shoot for a higher grade. :idea:
dukeRN
25 Posts
I would suggest getting some experience as a RN (and by experience, I do mean more than 1 year) doing something that interests you, and then see which direction you are pulled in. The worst nurse to work with is one who comes out of the gate talking about how they are only a nurse to become a CRNA, NP, PA, etc. Not only that, but you don't want to invest a lot of effort precepting them b/c they are telling you that they won't be around long enough for your investment to mature. Be a nurse first. Then, if you want to go back, go back. But don't do it for money. Money is nice, but does it guarantee happiness if it having it is dependent on doing something that you don't enjoy?
Will taking some of the science courses over really help me? how about the graduate level courses?
As for the money I agree dukerRn, it's nice especially coming from a low income family. But I never said money motivates me to go in either direction. what i meant to say was if I was caring for a patient, I'm not gonna see them as things that i can write off for 85% reimbursement. I wouldn't be able to sleep. I surely wouldn't want somebody like that caring for my loved ones. I am interested in both profession b/c both covers a higher level of nursing.
Lucy54
38 Posts
You should meet with the director of the program you plan on applying to and ask what he/she recommends as far as retaking classes. I can tell you from my experience that most programs will reqiure you to have at least a B in all of your science classes, so you may not have a choice. Even having a B average overall probably won't cut it. You will have to replace any C you have with a B or higher before even applying. My view is of course limited to a small area so you should definitely check with the school. Retaking a few classes is a small price to pay! Good Luck!
roosevelt127
43 Posts
Will taking some of the science courses over really help me? how about the graduate level courses?As for the money I agree dukerRn, it's nice especially coming from a low income family. But I never said money motivates me to go in either direction. what i meant to say was if I was caring for a patient, I'm not gonna see them as things that i can write off for 85% reimbursement. I wouldn't be able to sleep. I surely wouldn't want somebody like that caring for my loved ones. I am interested in both profession b/c both covers a higher level of nursing.
It seems as though you don't have much choice but to take the courses over...after all, you can't improve upon your GPA for classes that are already completed, so your only option for improving the science GPA would be to retake them wouldn't it? If you got Cs in your undergrad level courses, taking grad level courses that required a good understanding of the concepts from the lower level courses might not be the best avenue for improving your GPA. If you take the classes over when you have time to focus on them more fully and really grasp the concepts (something I'm doing myself over the next year for a class or two) you should improve your grades, GPA, understanding, and you'll make your application much more competitive!
SRNAMurse
7 Posts
I agree with the consensus, retake the classes!?! On a different issue, the thought of earning a wage that provides financial security for you and your family make’s you sick? I’m sure I could hook you up with a worthy charity to donate to.
willti1
30 Posts
I'm not going to post my whole underdog story ... not till I finish school and pass boards and get a job..THEN I will post a very inspiring story... but I want to tell you this...
PERSISTENCE,PERSISTENCE
yes take science courses... particulary Chemistry... spend time with a CRNA make sure it is what u want to do, look at all the schools there are some schools who accepts 2.75, 2.8
when u talk to people at the school... focus on how u are a different student now and have the grades to prove it!
One more thing about retaking courses... depending on how many courses you have taken.. you will be amazed how hard it is to raise the gpa.... it is very discouraging.. but retake them anyway... I repeated the whole first year of Chemistry -- over the summer 10 weeks--it really wasn't bad, earned A's... I also took advanced cardiovascular physiology, advanced physiology, organic chem for science majors and physics for science majors.--- You have got to get A's though-- maybe a B but the A's will be best of course-- YOU CAN DO IT
YOU CAN DO IT
Thank you soooo much for your kind words!!! I will take it step by step. In order for me to succeed I would need to be able to focus and organize my time. I am very thankful to hear from all of you.