CaptCrunch

Been a while, sorry. I remember seeing the reply several months ago and am just now getting back to this. So here's the update for those curious: I ended up taking my GRE - scored 310 - then applied to about 8 schools all over the country. I had my own personal requirements for schools, and then chose a spread of schools based on the rank (which is subjective, you have to decide for yourself). Programs ranged from "CRNA mills" to highly regarded, low acceptance programs. I was interviewed and accepted at all but one school. So as others have said, the previous degree didn't play a huge part. Will it come up in an interview? Some places yes, others no. I will say, if you're worried about it, go back and fix it. I re-took my old chemistry classes and got A's. Not only does it make your app better, but honestly, it made me feel better. This could apply to every weak part of your application. Some are definitely easier to fix then others. Is your experience weak? Find another job. Recommendations weak? Find better ones. Grades weak? Re-take them. Is it easy to just drop everything and fixate on your app? No, not at all. Really depends on how bad you want it. Don't let me downplay the interview, either. That is where you can really make or break your acceptance. As far as too easy to get into school, I can't really comment much on that. My GPA was pretty high along with solid exp, rec's, and test scores. If there are tons of applicants for the number of available spots, then schools can be more strict on requirements. It seems like there are, but again, I don't have anything to offer other then subjective anecdotes. Best of luck in your endeavors!

Thanks for the vote of confidence. I still think I need to take some kind of chemistry class before I apply so I can show them I'm not inept at chemistry. The tough part is finding one.

Hey there, I'm interested in applying to CRNA school and was wondering where I stand as a potential applicant. BSN in nursing (GPA 3.7) CCRN/ACLS/BLS Currently, 2 years in the cardiac ICU at one of the largest/well known hospitals in the US Regular usage of invasive monitoring (Alines, CLs, Swans), drips (pressors/sedation), mechanical support (vents, CRRT, IABP, ECMO) Haven't taken GRE yet Here's the rub - I have a previous biology degree with god awful grades. Pretty much all C's with some A's and B's thrown about. My most recent sciences, the anatomy classes and microbiology ones, I have A's in, but I'm pretty concerned that schools are not going to look past my degree from 10 years ago. I'd like to take some chemistry/biochemistry classes now, to show that I don't have an issue. Short of just re-taking previous classes, are there any ones that CRNA schools would be interested in seeing? Online classes would be great since I work full-time. I'd like to hear your suggestions! Thanks!

Hey guys, So here's my background in as few words as possible. I'm a college graduate with a degree in cell bio and am interested in nursing due to the versatility and advancement potential. I currently work at an urgent care center as a medical assistant, but I also have experience from a med/surg floor as a tech. I was recently accepted to an accelerated RN program at my local community college. Here's my predicament: I've been discouraged by the majority of the nurses that I've talked to about entering the profession. Most would not recommend it as career that they enjoy. I also really did not like what I saw on the med/surg floor I worked on. Given 14 patients where 8 of them are complete care is not cool. At all. I sort of feel like people will look down on me as a male nurse. The whole "Why isn't he a doctor?". Also, when I go to advising, people look at me like I'm crazy for going in the nursing direction with my current degree in hand. This is a bit disconcerting because I'm currently torn between waiting it out and becoming a PA or going forward with the nursing profession with the potential of eventually becoming an NP or CRNA. The latter does require experience in the nursing field (duh), but I'm bent out of shape about it because I'm worried I'll be miserable while waiting to gain the experience necessary to move on. Also, if things didn't work out with the advanced degree, I wouldn't want to hate my life. It is 2 years to a BSN then the extra years for the experience and graduate school. PA school is also a couple years. My grades aren't an issue. What do you guys think? I feel like most people are discouraging and I'm concerned. I hated my experience as a tech on the med/surg floor. It was simply wiping 8-14 butts non-stop with vitals in between. Will the ICU be different, or will I be miserable? Am I having illusions of grandeur with the NP/CRNA path? I am also male, so I'm very curious if anyone other guys went through the same thought process. Any advice, encouragement, criticism, etc. welcome. Thanks in advance.