Realistic Goal?

TPN1986, RN · Dec 23, 2019

If you're serious consider retaking some of your undergraduate sciences that are pulling your GPA down. Maybe even consider taking a biochemistry course at some point. It's definitely an achievable goal. You will have to work very hard though.

mursedreaming, BSN, RN · Dec 23, 2019

1 minute ago, TPN1986 said:
If you're serious consider retaking some of your undergraduate sciences that are pulling your GPA down. Maybe even consider taking a biochemistry course at some point. It's definitely an achievable goal. You will have to work very hard though.

So you recommend taking undergraduate classes? Everyone else has been telling me that most schools prefer to see that you can hang at a graduate level.

Asherah, BSN, RN · Dec 23, 2019

1 hour ago, mursedreaming said:
So you recommend taking undergraduate classes? Everyone else has been telling me that most schools prefer to see that you can hang at a graduate level.

You usually can't take graduate classes until you're done with your undergraduate coursework, and I definitely agree with @TPN1986's suggestion. You can search and see from prior posts that we have both made that we are older students who speak from experience in terms of overcoming poor first degree/college course GPA. I couldn't retake those specific courses at my prior four-year institution, however.

I applaud you for setting your sights high, but I'd recommend focusing on finishing your last term (presumably) strong and trying to get a practicum/capstone/externship in a critical care setting.

Shanneliz SRNA, DNP · Dec 23, 2019

Firstly, graduate from your current program and finish strong! I didn’t have the best stats either. I made a post on what I did to make myself more appealing to CRNA programs and a study guide for the interview process if you want to take a look! I don’t think you’re out of the ballpark but you’ll definitely have to do some work once you’re employed to make yourself stand out. You don’t necessarily have to have outstanding statistics but you’ll have to show schools that it’s what you really want. Take a few grad courses if needed! It’ll help your GPA. It’s definitely not an unreasonable goal. Get certifications, make sure you’re on a unit that schools look for (CVICU, MSICU, level one trauma center, etc.) you’ll have to work hard but it’s not out of reach! I didn’t know if I’d get in either but I showed out in the interview and made myself as competitive as possible! I fortunately didn’t have to take grad courses but that would have been my next step if I didn’t get accepted. Good luck!

Defibn', RN, EMT-P · Dec 23, 2019

15 hours ago, mursedreaming said:
So you recommend taking undergraduate classes? Everyone else has been telling me that most schools prefer to see that you can hang at a graduate level.

That all depends. If you took intro to chem and got a C, that will look real bad to an ADCOM. So you may want to take more undergrad chemistry and get A's. If you're going to take graduate classes, I would focus on science. There are some pathophys classes out there. However, if you got a C in undergrad a&p, it may be hard for you. If you then get a C in a graduate class, you have proven that can't hack it. I have no idea what your situation is, I'm just trying to give you some things to think about.

HappyCCRN1, BSN · Dec 23, 2019

16 hours ago, mursedreaming said:
So you recommend taking undergraduate classes? Everyone else has been telling me that most schools prefer to see that you can hang at a graduate level.

As those state above, definitely retake the undergrad science courses that pulled your GPA down. And get A’s in them. Graduate courses would be great to make yourself more competitive down the line, but your first step really should be focused on the undergrad classes. That will get you up to an acceptable baseline GPA when you start applying.
Next, get experience and get certified in the speciality you go into. Soak up every opportunity for learning on your unit. You need to get those sick patients. Once you’re there for a year, get involved with committees and research on your unit.
Making the consideration that you have a good personal statement and resume, these are all stats that should get you to an interview. And from there, everyone is seriously on an even field and will have similar stats as you. So it’s all about trying to make yourself stand out in a sea of applicants that are just as qualified.

loveanesthesia · Dec 23, 2019

Agree, retake undergraduate chemistry, A&P and micro courses if you didn’t get an A. Contact programs that interest you and ask for their advice.

TPN1986, RN · Dec 24, 2019

On 12/22/2019 at 9:13 PM, mursedreaming said:
So you recommend taking undergraduate classes? Everyone else has been telling me that most schools prefer to see that you can hang at a graduate level.

They may be right but my personal experience has been that a high emphasis was placed on undergraduate sciences such as A&P, chemistry, micro, etc. Fortunately, I had A's in all of those classes so I didn't need to repeat any classes. If I was in your shoes I'd really consider retaking those sciences because you're going to be competing with other students who have earned A's in those classes. It's not something I would rush, I would focus on finishing your BSN off on a strong note and getting as close to all A's as you can. Once you graduate I'd slowly work on retaking some of those science classes perhaps even at a school that has a CRNA program you're considering applying too. I wouldnt rush taking the courses though and I would take them at a pace that would allow you to focus on getting A's.

Applying to CRNA school for myself was kind of like a long journey, there isnt a perfect set path to walk that is going to guarantee you admission into any one program. I personally felt that my application experience was extremely competitive. I had to deal with being let down, being denied, wait listed and eventually accepted to multiple programs. During all of my applications though I continued working on becoming a stronger, smarter and better educated ICU nurse. I seized every opportunity to learn more about anesthesia including listening to podcasts, shadowing, certifications, graduate level classes, and attending the local anesthesia conference specific to my state to network.

Retaking chemistry or microbiology to get a better grade is probably a pain in the *** and I get it, but you should honestly look at it as an opportunity to learn and better understand concepts that you hadnt fully mastered previously.

Guest957596 · Dec 25, 2019

Hey, Nurse! Look at the local hospitals and see if they have a New Grad or Nurse Residency Program. Some of our local hospitals have them with a few seats for ED or CCU/ICU. Good luck! Start with this, get experience and then look at CRNA.

PS- NCLEX is easy!

Alwayslearning258, BSN, RN · Dec 25, 2019

I was in the same boat as you. I knew I wanted this since high school but didn’t take things seriously enough at first. Graduated nursing with a 3.42. I’ll add a link to another post where you’ll see what I did and got in to my dream school!

Also took a grad level stats class and got a 4.0 which helped!