Switching ABSN Program to Increase Chances for CRNA

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I am currently in an ABSN program which I regret going to, as the program has been absolutely hell. Currently no one in my cohort is passing due to the lack of support and learning materials through my school. The drop out rate is around 75 and very few students make it through all the way. Overall, the program has many flaws that are hindering me and other students from achieving high grades and passing. 

My dream is to work in the ICU then go on to CRNA school. Talking to other students, it seems like the highest grade anyone gets is just passing which is a C. 

Is it worth it to switch to a different program that I know I can excel in ? I don’t want my GPA to drop as a result of attending a program that has poor student outcomes. Especially if the goal is CRNA and there are other programs where I can do better in. 

Any feedback is helpful. 

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Specializes in ICU.

I think it depends. For one, leaving a current program and seeking acceptance in another program may be difficult and probably doesn’t look the best on an application. What is the exact reasoning for the dropout rate and the difficult with earning higher grades? Is it the the difficulty of the classes and how the professors teach, or something else? 

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Specializes in CCRN-CMC, RRT-ACCS, RPFT.

Better question is how many courses have you already taken at this program? If you are just starting, and have an opportunity to go somewhere else, I would say do the switch. If you get all C’s, you won’t make it far enough into any application process to even explain your situation. 

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On 3/1/2021 at 10:15 AM, ExceptionRN said:

Better question is how many courses have you already taken at this program? If you are just starting, and have an opportunity to go somewhere else, I would say do the switch. If you get all C’s, you won’t make it far enough into any application process to even explain your situation. 

I am half way through the first semester. It just sucks because I wish I looked at the reviews online, especially because I was between this school and another. The program is hard because it is “self guided learning” meaning there are no lectures and they just expect you to read the book. Most people are doing poorly. 

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I would get out and find a better program. Because CRNA cannot ever happen if RN doesn't happen first. 

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Specializes in SICU.

Yes! Find a better program! It is your education, and even if better grades are not the goal, you should learn from an institution that will ultimately make you a better health care provider.

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Specializes in Pre-nursing hopeful.
On 2/28/2021 at 11:51 AM, Stefyxox said:

I am currently in an ABSN program which I regret going to, as the program has been absolutely hell. Currently no one in my cohort is passing due to the lack of support and learning materials through my school. The drop out rate is around 75 and very few students make it through all the way. Overall, the program has many flaws that are hindering me and other students from achieving high grades and passing. 

My dream is to work in the ICU then go on to CRNA school. Talking to other students, it seems like the highest grade anyone gets is just passing which is a C. 

Is it worth it to switch to a different program that I know I can excel in ? I don’t want my GPA to drop as a result of attending a program that has poor student outcomes. Especially if the goal is CRNA and there are other programs where I can do better in. 

Any feedback is helpful. 

Take my advice with a grain of salt as I have not even been accepted into a program yet. If it were me, I would cut my losses and try to get into a different program. I also want to be a CRNA, but if your grades are not competitive, it just adds extra stress down the line when you apply for CRNA school. My GPA from my BA is crap because of life circumstances, so I had to work extra hard on prereqs to even be looked at for nursing school. You'll face similar challenges with CRNA school if you can't bring your GPA up.

If your program doesn't have the best reputation, and you know you could do better elsewhere, and you have strong prereq grades, I would seriously consider going elsewhere. Otherwise you are throwing your money and time away. Additionally, admissions offices have a good idea of how different programs rank. You'll probably have the opportunity to talk about why your dropped out, and if your program is known for its overall poor performance, admissions offices should understand.

Side note: There is a nurse on Youtube (forget her name) who was failing in her program and she dropped out. She ended up reapplying to NYU nursing and was accepted. It is Youtube, so take that for what it is worth, but it is possible.

Good luck! I hope things work out no matter what you choose to do!

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