Terrible Undergrad GPA

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Specializes in LPN school.

Ok, I messed around in undergrad, didn't try hard at all, then started working in CCU and loved it. Now I really would like to take a shot at an advanced degree (especially CRNA). Can you guys maybe give me some feedback on my chances?

-my undergrad GPA is 2.7 (3.3 nsg; BSN graduated '05)

-Graduate GPA is 4.0 (took stats and a couple physiology classes)

-2 years in CCU - just started doing charge

-Started working in PACU

-taking the CCRN, PALS, GRE certs this summer

-EMT-B, CNA work in the past.

-I grew up overseas, fluent in a couple languages (if that has any sway).

Thats the gist. I realize how competitive it is, and how slim my chances are. Any suggestions on improving them?

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Some programs put some weight on your science credits and some work off the last 60 hours. They usually give you some Ideas on their websites. I won't blow smoke, the competition is tuff outthere but not unachievable!! Good luck!!

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I think you still have a good shot. As long as you do well on your GRE's and pass the CCRN, you should be okay. I know that having my CCRN played a big part in my acceptance. Be honest and explain why your undergrad GPA was lower and that you've changed.

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Specializes in MICU & SICU.

Give it a go, some schools are just not stricly looking at numbers. Your experience, CCRN, and extras make up for other areas.

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How are your science grades? Anatomy, Physio, Micro, Chem, etc... If you have good science grades, a pretty good nursing GPA, and good GRE scores I think you'll be safe. My biggest concern is the quality of your experience. CCU is a very broad term and can mean a lot, but having seen CCU used in different hospitals, it generally means, AMI/Cath Lab patients. If this is the extent of your exposure, I would highly recommend getting into a high acuity cardiac surgery ICU, SICU, MICU..Some place where you will see vents, drips, volume resuscitations, etc...on a very regular basis. Getting this experience (assuming you already are not) will boost your chances in my opinion. Given the ever increasing competitiveness of the applicant pools, we all need everything we can get to have us stand out or at least on par with the other applicants.

Just my 2 cents....

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Specializes in LPN school.

Excellent advice!

I want to expand my experience however I was going to wait till after I take the GRE - studying for that is a full time job for me until mid-july (I want scores >1200).

Our CCU is reasonably complex.... A pulmonology group heads our unit, so we get all the ARDS/lung disorders, along with IABPs and Prisma.There's really nothing our unit does not handle, except traumas (unfortunately) and severe neuro stuff.

I feel pretty comfortable with a vent, IABP, swan, and a christmas tree of pressors and drips all going on a crashing pt, but I have no ICU trauma experience whatsoever.

I was going to start resource on another ICU so I could put it on the resume.

I float to CTCU and the ER.

I'm provisionally accepted into an FNP program, but I would much rather do anesthesia.

I couldn't care less about the money CRNAs make - I'm headed (career) to Africa once I graduate from grad school. Most likely Chad or Uganda. Desperate need for CRNAs overseas.

Thanks again for the replies, I really appreciate it.

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Excellent advice!

I want to expand my experience however I was going to wait till after I take the GRE - studying for that is a full time job for me until mid-july (I want scores >1200).

Our CCU is reasonably complex.... A pulmonology group heads our unit, so we get all the ARDS/lung disorders, along with IABPs and Prisma.There's really nothing our unit does not handle, except traumas (unfortunately) and severe neuro stuff.

I feel pretty comfortable with a vent, IABP, swan, and a christmas tree of pressors and drips all going on a crashing pt, but I have no ICU trauma experience whatsoever.

I was going to start resource on another ICU so I could put it on the resume.

I float to CTCU and the ER.

I'm provisionally accepted into an FNP program, but I would much rather do anesthesia.

I couldn't care less about the money CRNAs make - I'm headed (career) to Africa once I graduate from grad school. Most likely Chad or Uganda. Desperate need for CRNAs overseas.

Thanks again for the replies, I really appreciate it.

FYI - CRNAs are licensed/certified in U.S. Practice overseas would most liekly be impossible, unless it were with the military, or part of a humanitarian mission. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

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Specializes in LPN school.

There are several organizations that I know of that would take anyone comfortable with anesthesiology. Theres a terrible shortage of people willing to work career......

Yea, you're right it has to be through an organization

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