What is weighed more heavily?

Nursing Students SRNA

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I have just graduated with a B.S. in biology and want to go to nursing school and become a crna. I was wondering if the crna schools weigh the bsn gpa more heavily than my B.S. gpa. I have taken both gen chems, both organics, both physics, and some other biology courses such as anat/phys I and II, histology, immunology, and medical terminology. my gpa was 3.2. i know that this is probabaly borderline. If I get into nursing school and pull off a 3.5 or above would this be a better way of showing the crna schools that i could handle there workload? Also, there are some accelerated bsn programs that i have been checking out. Would it be impossible to make a 3.5 or above in the accelerated program or would going through a traditional BSN program be the better choice (I know both will be extremely challenging). kinda confused on which route to go with. any comments would be greatly appreciated. thanks!

can you elaborate on this a little more. sounds like a sweet route

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Can I thow a question in to this curve? Have you actually been in an operating room before or even shadowed a CRNA? I would suggest that you do this before even considering anything else.

Many pick that area because they think that it looks cool and the salaries are higher than most other areas, but the timeframe to get to there, as well as the stress and additional schooling are just not for everyone. And if you are worried about getting thrown up on, or any of the other gross things, they go along with the job as well. It is not an escape from bedside nursing entirely. Just want you to be aware of that. I haven't seen this addressed in any of your posts, only getting into a program.

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Can I thow a question in to this curve? Have you actually been in an operating room before or even shadowed a CRNA? I would suggest that you do this before even considering anything else.

Many pick that area because they think that it looks cool and the salaries are higher than most other areas, but the timeframe to get to there, as well as the stress and additional schooling are just not for everyone. And if you are worried about getting thrown up on, or any of the other gross things, they go along with the job as well. It is not an escape from bedside nursing entirely. Just want you to be aware of that. I haven't seen this addressed in any of your posts, only getting into a program.

Good point

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It's been my experience in talking with peers who have gone through the accelerated programs that higher GPA's say above 3.2 are rare. You would probably have a better chance of maximizing your GPA with a traditional program. On the other hand you will save time with the accelerated program so you might be in a position to have more critical care experience at the time of application. The other posters make a good point that anesthesia is not a total escape from bedside. However, compared to actual bedside nursing (especially non critical care) it might as well be. No matter how you slice it fifty dollars per hour or more beats $25.00 per hour nine times out of ten.

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Specializes in RN Psychiatry.

sorry I am a little new to nurses so excuse me if I am naive, but 50 per hour for what position or types of positions?

It's been my experience in talking with peers who have gone through the accelerated programs that higher GPA's say above 3.2 are rare. You would probably have a better chance of maximizing your GPA with a traditional program. On the other hand you will save time with the accelerated program so you might be in a position to have more critical care experience at the time of application. The other posters make a good point that anesthesia is not a total escape from bedside. However, compared to actual bedside nursing (especially non critical care) it might as well be. No matter how you slice it fifty dollars per hour or more beats $25.00 per hour nine times out of ten.
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sorry I am a little new to nurses so excuse me if I am naive, but 50 per hour for what position or types of positions?

I am referring to the fact that the average pay for bedside nurses is probably somewhere around $25.00 per hour give or take $5.00/hr depending upon where you are in the country, shift that you work et. At the same time the average pay for nurse anesthesists is probably somewhere around $50.00 per hour ( my sister is a CRNA in Texas with about five years experience and earns $130.00 per hour so it can be much higher than $50.00). My point is that nine times out of ten most people would prefer a job that pays $50.00 rather than $25.00. However, there is that tenth time so you should definitely shadow CRNA's and do your homework.

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Yo, Gunslinger! I'm not sure were you are getting your info. but CRNA's are making alot more than $50 bucks an hour. I am a SRNA in the midwest and numerous friends of mine graduated this year and started out way higher!!!!! I also guarantee the average is higher..

I am referring to the fact that the average pay for bedside nurses is probably somewhere around $25.00 per hour give or take $5.00/hr depending upon where you are in the country, shift that you work et. At the same time the average pay for nurse anesthesists is probably somewhere around $50.00 per hour ( my sister is a CRNA in Texas with about five years experience and earns $130.00 per hour so it can be much higher than $50.00). My point is that nine times out of ten most people would prefer a job that pays $50.00 rather than $25.00. However, there is that tenth time so you should definitely shadow CRNA's and do your homework.
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I have just graduated with a B.S. in biology and want to go to nursing school and become a crna. I was wondering if the crna schools weigh the bsn gpa more heavily than my B.S. gpa. I have taken both gen chems, both organics, both physics, and some other biology courses such as anat/phys I and II, histology, immunology, and medical terminology. my gpa was 3.2. i know that this is probabaly borderline. If I get into nursing school and pull off a 3.5 or above would this be a better way of showing the crna schools that i could handle there workload? Also, there are some accelerated bsn programs that i have been checking out. Would it be impossible to make a 3.5 or above in the accelerated program or would going through a traditional BSN program be the better choice (I know both will be extremely challenging). kinda confused on which route to go with. any comments would be greatly appreciated. thanks!

troyb

I would totally recommend the accelerated root. As an accelerated BSN grad, I can honestly say that it is definitely possible to maintain a great GPA in an accelerated program. The mere fact that you already have a hardcore science degree will put you a leg up, if and when you apply to CRNA school. Adding a solid GPA from an accelerated program demonstrating that you can handle a heavy course load will be gravy. Get some great critical care experience and you will be golden should you decide to pursue anesthesia. I know of at least 4 people in my accelerated class, including myself, who have gone into Anesthesia.

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appreciate you :D

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It's been my experience in talking with peers who have gone through the accelerated programs that higher GPA's say above 3.2 are rare. You would probably have a better chance of maximizing your GPA with a traditional program. On the other hand you will save time with the accelerated program so you might be in a position to have more critical care experience at the time of application. The other posters make a good point that anesthesia is not a total escape from bedside. However, compared to actual bedside nursing (especially non critical care) it might as well be. No matter how you slice it fifty dollars per hour or more beats $25.00 per hour nine times out of ten.

there's a reason that crnas get paid what they do. they have the tremendous responsibility of keeping people sedated enough so that they won't feel pain, but keeping them from the edge if death at the same time. if you get offered $300 an hour, you better be able to tube anyone at anytime, regardless of obstacles, and know each med per kilo and their antidotes. plus how to manage their vents etc.

crnas earn every penny they make. they know their stuff and perform under VERY stressful situations. i hope those who are thinking about this route, before they even learn normal sinus rhythm, are truly ready to do the work involved, and do it well.

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Specializes in RN Psychiatry.

I'm actually going to be a psych CNS/NP ( my prog can get both certs) and that is my true passion, although also a rough one! I know they don't make as much as crnas, although sometimes I think they should.... !

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Specializes in ER/ICU/PACU/ Nurse Anesthetist.
You can do the accelerated program online say for example if I live in the birmingham area? can you elaborate more when you say doing clinicals with a preceptor?

The program I am referring to is for RN's and it's 3 semesters in length. The first 2 semesters are theory only and the final semester you do clinicals; for example you can go to your local health department and do your clinical hours there or ICU if you prefer-it's your choice,but it has to be approved by the college.

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