what is an okay GPA to put on your resume?

Nurses General Nursing

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just wondering if I should be putting a 3.3 gpa on my new grad resume. It's average, not great, not bad. do u think it will automatically look less appealing against other applicant with higher gpa?

Specializes in Cardiac/Tele/CVICU.

! I could care less about someones gpa when I'm interviewing. I have found over the years I'd rather have a good "gut" nurse then just a smart one with no common sense lol.

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Those two things are not necessarily exclusive of one another, though. I was an honor student and I believe... no, I know that I have plenty of common sense and "street smarts" as well.

Nothing personal to the OP, but I get tired of people saying that sort of thing just because one has a high GPA or was in an honors program, etc. A nurse can have both things.

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I put mine on because it's a 4.0, but I read that you shouldn't unless it's over 3.5. There's nothing wrong with a 3.3, but I wouldn't include it. It's not standard to include a GPA, so don't. If they want to know, they'll ask, and yours is very respectable, especially for nursing school.

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
I've been advised to list gpa/honors by several NMs. This does not require much space, LOL. If you did well you deserve any edge it might bring you in this competitive new grad job market, unless the facility your looking at isn't interested in continuing ed/advancement for it's nursing staff -- red flag. You gotta use a little street smarts! Those students who just did the minimum to skate by (we all know a few) usually will try to tell you not to list on your resume. Afterall, all of you will be giving resumes to the same facilities...it's easy to see why.

Are you able to point out which of your staff nurses had a 3.2 gpa vs a 3.9 gpa? And I don't agree at all that a nursing students gpa accurately predicts whether or not someone is going to be a slacker on the job. Nor does it reflect on willingness to learn. I've known lots of people who sweat bricks just to break a 3.0. I've also known people who can glance at the textbook the night before and get a stellar grade.

If the facility you are looking at doesn't ask you what your gpa was- I wouldn't then conclude that they don't care about continuing education or advancement. I can understand it if the New Grad program is almost an extension of school, but in a year it won't matter.

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Just like in any workplace, you need to do what they require. I seriously busted tail for my GPA, put off family and friends for it. I will use it if it is requested and helps me in any way. I don't have an arguement with anybody that has busted tail and still feels their GPA doesn't represent!!!!! There are many graduates in all professions going out into the world with the same issues to think about! I know from years of work that the only time GPA matters is right out of school, that first job -- or when you want to continue your edu. (been here before as this is my second degree).

I guess my feelings are that all medical facilities know, that no matter what all a new grad has in their portfolio, it isn't much (kinda like girlscout badges of honor, HA) as it has really no weight generally in relation to what an RN has to prove in the trenches. However in this competitive healthcare market, some facilities like to promote nursing staff that have advanced edu. over other facilities (FYI, I've participated in marketing such in my old career). The likelihood that you can pass the rigors of this kind of future expectation, does give you an edge.

Overall you just have to get your foot in the door. It doesn't matter if you think your GPA really shows how well you will turn out as an RN or not, as someone else has control over the hiring situation and your only course is to do what they require from you if you want to be considered. Dance that dance.

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Hello everyone,

Quick question.. Should GPA be included on resume for graduate school? (UCLA msn-ap) I have to upload my resume online, however already provided my jr/sr gpa on another section of the application. my gpa isn't very competitive.. So I am not sure if stating it will hinder my chances or will look suspicious if don't state it. Please Help!!!

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Specializes in OB/GYN, Med/Surg, Family Practice.

Hi rroo,

I would leave it out. As you said, it's not very competitive; but also, you are already giving them your GPA from your major nursing courses from your BSN.

In the working world, it's not recommended to put it in anymore anyways. There are always exceptions to that rule, but I don't think this is one. I don't think it will look at all suspicious to leave it out on your resume.

Hope that helps. Good luck!

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

A high GPA doesn't always mean you are the best candidate for the job. When I interview you, you have to sell yourself to me... why you are a good fit for my floor. I don't look at GPA's if someone lists it.

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Thank you for your advice LaeDeesNP, it definitely helped. I will leave it out then. It threw me off that an someone stated that it would be suspicious not to state it, which made me worried. I agree that it would be best to leave it out, especially because it is included in the online application. Thanks for the reassurance!

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