what does c=rn mean?

Nurse Ratched, RN · Aug 15, 2004

LOL - that brings back memories.

That refers to the notion that one must get a minimum of a C grade in classes to get credit for the class in the nursing program and ultimately be able to graduate and take the nclex.

Ali_Oop07 · Aug 15, 2004

It means nursing school is HARD!

All of my classmates are former straight A students, untill nursing classes. C=RN is the mentality switch from trying to get a 4.0 to just passing/graduating!

Ali :balloons:

zambezi, BSN, RN · Aug 15, 2004

I am new to this and I am researching everything I can get my hands on to make an informed choice for my future, and want to know what c=rn means, in detail please! Thanks!

C=RN is not the way to get into anesthesia school, IMHO :) (if that is your goal...which I assume it is something that you are aspiring to since you are posting this the the CRNA forum...)

Both Nurse Ratched has the definition right...a C grade can equal passing a class, which leads to graduating (but it doesn't help you on the NCLEX or for post graduate school)

My personal feeling...no flames please, is that this is a total cop-out for not working hard. If you are working hard and still get a C, or have an issue at home or whatever that gets in the way of school work, so is life...at least you tried...but doing the minimum just to be lazy and pass and then stating that C=RN doesn't help you or your patient's (not that you, the OP, has this mind-set--I realize that you are just asking question...)

Can you tell the mind-set of the majority of those that use this phrase kind of bugs me? Nursing school is hard, a C grade certainly is not the end of the world...I guess it is just that mentality that irks me...here I am rambling again after a long shift...

Good luck in your decisions...I think that nursing is a great profession...

Nurse Ratched, RN · Aug 15, 2004

My personal feeling...no flames please, is that this is a total cop-out for not working hard. If you are working hard and still get a C, or have an issue at home or whatever that gets in the way of school work, so is life...at least you tried...but doing the minimum just to be lazy and pass and then stating that C=RN doesn't help you or your patient's (not that you, the OP, has this mind-set--I realize that you are just asking question...)

No flames coming from this direction, zambezi. :) I remember my classmates using the expression mostly in reference to classes they were obliged to take that had no bearing on whatever their hoped-for future specialty was. I loved gerontology, but heard a lot of "C=RN" in that class.

I certainly agree one shouldn't try and "just squeak by."

OriginalWmn · Aug 15, 2004

The C=RN adage doesn't always work. The program I was in if you got a C you were put on probation,and if you then got a second C you were out of the program!

hock1 · Aug 15, 2004

C=RN means a grade of 'C' leads to the RN degree. My total grade point average ended with a 3.20 out of 4.0. I passed the NCLEX with 75 questions in one hour. Soooo, a perfect 4.0 isn't everything. In my area a 3.0 is needed to enter graduate programs. I plan to get my MSN with a teaching cert. I've been told by my friend's aunt who is a RN, Phd not to worry. My grade point average is fine, and that the few below 'A' grades won't hurt me a bit...but... to expect the program to be very challenging. Good luck!

Tweety, BSN, RN · Aug 15, 2004

I killed myself to make straight As in nursing school. My GPA was 3.8. It means nothing, I could have done what I'm doing now with a 2.0. I've never once had to put my GPA on an application for a job. LOL

Seriously, one should always strive to do her/his best and let the grades be what they may be. Sometimes my best is an A and sometimes it isn't. No one should strive to make C's either. Be the best you can be at that particular moment in time. (Although I'm still pizzed I missed an A by one point in my PCU nursing course I look a few semesters ago. LOL)

I must say that grades are important in the competitive world of advanced acedemia esp. CRNA school.

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Aug 15, 2004

I worked like a dog in nursing school (traditional, go to class, see your instructors face to face school) and got low B's. I was used to A's. In things like organic chemistry.

There appeared to be a slightly less tight correlation between knowledge, sklls and grades in nursing school.

Thus, for me, C=RN was just a comfort. The world wasn't going to come to an end if I didn't get A's.

Later, when I finished up in a nontrad program, I still worked like a dog, but the correlation between knowledge, skills and grade was a lot tighter--and I made A's.

C=RN puts me in mind of that old saw, "what do they call the guy who graduates at the bottom of his med school class? Doctor."

It's not about slacking off, or not trying, or even about being bright or not so bright. It is about the reality of school versus the world. You will be an RN with your straight A's or your C's, so long as you pass the NCLEX.

Ali_Oop07 · Aug 15, 2004

C=RN puts me in mind of that old saw, "what do they call the guy who graduates at the bottom of his med school class? Doctor."
EXACTLY! And I bet he still studied his a$$ off!

suzy253, RN · Aug 16, 2004

Absolutely!!! I've gotten a C in a couple of classes and studied my behind off. I'm not lazy...I'm not a slacker either!

A good friend of mine consistently gets C's and he is far from lazy. He is also absolutely wonderful on clinicals.

kat911 · Aug 16, 2004

Absolutely!!! I've gotten a C in a couple of classes and studied my behind off. I'm not lazy...I'm not a slacker either!
A good friend of mine consistently gets C's and he is far from lazy. He is also absolutely wonderful on clinicals.

It's not the grade you make it's the ability to take the information and translate it into patient care. There are a lot of "educated idiots" out there doing horrible things to patients. RN's, MD's, etc, with 4.0 GPA's and Magna cum whatevers who I wouldn't let treat the dead armadillo in my yard. Some people learn better through cllinical, some people are poor test takers. I was a good test taker and made B's by reading my notes before a test. I prefer to understand a subject, not just memorize stuff.