C's In Nursing School

[redraider1977]

I got a C in one of my first semester classes due to one freakin test. How are C's seen out there by hiring managers and such. Thank you.

[silverbat]

IMO... I would rather work with or have as my nurse, a steady solid C student who KNOWS what she is doing with patient care and can use her brain on the run, rather thatn an A student with no common sense. Unfortunately I have worked with or had as my nurse, several of the "book smart, floor stupid nurses".

and before I upset someone, NO, I don't think think all "A" nurse are floor stupid. (I am an A student, and am certainly NOT floor stupid).

[redraider1977]

I have found talking to nurses that in this economy, medical experience(PCT), is held higher than grades. Is this true?

[iteachob, MSN, RN]

Truly.....I can't understand why an employer would care what your GPA is. GPA tells what kind of student you are, not what kind of nurse you'll be.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

OP, looks like the rest of your grades are good. I have included my transcript in my portfolio to produce if asked. I have been asked/advised. So have my classmates. The market is so tight now, that it is of consideration. Gone are the days where anyone will do. There is no desperation to hire nurses right now. New grads have very little to provide to show that they are a good risk for the hospital to take on. Good grades help show that you are willing to do what is necessary, and have potential to take on what is required of you above the basic level.

If your transcript can give you a few more "points" over another applicant where all else seems equal, then you need to have them at hand. Teachers are not in the job market as new grads. I think you already have a hint at how out of touch nursing school is from the real world.

Best to do your best, and be ready for anything asked of you.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Oh, and regarding your tech experience, it may or may not have any bearing. Most who were techs in my area did not get hired. It's just the economy. And, I was told teching is not such the learning experience it used to be. So it does not carry the weight it used to in the past for many hiring managers.

[Orca, ADN, ASN, RN]

I have never been asked for a transcript or a GPA report in 15 years of nursing.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

But Orca, you are 15 years forward from being a new grad...

[vivacious1healer]

When I graduated 8 years ago, all the nursing students had to put together a portfolio, that did include our GPA. I included letters of recommendation from instructors, employers, a notification of the scholarship I won, and even those care plans (that took forever to complete).

Now, how many employers asked to view my portfolio? None. I had to insist they look at it, since I was so proud of my accomplishments.

In this economy, I would not at all be surprised that employers will ask for your transcripts. Also, I believe that being a PCT/CNA can only benefit you for experience, and perhaps give you a foot in the door for internal hiring for RN position.

[delilas]

My school recently met with the ceo's of a largest hospital corporation here; they said directly they are not looking for the best grades and best resumes, but the attitude, polish, and professionalism. Naturally, you need to pass your courses, but I wouldn't let one C worry you so.

[K os]

My school does not view C grades as passing, let alone continuing.

[dudette10, MSN, RN]

Don't mean to hijack the OP's thread, but I'm a bit worried about my prospects, too. I've been working hard in school, and my grades are very good. I'm currently exploring some student leadership positions to add to my resume for nursing.

I wish I had a CNA license, but, quite frankly, I'm not sure if I would want to spend even more time mentally and/or physically away from my family at this time to gain that experience that seems so coveted.

I do have nine years in the corporate world, with two former managers who are willing to write good recommendations. I've been a SAHM for seven years. In my former career, I was a project manager with quantifiable results that I've used on business-type resumes.

Would my previous corporate work experience have any weight to at least pull my resume to the top of the pile?

[EmmyBee]

My school does not view C grades as passing, let alone continuing.

Well yeah, we can't continue if we don't pass either. LOL But my school counts 73% as passing, which is a C. They like to tell us it stands for "continue", because many of us were A and B students prior to being in the program. And naturally we were upset when we received our first C. So they say that to try and keep us from becoming discouraged.

I must admit that at first I was bothered when I received a C. But now that we've lost about 85% of our class since last May, and still have two semesters to go, I'll gladly take that, over failing.