Do employers care about grades?

[goldenngrrl]

This may be a silly question, but I've been wondering: in applying for a Nursing job, do employers really care about what grades you got in college? I'm curious because in talking to many of the upperclassmen Nursing students here at my school, it seems that a good portion of them just passed their pre-reqs with the minimun required grade (for most it's a C or a C+) because our classes are so challenging.

Of course I don't want to make it seem like I just want to "get by" and still be able to get a job, but I sometimes worry that if an employer did look at my grades, I would have too many Cs, considering how challenging my classes are right now.

I guess it could be a factor if the position you're applying for competitive, but I'm not even sure if all employers look at your transcript?

[ohmeowzer RN, RN]

employers don't care about your grades. if you pass NCLEX and have RN or LPN after your name they hire you. you have to be able to pass boards, to get hired. grany you have to pass school to get your paper work to the BON , but then you take your NCLEX and when you pass you get hired. good luck in school.

[llg, PhD, RN]

As I think you suspect, the answer to your question varies. While many employers don't require a transcript, those new grads who can add evidence of high achievement in school can have an advantage in the hiring process. That might not make a difference if you are applying for jobs for which there are more openings than applicants. However, if you are applying for jobs that are very popular and for which there are lots of applicants for only a few positions ... those people whose resumes include high level of achievement have a little advantage.

I select students for a competitive summer extern program -- and we do require a transcript. Students with high GPA's have a slight advantage in the selection process, but it is only a slight advantage.

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

I select students for a competitive summer extern program -- and we do require a transcript. Students with high GPA's have a slight advantage in the selection process, but it is only a slight advantage.

Interesting. Where I am from C=RN. However, it absolutely helps to already be working on the floor you wish to work before you graduate because then you will have a HUGE advantage over other applicants (not just slight). So, students who are barely passing manage to get hired over those with good grades.

Those with good grades can make up for the fact that he/she does not have a full-time job at the local hospital by becoming an extern (which requires a particular GPA to get accepted). By externing on the floor of your choice, you have more of an advantage then those who do not extern or work as a full-time employee on the floor of your choice upon graduation. Outside of the local hospital, having contacts/friends gets you hired in competitive positions upon graduation.

The only places where you do not have to have the above going for you, are places that are having a hard time filling positions. They take anyone and everyone with a pulse and a license.

[FireStarterRN, BSN, RN]

I have never, never been asked about my grades. However, absorbing the material and getting good grades will prepare you for your nursing boards.

[DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN]

They don't care where you went to school or what grades you made. They are only interested in whether or not you passed NCLEX.

Once hired, whether or not you paid attention in school becomes evident.