Do Grades Matter? What Kind of Grades Did You Get?

slice12five · Nov 19, 2009

Help:

I am currently attending the University of Akron. Here is my issue. I spend countless hours studying, reading material, spending hours away from my family. All I can manage it get are 80's on my nursing tests. What should I do? I have tried everything I know to get better at taking these tests, but it seems hopeless. I keep hearing everyone say how important grades are, but I also worry I won't be able to pass the NCLEX. I am a very hands on person, so in clinical I really thrive, but when I comes to tests, I don't seem to do well. Any advice, because I don't know what else to do.

mammac5 · Nov 20, 2009

Is an 80 acceptable at your school? I ask because it seems that different schools have different grading methods and standards.

Look, if an 80 average is acceptable at your school and if you can keep your sanity and your family going at that level...I think it's wonderful and you just keep doing as you are. It sounds like as you continue in your program, your grades may be higher as more things are built around clinicals (where you excel) and it all starts to integrate for you. The things you're actually "doing" may help your grades improve because that will be more meaningful for you as a hands-on learner.

Be encouraged...it's almost Thanksgiving Break!

slice12five · Nov 20, 2009

At the University of Akron, an 80 is a B or B-, I think. You have to have a 74% average in all assignments to pass. I appreciate your comments. I am trying to keep my sanity, but it seems as if I do everything I can, and yet can't seem to get over this 80% wall. As I stated before, I do well in an hands on environment, I have very good bedside manner and enjoy the pts I work with, so again. Thanks for the encouragement.

Happy Thanksgiving.

NoviceRN10 · Nov 20, 2009

I think in some situations grades do matter to future employers. Right now the job market sucks where I live, and if you want to try and get into some internship programs they are picking people with the best grades.

melmarie23, MSN, RN · Nov 21, 2009

Do they matter? Sure. They matter a ton to me. I am my own worst critic, so when I get anything less than an A in my courses, it totally brings my morale down (and I only have one grade that is less than that...an A-). I'm trying to be less critical of myself, relax some, and give up control, but its difficult. Going on to nursing school was a big deal in that I quit a good job (it paid well, but had no real room for advancement) and was a HUGE step for me and a sacrifice to make. In doing so, my husband has graciously accepted being the sole breadwinner in order to see me happy and do well. Not only do I want to do well for myself, but I want to do well for him, as a thank you.

and as others have pointed out, in this time where jobs are few and far between due to tough economic times, grades can be the one up on your competition. So all in all, yes, I do think that they are important.

guiltysins · Nov 21, 2009

Well first of all every school has a different requirement. My school's requirement is that every nursing course has to be passed with a C+ regardless of what your gpa is.

For me, I think it comes down to doing your best. If you put in all the effort you could and for some reason, you just couldn't do better then a B, then be proud in knowing it was a hard-earned B. If you know you could have done better, just try to do so next time. I definetely don't plan on aiming for anything lower than a B in any class, and I don't want my gpa to go under a 3.3 so I'm going to work my butt off. So if you feel you put all of your hard work into the class, then be proud of any grade you get, even if it is a barely passing grade.

diane227, LPN, RN · Nov 23, 2009

When I was in nursing school there was a major nursing shortage and no one cared what your GPA was. All anyone cared about was that you had a license. I was a medium grade student. I got A's in clinical all the time and C's and B's on tests. Passed the boards on the first test and that was it. I never cared what my GPA was as long as I was passing.

sazola · Nov 23, 2009

I used to worry about grades before I dropped out of school in 1996. Good thing I did well in my classes 13 years ago. I hope to get decent grades in nursing school as well. I'd like to do a residency at a highly competitive hospital where they definately look at grades. Ten years down the road I don't know where I'll be and I'd rather not have a bunch of bad grades haunting me.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Nov 23, 2009

I have a degree in another subject. In school, we were all told that no one really cares about grades- if they're awesome put them on your resume, if not, don't worry about it as there are more important things you'll be judged on (references, internships, interview).

Every place I applied after school (other than food service and retail) wanted to know my GPA. Everyone. This included receptionist jobs where my main responsibilities would be answering phones, typing and copying stuff.

So while I do believe that some employers don't care and won't ask, I don't really believe anyone who tells me that grades don't matter. Especially in a tight (in many areas) job market for new grads.

All the same, don't stress about not making all straight As. Do your best and take advantage of every tutoring resource your school has available if you feel you're not grasping important concepts.