Discouraged BSN student

[Nurseanac]

Hi everyone! I just wanted to share my story of frustration and ask for any advice about what I should do.

I am currently enrolled in a 4 year BSN program. In 2 weeks, I will start my first semester of my last year. So basically I'm a senior. I'd say I've done okay but I am definitely not an excellent student. I've done well in some classes but I am really not proud of the marks I've gotten in my main nursing (not prerequisite)classes like labor and delivery, psychiatric, medical-surgical clinicals. I have earned passing marks... just C's... Just enough to get by. I have felt this way for a while and I've done my best to improve it but I haven't improved much. I've brought my nursing care class grades from a C+ to a B-. I'm going to try my best in my last year but it seems like this is all I am. An C student. I've dreamed of working in the ICU after passing NCLEX and going on to graduate school but now I feel like maybe nursing is not for me but its way too late to start over. Instead of looking forward to the future ahead of me, I just look back at the mistakes I've made and dwell on them. Has anyone else felt this way?

[nalie2, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN, NP]

Don't be so hard on yourself. Your GPA won't matter much unless you want to get into a new grad residency program and for your MSN well, how has your cumulative GPA been? I've seen most school require a 3.0 and trust me, you aren't the only nursing student struggling to keep up their GPAs. They don't look at just nursing grades.

I am a recent new grad and I've been on about 6 interviews and not once have they asked for my GPA. I have been offered a job in Med-Surg, SNF, ICU, clinics and ER. My experience is minimal compared to the other experienced nurses but it seems like they have also agreed GPAs are not much of a concern. Just focus on doing well in school, grasping the content, applying it in clinicals and getting your license. Your license is the most important thing, not your GPA. Good luck to you!

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

What makes you think ICU is concerned with your GPA? In my experience, they are not.

If she is interested in applying for a competitive ICU nurse residency program, they might care very much about GPA.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

I have been a nurse for over 4 decades and had a LOT of jobs. Never once have I been asked about my GPA. And I have worked NICU, PICU and adult ICU/ CCU. Specialty area hiring of new grads is totally site specific- some do and some don't. You have a better chance if your capstone is on a specialty area- but even that doesn't factor at some places. Networking is critical.

You got this- C's get degrees!

GPA is only usually an issue with the first job. When I applied to a new grad ICU residency program, GPA was very important. It was so competitive that a 3.8 was pretty much required.

Not all new grad programs are as competitive, but some most certainly are.

That said, the OP can't go backwards, and focusing on things that cannot be changed is a waste of emotional energy. She can certainly achieve her long term goals.

[Islandgrrl, ADN, BSN, MSN]

Ever hear the saying "Cs get degrees?" If you graduate and pass NCLEX, guess what? You're a nurse!

I have never been asked about my GPA in an interview and it's not on my reume'. Don't let your GPA hold you back from achieving your goals!