GPA

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So I have applied at a few hospitals in south florida and all the new grad positions has requirements; such as GPA of 3.0.

I really think this is unfair. I think it should be individualized. Now, my GPA was not terrible 2.70. It was not a 3.0. So.. what will they not even look at my application.

What is your feel on this? What should I do?

I am awaiting for my ATT right now. Hopefully I should test at this month. Crossing my fingers.

Lisa

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Sounds like their way to winnow down the numbers of people applying. Unfortunately in today's economic/employment climate, this isn't surprising. :(

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I am surprised to hear that they are even asking, but I think LunahRN is right. I have TWO degrees, both baccalaureate, previous teaching experience, a 3.95 GPA, and I didn't even want healthcare benefits. When I tried to negotiate my salary, she simply said, "Unfortunately, it's an employer's market", which really is true. I was just happy to get a job.

They may be trying to weed out a number of applicants. Is it fair? No. Is it right? No. But it isn't illegal, or shocking, I guess. Sorry. :-(

Good luck, there's a job for you somewhere!

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

The hospital I am working at requires a 3.0 GPA minimum for consideration as well.

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Unfortunately, in an employers' market, they have the ability to be picky and two quick ways to weed through your applicant pool are grades and which school the applicant attended. With a job market as competitive as getting into nursing school, employers don't have the time to individually interview every applicant and they seem to have determined that GPA is a good initial read for whether an applicant will fit in.

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I definently understand that it is a way to dwindle down the numerous applicants. I still think it should be individualized because of circumstances. It's just sad that some people work there butts off and there good at what they do but don't get a chance to prove that. Some people are just good test takers and some are not. There's a difference between book smarts and clinical smarts as I think.

It's just sad because like I said I worked my butt off. I worked full time the two years I was in school, I worked 45-55 hours every week, i have a young child at home, I have a husband, I have home life duties and responsibilies, I even found time to volunteer for The American Cancer Society and just because I could not make a 3.0 for my GPA. I feel sorry for them! It's there loss! I am not saying I am the best but I darn for sure will work my @$$ off for whomever does hire me.

I am dedicated, I am a nurse, I have satisfaction in improving someones quality of life, to hug a person in need, to touch a hand gently for reassurance. To call them to wish them a happy birthday! There are people out there that forget why they became a nurse... I know why I am a nurse and I will never lose sight of that.

At this point I am venting I could say but I know what I am doing and just because a piece of paper says something else... just too bad for them!!

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Specializes in oncology.

Yeah the GPA minimum for application is pretty common now.. I know NYU had a 3.5 minimum, which was pretty harsh, but you can imagine how many apps they got regardless. It is tough to deal with though because I know there's so much variability between schools and individuals. Personally I got a business degree on top of my BSN in my 4 years of undergrad, so my GPA is a little lower than some of my peers (3.5). I'm afraid recruiters won't take that into consideration.

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Specializes in MSN, FNP-BC.

For the program at the hospital I work at, you have to have a 3.5 or higher to be considered and yes, it's a way of weeding people out.

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Specializes in Telemetry.

Wel..my GPA is pretty strong...3.86 and I still do not have a job...I really do not know what to say.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Well, my GPA during the nursing program was a 3.5 and I have applied to multiple hospitals in the metro area where I reside. Only one hospital called me back, and that interview did not go too well. None of the other hospitals have called me. Some recruiters even send generic emails that state that "Your qualifications do not match what we are seeking at this time..."

The only employment that I can currently find is in nursing homes and other LTCFs. I was an LVN for four years before I earned my RN license. While the nursing homes are paying me competitively, I returned to school for my RN degree so that I could actually open some doors to opportunities outside the nursing homes. I now know that patience is a virtue.

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Specializes in NICU.

I think 'outside circumstances' are pretty common nowadays. There are many more people that have children/families/jobs/obligations that take their attention while in school it seems. I was in that boat, young child to take care of and a husband 800 miles away. Unfortuanatly, the hospitals obviously aren't having problems finding applicants with super high GPA's, so this will be continuing. I'm relieved that I qualify to apply at al the new grad programs in my area since I have a 3.5, but like a previous poster stated, I'm really not sure that that is god enough anymore. Not when there are plenty of people with 4.0's to pick from. It sure hasn't gotten me any interviews with a new grad program.

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Specializes in Telemetry.

There is a hospital in Connecticut that sent for my transcript for the nurse residency program and I have not heard from them since, although my GPA is pretty good. So maybe GPA is not the focus at this point.

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