Grades for New Grad Programs

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Hi everyone!

So I start my ADN program at GTCC this Fall. I figured I'd get ahead of my BSN while I waited for August to roll around and take Microbiology. It killed me and I'm going to fail. I'm devastated. I'd like to provide a big long sob story as to why I messed up so badly, but honestly my head just wasn't in it. (Better that happens now right?) Now I'm kicking myself because Im not sure I have time to retake it while in the ADN program (it's not required for my ADN) and it will crush my GPA if I don't. My questions for all of you pertain to new grad programs at the hospitals.

1) Is this one bad grade going to ruin my life as a new grad nurse in the job market?

2) Should I retake or wait until my RN-BSN program? (UNCW online says the F is no big deal for them)

3) Is it really as competitive as everyone says for new grad academies?

4) I'm working as a CNA now and volunteering in the ED. Should I try for my phlebotomy and EKG certs? Will this make a difference getting hired as a nurse later? How would you suggest I make myself more marketable starting now?

5) Do ADNs even get hired at hospitals anymore?

I know that's a lot of questions and truly appreciate any insight. Thanks so much!

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First things first, welcome to GTCC. I'm almost done with my first semester, so I will be a cohort ahead of you. I'm going to try to answer my questions to the best of my abilities. From my understanding, new grad programs really do prefer BSNs and yes, grades to come into consideration. It really depends on what hospital you work for. All have different requirements. Personally, I would try to get rid of the F on your transcript and try again. You may be able to squeeze Micro in time wise in NUR 111. Multiple students in my cohort took other classes including chemistry and Physiology. I am also looking into UNCW's RN to BSN. Regardless of what they may say, its is a competitive program, and I would put my best foot forward seeing as if I believe Micro is one of their pre reqs. In terms of getting hired as a ADN, multiple hospitals in the area hire ADNs. Pretty much everyone in the graduating cohort this semester got hired by High Point Regional. In fact, that hospital really likes to hire students from the program. Cone also hires ADNs, but they do prefer BSNs. I'm not going to lie, its pretty much who you know type thing. When you are in clinicals, make sure to stand out in the right way and that will put you on their radar. Good luck with the program. You are going to have Ms. Gingles your first semester and she is an absolute rock star of a professor. She really does care about the students. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

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I really appreciate the feedback! Very good advice. Thank you so much. And congratulations on the completion of your first semester and good luck in the ones ahead.

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

they didn't look at grades when I got hired. I was a nurse for 10 months, you are considered a new grad for 12 months. At 10 months, I got a new grad Nurse Residency position. All they care about is whether you are an RN or now. If UNCW doesn't care that you have an F, don't sweat it. I got my RN-BSN there and loved them. Any way you can not complete the course and get an "I" or a WF? sometimes they carry less weight than a straight F. If you take it again and do great, it won't matter.

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I needed to hear this tonight. I think I am just spazzing over something I can fix. I'm sure everyone has bumps in the road. The advisors from UNCW were not concerned with the F as long as I keep a 2.5. Which is no issue. I am normally an A/B student. Thanks so much for your reply. I definitely appreciate it.

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