How important is GPA while in Nursing school?

ZionsWrath · Mar 23, 2010

It doesn't matter. You can get all A's and one C and that is failing. I just focus on getting a passing grade for each exam, that way it is impossible to fail.

If you get 100 and the guy next to you has a 77 you are still both RNs, I don't see the point of stressing for 4.0...

pharmgirl · Mar 23, 2010

The only instance where GPA would be important would be if you were going on into a specialty like Nurse Practitioner or Anesthesia. Those programs would prolly look at your transcripts. Other than that, a C=RN, a B= RN and an A=RN. Good luck!!

UnicornRN · Mar 23, 2010

They don't put your GPA on your diploma.

Finally my Time · Mar 23, 2010

GPA only matters if you are getting merit based financial aid. Otherwise, what everyone else says is true.

Chewie_123 · Mar 23, 2010

As they say... C=RN.

4.0s are great, but not worth killing yourself for. The grading scale in nursing school is so skewed anyway, any passing grade is a good one!

LETRN · Mar 24, 2010

You know, I used to think that it didn't matter throughout school, and it doesn't to an extent. But the hospitals where I have applied for jobs require an unofficial transcript to accompany all applications, and I have heard through the grapevine that they do use GPA to weed through the hundreds of apps that they receive. Who knows if it's true, but I do know that nurse managers are using various methods to choose applicants to interview because they cannot possibly interview everyone...and they have your grades and GPA in front of them. Just my :twocents:

llg, PhD, RN · Mar 24, 2010

People like to think that grades don't matter and say the old "C=RN" justification. But that's just a rationalization made by people who don't get good grades.

The truth is that sometimes they count a lot. Sometimes they count a little. Sometimes, they don't count. It all depends on the particulars of your situation and your desired career path. The most selective programs (schools, jobs, etc.) will consider your grades as part of your application -- if there is competition for the spots available. So, if you want to go back to school or if you want a job that a lot of other people want, then understand that your grades will be considered. If you will be content to take the jobs that other people don't want for the rest of your career, then I guess your grades won't matter much. For most people, reality lies somewhere in between the 2 extremes.

This afternoon, I will be chairing the selection committee to choose the students for our summer extern program. The lucky ones chosen will have a good summer nursing extern job that combines clinical and classroom activities. It will set them up to get the best jobs as new grads in 2011. As usual, we had over 50 applicants for our 8 available positions. We will not seriously consider anyone with an oveall GPA of less than 3.2 -- and most will probably have GPA's over 3.5.

The situation is similar for our new grad internships. We are a popular place to work and can be "picky" about those we hire. So, grades become one part of the application package -- but not the whole package.

We don't require 4.0's. But we want to see applicants with a consistent record of at least B's plus at least a few A's and/or other evidence of excellence in something. We can understand a C or 2 ... but don't want to see C's as a consistent pattern. Having worked in several good hospitals over the years, I think my current employer is pretty typical of "upper tier" hospitals.

allnurses Guide · Mar 24, 2010

GPA matters when what you want to do matters. Don't let yourself slack...a B performance outside of nursing school produces a C average in nursing school. Live with the stress for a short amount of time and reap the benefits when you graduate. The economy is tight and new grad jobs are hard to get now, unlike a few years ago. This requires an adjustment in the thinking that any RN is desirable. There's competition and the only way to weed through new grads is by their grades. Work hard. You will never regret it. You may, however, regret it if you don't.

kgh31386, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 24, 2010

I agree with "llg", those who don't make good grades try to justify it with that whole "C=RN" stuff. And who says that a B outside of nursing school is a C in nursing school? Some people have done better in nursing school, or done the same as they did before nursing school. It's true that a lot of managers are looking to GPA when considering hiring someone now. And if you want any real chance of getting an externship, they all require a transcript from your school. GPA...is important. Like I've asked before, why aim for the bare minimum?

NURD · Mar 25, 2010

The others have made good points, keep in mind it may not matter for all people in all cases. It will matter if you also want to further go into advanced degree MSN, Anest. Surg. NP or other advanced training. And again being chosen or partially compensated or scholarships to do so would then matter. Also what would the patient want or deserve? What would you want if you were the patient or your loved one, unconscience in the ER, ICU or recovery? Someone who could get As and Bs but didn't want to push themselves harder settling for mostly Cs or the one who pushed themselves to get mostly As. While it sounds like you are doing well and I think I know what you are inferring, and I would agree don't kill yourself getting all As, you should try your best to adequately work hard to do your reasonable best. If you are getting sick over it or other important things in your life are gravely suffering for it, than thats not good for yourself, others and clinical patients, then you need to make adjustments. Sometimes that solid B may be not much different. Because the material retention of an A and a Bplus student is not going to matter 6 months after the class is over. But be cautious not to slide into the habit ( it's easy to get used to lowering the bar for some, or the next thing you might let it keep slipping downward, and later regret it. We can't do it all. In the end you have to decide whats your priority order and what your reasonable best is and live with your choice.

NURD · Mar 26, 2010

sorry thought previous sent post it did not go through