LOW GPA, chances of getting a job

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Hi everyone,

I've been lurking the forum for a while and something I've noticed is most people who are getting jobs have 3.5+ GPAs. This is understandable, but is there any hope for those of us who have a 3.0, or even lower??

I'm just curious because I am getting discouraged from applying to certain hospitals (i.e. ucla, ucsd, stanford, etc) for the sheer reason my GPA is only a 3.0...

If anyone has any advice, or knows anyone who has obtained an entry level position with a low gpa, I'd love to hear about it! I just need a little encouragement :)

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Specializes in Cardiothoracic ICU.

I would apply at places that dont attract the high levels of new grads like those you listed. Those facilities often look through hundreds of resumes and have no choice but to select those with high gpa's. If you try other places without big new grad programs you might have better luck.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Unless a job listing specifically posts a required minimum GPA, I'd apply to anything and everything that you can. No, you can't change your GPA at this point without going back to school. Yes, employers often use GPA to screen out applicants and/or narrow the field for the final decision.

But high GPAs don't guarantee job offers...nor do low GPAs automatically shut you out. Point being: you won't know if you'll get the job unless you apply!

In the meantime, try to build up your resume and application in other ways (get certifications, volunteer somewhere, take some courses, etc.).

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I would apply everywhere,however just keep in mind that places like UCLA, USC, CHLA, etc, all the programs that are getting the best applicants are looking at GPA. The rep from USC told me they don't consider people who have a GPA of less than 3.5. It's just an extremely rough job market now but don't be discouraged and if all else fails hit the pavement with your resume and best interview suit.

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thanks, I forgot I posted this, but I actually was offered a position, thanks for the encouragement!

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which hospital did you accept a position at

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Wow this is news to me! I am a pre-nurisng student and I didn't realize that some hospitals screen applications based on GPA. I know that may sound stupid, but I am new to the field and joined allnurses to find out informant about nursing and nursing school, jobs ect! I guess I should have known because those hospitals are and educational establishments.

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Wow this is news to me! I am a pre-nurisng student and I didn't realize that some hospitals screen applications based on GPA. I know that may sound stupid, but I am new to the field and joined allnurses to find out informant about nursing and nursing school, jobs ect! I guess I should have known because those hospitals are and educational establishments.

Hey, I didn't know this either until I started applying to jobs after graduating.

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Specializes in Emergency.

I never had anyone ask me for my GPA when applying or interviewing for jobs, no one even asked for transcripts. I was hired no problems. I do have a high GPA from school above a 3.5, but no one asked for it- so I don't think that played a part in the fact that I received employment.

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How would having to retake one nursing class look in the job search for new grad programs. All the other grades I got in nursing were A+/A/A- and B+... Im freaking out.

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I never had anyone ask me for my GPA when applying or interviewing for jobs, no one even asked for transcripts. I was hired no problems. I do have a high GPA from school above a 3.5, but no one asked for it- so I don't think that played a part in the fact that I received employment.

If you don't mind me asking, what school did you get your nursing degree at?

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Specializes in Hematology/Oncology.

Honestly, it seems like some of the best hospitals could care less what GPA you have.

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