Did they ask for your GPA, yes or no?

[Bunsbuns]

So I am in my last semester of nursing school when we are supposed to be hustling and bustling to submit our applications all over the place. Long story short, my GPA sucks :/ I work so much, and I always volunteer so I can promise I am a competent person and I love working with people during my clinicals. My grades just don't show it unfortunately. So to my nurses out there, and to my fellow students who have already applied places:

Did the place A. Ask for your GPA, and B. What specialty did you apply to?

[RNNPICU, BSN, RN]

No. Just my nursing license. I applied to a new grad residency program too. No GPA. SInce then, for other jobs,GPA has not even been mentioned

[AJJKRN]

I think it's a trend just like the " BSN preferred". As a new grad, I think it is a real thing being either facility specific or manager specific (not so much specialty dependent). Even in the middle of Illinois, a new grad's gpa needs to have at least a 3.0 at my work to be considered for our residency. A nurse with experience and a pulse however...but we don't have a shortage of new grads either.

[Crush]

I have had to hand in official school transcripts, which is basically the same thing cause they do see your grades on the transcripts. However, you can counter the lower GPA with letters of reference, especially from your clinical teachers saying you did well during clinicals and showed good critical thinking skills. Maybe 2 character references from places you volunteer at and 1-2 references from people who know you. In addition have 2-3 people you have worked with in the past available to vouch for your work ethic.

[umbdude, MSN, APRN]

Sort of. I applied to psych RN positions and GPA never came up during the conversation. But most online applications asked for GPA.

[AdobeRN]

Never was asked for grades or transcripts when I was hired at a hospital. After I was hired on with the school district as a school nurse I was asked to provide my transcripts - I don't think it had anything to do with GPA checks but more to make sure I had a college degree.

[brandy1017, ASN, RN]

No but several years ago they wanted everyone's transcripts, some technicality, don't remember what the reason was. Seemed stupid and a waste of a few bucks to boot!

Focus your resume around your work and volunteer activities rather than GPA.

[Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP]

I've never been asked for my GPA, but I have included it in my resume as it was high. I wouldn't put it in your resume if it's less than a 3.5. The only time it really mattered was when I applied for grad school. There were 95 applicants for 15 places and so my GPA was what got me accepted. It's nice to have but unless you're planning on going to grad school it might not matter.

[quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN]

Never been asked. Different types of jobs. They want your licensure.

[verene, MSN]

No, but I did have to provide a copy of my transcript as part of my on-boarding process (less for gpa and more for confirmation of program/degree) that being said many of the new grad residency programs in my region have a minimum gpa requirement and will check transcripts as part of the application process.

[Neats, BSN]

I have hired over more than likely 300 nurses in my career and I have never once asked what their GPA was. I did ask if they have a license and to prove they do. Same goes for ancillary staff or for that matter Doctors and Dentists. I want the certificate or whatever type of paperwork that comes with that position.

I do not care what your GPA is because once you pass the NCLEX you are a nurse.

When I went back to get my Masters I then had to show my GPA. Mine are well above 3.0, some universities will not take you unless your GPA is over 3.0 this not only includes nursing but other STEM degrees like engineering, physics...

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

No but several years ago they wanted everyone's transcripts, some technicality, don't remember what the reason was. Seemed stupid and a waste of a few bucks to boot!

Focus your resume around your work and volunteer activities rather than GPA.

I had to turn mine in for some POC lab certification...apparently the nursing license I have isn't good enough--the state needs to see my college transcript to prove that I am competent enough to do a finger stick glucose. This was well I after I had a job. Pretty sure no one looked at my GPA.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

Do not listen to the people who say GPA does not matter or to those who insist it does.

The answer is "it depends."

For many competitive nurse residency programs, you bet your life it matters. For many other jobs, it is never a consideration.

It will depend on the specific facility to which you are applying, the educational philosophy of those hiring, the job market in your area, the type of unit or program, etc.

For most competitive graduate programs, your GPA will definitely matter, as will your GRE.