I'm a Level 2 (i.e., second-semester) nursing student right now at Santa Fe Community College in New Mexico. My GPA from Level 1 was a sold 3.0. This semester, I'm struggling with Adult Nursing/Med-Surg 1 exams. The material isn't difficult, just standard A&P and nursing assessments, but the tests are brutal. My GPA in the class at mid-term is below a 75, which is the passing mark for the course. More than half the class are failing and we were in the top 10% of the applicant pool grade-wise before we began the program. Damn.
My question to all of you is what kind of GPA should I be striving for in order to be competitive when I graduate from nursing college (2-year ADN/Associate's program culminating in an RN certification)? I would like to achieve a GPA that would help me remain competitive in applicant pools for jobs, and higher education like a bachelor's degree and eventually a master's. I know my current GPA right now is abysmal and I plan to work night and day to hike it up, but what is a decent, competitive GPA to have when finished a 2-year nursing program? (do not write 4.0 cause that ain't happening, although, due to the current **** economy, I wouldn't be surprised if that becomes the new standard).
I guess what I am saying is experience over GPA. GPA only means so much in a profession that is hands on(most of the time). While I learned a lot in RN school, nothing will replace the 15 years experience as a working nurse. GPA is not everything.
Totally agree..but I think hospials are going a bit far with checking a new grad's GPA. Come on...really...justsayin'
I guess what I am saying is experience over GPA. GPA only means so much in a profession that is hands on(most of the time). While I learned a lot in RN school, nothing will replace the 15 years experience as a working nurse. GPA is not everything.
It certainly can be "everything" for a new grad looking for their first job. When I graduated, I wanted to find some kind of internship program, and every single one to which I applied had a GPA requirement of at least 3.0; some were so competitive that at least a 3.5 was required. When I interviewed, my GPA was made an issue, fortunately in my favor. I got the critical care internship I wanted, and it would not have happened if I had not met the GPA requirement.
It certainly can be "everything" for a new grad looking for their first job. When I graduated, I wanted to find some kind of internship program, and every single one to which I applied had a GPA requirement of at least 3.0; some were so competitive that at least a 3.5 was required. When I interviewed, my GPA was made an issue, fortunately in my favor. I got the critical care internship I wanted, and it would not have happened if I had not met the GPA requirement.
Unfortunately, I think hospitals have become pickier with choosing who works at their facility because there are so many new grads to choose from. That will change again when the economy is better, more nurses begin to stay home and raise kids, retire, go back to school, etc. There will be a shortage agin which is always cyclical by nature. This won't always be the case...give it a couple of years....
It certainly can be "everything" for a new grad looking for their first job. When I graduated, I wanted to find some kind of internship program, and every single one to which I applied had a GPA requirement of at least 3.0; some were so competitive that at least a 3.5 was required. When I interviewed, my GPA was made an issue, fortunately in my favor. I got the critical care internship I wanted, and it would not have happened if I had not met the GPA requirement.
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OldNurseEducator
290 Posts
Totally agree..but I think hospials are going a bit far with checking a new grad's GPA. Come on...really...justsayin'