Originally Posted by willti1
I am applying to two different schools that are 1 1/2 hrs from my home. I'm sure my husband will not want to move closer to either school. I wanted to hear from those of you who commute. Do you do it every day? or do you stay near school during the week and go home on the weekend?
Was the commute time questioned during your interview?
I commute 1 1/2 hrs 1 way to school. I go 3-4 days per week, and although it's expensive, and sometimes tiring - it has not been too bad. I have and A & B in my nursing courses, and there were only 5 or so others who made a B out of 65 students, so I think I am doing well on grades. One thing you can do is tape your lectures and listen to them on the way. I use the time to think!!! I have 3 young boys, so don't get much time.
Next semester my clinicals will be 3 hours away. But not for the whole semester, but I knew when I signed up what was required. It was a big issue to me in the beginning about my traveling, so I sat down with the nursing director, and talked to her abou it. She encouraged me to wait a year in order to have "all" my pre-req's completed, so it wouldn't be as many days driving. my 1st 2 semesters were: Class M & F, Clinicals Monday night (after class) & Wednesday morning, so I was usually off Tues & Thurs. This gave me time to do my paperwork and study. My big thing was I did not want any surprises, and I wanted to know what would be expected of me before I signed up. They actually had this clinical assignment set-up for those people who were commuting. There are many people who travel over an hour to my program, and we are all doing fine. Its all about your determination and dedication. If you want to become an RN, a commute will not stand in your way. It may not be the ideal situation, but you can do ANYTHING for 2 years!!
Good luck! I have not regretted my decision.
Paula