Not having a car during nursing school.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 2, 2015

I assume you live either in California or Texas due to your use of the title 'LVN,' since the other 48 states refer to basic nurses as 'LPNs.'

I've lived in both states. I'm a native southern Californian who has been living in Texas for the past 10 years. Unless you have a roommate with a car who is in the same nursing program as you, I do not see how you can make this work.

During LVN school some of my clinical shifts ended after the city buses stopped running for the night. Sometimes my clinical shifts began ridiculously early in the morning, before public transportation started their earliest runs.

You should be able to make it to your classes just fine if you depend on public transportation. However, your clinical rotations might be another story.

caliotter3 · May 2, 2015

You will receive no understanding if something happens that prevents you from making it to clinical, or class. That happens even when a person has a car. No excuses. Many schools in California will even publish warnings on their websites/info brochures to prospective students informing them that reliable transportation is the responsibility of the student. Forewarned is forearmed.

PrettyNerd, CNA, LPN, LVN · May 2, 2015

I understand that there are no excuses if I am late or whatever due to my lack of reliable transportation, and will receive no sympathy. I'm not asking for that, that's why I said I am nervous about this because as someone who doesn't have a car, I will have to work 100X harder. I still live with my parents but I [might] be moving in with my boyfriend before school starts. We've already talked about this and he is 100% supportive and will drive me if he needs to. I just want to hear from people who did it, to get some motivation as I am struggling financially and I won't have a car so this is scary.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 2, 2015

Here's an afterthought...

A nursing student can manage without a car in geographic areas where a significant percentage of the population does not drive (read: NYC, NJ, Philly, Boston, etc). These places tend to have 24-hour public transportation as part of the infrastructure.

On the other hand, survival without a car in CA or TX is limiting.

pixiestudent2 · May 2, 2015

It worked out fine for me. I just couldn't afford a car. But there are major cons, and almost no pros.

But also, I went to a hospital diploma school, so 90% of my clinical were in the hospital I went to school at.

-it takes me an hour to get to school instead of a 10-15 minute drive.

-you always have to catch an earlier bus to make sure you are not late.

-during one clinical day I had to ask a classmate for a ride, to get to a specialty rotation where there were no buses.

-it very tiring, waking up so early, and getting back so late.

-if I needed a quite place to study, it's a real hassle.

*I live in a city with great public transportation it's not 24/7 but it's okay, and if you don't, it's going to suck even more*

I'd honestly buy a car, if you can.

Why don't you qualify for aid? You shouldn't still be on your parents income and if you only make a bit above minimum wage you should qualify.

PrettyNerd, CNA, LPN, LVN · May 2, 2015

It worked out fine for me. I just couldn't afford a car. But there are major cons, and almost no pros.
But also, I went to a hospital diploma school, so 90% of my clinical were in the hospital I went to school at.
-it takes me an hour to get to school instead of a 10-15 minute drive.
-you always have to catch an earlier bus to make sure you are not late.
-during one clinical day I had to ask a classmate for a ride, to get to a specialty rotation where there were no buses.
-it very tiring, waking up so early, and getting back so late.
-if I needed a quite place to study, it's a real hassle.
*I live in a city with great public transportation it's not 24/7 but it's okay, and if you don't, it's going to suck even more*
I'd honestly buy a car, if you can.
Why don't you qualify for aid? You shouldn't still be on your parents income and if you only make a bit above minimum wage you should qualify.

I realize I have to catch an earlier bus, I will even walk to school if I have to (1hour 10min walk, done it before). I can't afford a car because as I said, I wont have the money anymore and for other reasons. I have been disqualified from financial aid because I've taken more than the amount of units needed to qualify for financial aid at this CC. I still applied anyway, and the lady said I might have other options, they'll let me know through email.

I'm feeling really bummed out now.... :down:

_firefly, BSN, RN, EMT-B · May 2, 2015

I am under the impression that every single student qualifies and is offered federal student loans up to about $12k per year. Beyond that you can also apply for private school loans through banks and credit unions. A reliable used car with low miles should not cost more than a few thousand dollars which you should be able to easily get a loan for. Granted there is also insurance, gas, food, rent, school supplies, immunizations, etc. The car will be critical but should not cost much relative to all the other things. Talk to school financial aid office in person (make an appointment). Talk to your family if possible. Talk to banks. Finally, you can always use a cab or similar service in a pinch. Try to get a job on campus. It will be easier and more convenient.

johsonmichelle · May 2, 2015

Here my advice, get a car if you can. I live in place where there is decent public transportation. I used the public for 3 years prior to nursing school. The year before I started school, I cleaned houses for a living and that how I got money to buy a decent used car from the dealership. My oil changes are free of charge. I've had this car for a little over a year now and I do not even think I have spent $200 on maintence. Its gas efficient. Anyways my point that nursing school without a car is going to be very hard. Even though I took the bus for 3 years, I could not take it during nursing school. My clinical start at 6am and the earliest bus runs at 5.20am. The people in my class who do not have vehicles rely on those with vehicles to get around and eventually those people will get tired of taking them around. Since money is so tight, try getting a part time job that is flexible around your school schedule.

Leonardsmom,LPN · May 2, 2015

If you have been denied your financial aid because of maximum timeframe, check with your financial aid office about making an appeal. They have a form to fill out. At my CC for those going into the nursing program it is not unusual for them to hit the maximum timeframe and have to fill out an appeal. Just an annoying step to be completed. Check with your financial aid office of why you are disqualified for your financial aid and what appeals you can make.

jaycam, RN · May 2, 2015

While I have a car, not using it is actually more convenient for me. The one exception is clinicals. I keep getting evening shift clinicals in the downtown metro area. Parking costs way to much to consider, but bussing it adds over an hour. Other than clinicals I've had no issues being carless.

johsonmichelle · May 2, 2015

It depends on where you live? Do you have reliable public transport system? If not , it's going to be harder.