Anyone commute long distance to school everyday?

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Hi everyone,

I am wondering if anyone here commutes long distances to get to school everyday? I was accepted into the practical nursing program which starts this september. The college is a 55 min drive from where I live. Feeling sort of nervous about the long drive back and forth everyday. I have 3 kids and will need to get them off to school before I go to school. And I don't have an idea as to when my classes will start. It's a great college though and I feel happy that I got in.

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Specializes in ED, med-surg, peri op.

I have 45 min drive. At first I thought it would be annoying. But honestly you quickly adjust and the drive doesn't feel long and annoying, just feels normal.

It does have some benefits though, I'm not a morning person so I used to get out of bed last minute and used to be late. But now I have the drive ahead it forces me to be more prepared in the mornings. Also some days you will need that drive home to clear your head and relax and just be by yourself to do what you need to do, cry, vent, listen to loud music ect.

But I don't have children so I'm not sure how that works out, especially getting them to school. Maybe see if the school has a morning day care type of thing so you can drop them off earlier? But don't be discouraged by the long drive.

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I had a 25 minute drive for the first year of school, and 45-60 minute drive the second year. Having kids definitely makes it more challenging. Do you have family that can help out during clinical days? Those days will be more challenging than class days. I agree with above poster that you get used to it though. Tape your lectures and listen to them in the car (always ask permission first), tape record key concepts from your notes, or just put on some good music and use the time to recharge and get focused for the day. Despite the added responsibility of your kids, you will look back and realize that the commute was worth it :)

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Specializes in Mental Health.

I drive about 45 min, but I used to be a truck driver so that's hardly a drive in my book... lol

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haha my husband is a truck driver so he says i shouldn't complain... lol

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Thanks for your reply. I hope like you, that I will get used to the long drive. Were classes everyday for you? I am going full time but someone told be they had one day off every week. My kids are ages 14, 10 and 4. It's the 4 year old I am concerned about but recently the school he will be attending opened up a before/after school day care program. I will definitely be taking advantage of that program! :)

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Thanks for your reply. Yes, I will have my parents helping out withe the kids for clinical days.I have a 14 year old, 10 year old and 4 year old. So really it's just the 4 year old that needs to be taken care of. Thanks for the idea to listen to my lectures on the way to/from school. And, yes, I already know that this will be worth it in the end. :)

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Starting in August I will have to drive 50 minutes to and from school.

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Good luck! I just found out I will be driving exactly one hour to and from school.

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Hi there,

I wanted to drop a comment about my experience commuting. I go to school in Rockford, IL and originally lived outside of the area in a small town, it was great! Unfortunately due to my daughter being diagnosed with ALL while I was in fundamentals and insurance ridiculousness we ended up moving to Madison, WI. When we moved I still had about a year of school left. I have been driving about 60-90 minutes one way since the move to Madison. It has been worth it.....I graduate in Sept with my ADN. I have 2 kids...one is 17 and one is 14. Obviously the 14 y.o. who has ALL has multiple doctor appointments and stuff too ... and we make it work. Sometimes the drive actually helps with the studying as you can listen to lectures, make videos of yourself going over notes and listen to those, listen to videos on topics you need...and also focus on transitioning from home to school. Good luck to you! :)

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Hi there,

I wanted to drop a comment about my experience commuting. I go to school in Rockford, IL and originally lived outside of the area in a small town, it was great! Unfortunately due to my daughter being diagnosed with ALL while I was in fundamentals and insurance ridiculousness we ended up moving to Madison, WI. When we moved I still had about a year of school left. I have been driving about 60-90 minutes one way since the move to Madison. It has been worth it.....I graduate in Sept with my ADN. I have 2 kids...one is 17 and one is 14. Obviously the 14 y.o. who has ALL has multiple doctor appointments and stuff too ... and we make it work. Sometimes the drive actually helps with the studying as you can listen to lectures, make videos of yourself going over notes and listen to those, listen to videos on topics you need...and also focus on transitioning from home to school. Good luck to you! :)

I'm glad things worked out for you :)

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Good luck! I just found out I will be driving exactly one hour to and from school.

Thank you. It will be worth it in the end :)

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