Commute or move

2bRn-STAT · Jun 9, 2005

Wow, thats a tough one. Clinicals can be rough and long days-it will wear on you to have to commute after a hard day of work. It can also interfere with study time. My longest commute was a 45 minute one. I only took pre-reqs there and found a closer school to actually go to nursing school at. I called a few schools that were a little over an hour and the advisors and admissions counselors said that I may want to rethink my decision. She stated that those that commuted tended to have lesser grades than the more local students. If you have ever commuted to work that far, then it may not be a big deal for you-but if you have never commuted long term to know what it is like-i wouldnt recommend doing it.

Good Luck

lmdscd · Jun 9, 2005

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 commuted 1 1/2 hours each way to school for 3 days a week my first two semesters. Now I am only commuting 30 minutes each way for clinicals 4 days a week but it does wear on you after a while. It does take a lot of time away from studying but if you make the most of the time you have it is do able.

shunnaparks · Jun 9, 2005

I commuted 1 1/2 hours for 1 full year when I went back for my RN degree. I knew the commute before I applied, so it came as no surprise for clinical or school. Days throughout the year ranged from 3-4 days a week. I also worked part time on the weekends, and am a wife and a mother. My motto is anything worth having is worth working for. I can do anything for a little while, which will benefit me in the long run. Good luck in whatever it is you choose to do.

RN2Bn2006 · Jun 9, 2005

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

utahliz · Jun 9, 2005

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suzanne4, RN · Jun 9, 2005

Many of my friends commuted when they were in anesthesia school. With Michigan winters, several pooled together and split an apt for during the week, and went home on weekends when classes and weather permitted. They also liked having a place where they could study and not be bothered by anything else. School is going to be rough enough.

Good luck with getting an acceptance................ :)

babynursewannab · Jun 9, 2005

I'm looking at commuting for CRNA school as well. (Ignore my screen name). I, personally, would have to think that while the commute could be tortuous, the light at the end of the tunnel for this schooling is pretty bright. We know it won't last forever and there will be reward worth the effort...not necessarily the case for undergrad schooling.

My husband will NOT move. I have a 17mo right now and a 9yo. The older one has to stick to a custody schedule so I get to play with that, too. However, my hubby and I have already discussed my getting campus housing or an apt near school to stay some nights when I just can't make it home or I absolutely must study that extra time the commute would cost. That way I'll be covered.

This is all "perfect world", of course. I, too, would love to hear from others who have gone through it.

-Alyssa, RN

crystalclear · Jun 9, 2005

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 am in the practical nursing program and I will graduate August 1, 2005:balloons: I commute 110 miles 5 days a week on a two lane highway through deer country. I have a 2 year old son and I worked full time 36 hours a week, 7p to 7a

(thursday, Friday and Saturday up until this past weekend:crying2: ). I would return home after class, get about 3hrs of sleep(except on fridays, we got out of class at 11:30) and to different town about 45 minutes away to work.

I made dean's list 1st semester and 4 B's and 1 A this past semester. I have to study hard for my grades. I had to let my job go because I was getting tired and it was no way I was going to pull it off having classes this summer from 7:30a to 4:00p. My point is if you want it bad enough nothing can hold you down.

whartonjelly · Jun 9, 2005

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 commuted for two years . It was one and one half hours each way.

My husband could not move. It was well worth it.