Commute to nursing school?

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Hi everyone!

I am a Fall 2011 hopeful and was hoping for some advice. I did not get into 3 schools so far this time around..so now I have 2 more to hear from. I am on the wait list to the nursing program at SMCC for the Spring of 2013 (seems so far away!) and that is where I will go if I do not get in for this coming Fall.

My question is, if I DO get in and the program is 1.5 hours away, should I make the daily commute? I assume I would have to be up there Mon-Fri. What is your schedule like as a first year nursing student? Can I commute, go to classes, clinicals, and work? I guess I should just wait to see if I even get in...but I am getting stressed :crying2:

I don't know if I could handle both limiting my hours at work in addition to adding the expense of 3 hours of driving 5 days a week...but on the other hand how could I say "no" to a nursing program that both myself and SO many others pray for everyday!?

I have also considered just waiting to begin at SMCC and working my bum off for the next 1.5 years to save money and not have to work through the 2 year program once it beings. That idea is appealing to me, but again...if I get in for Fall '11 how could I turn it down? Would I be crazy? I apologize for the long post, but my boyfriend/family don't seem to understand...any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

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Specializes in Infusion.

I feel for the students at my school that commute 40 minutes each way. It is a long haul. Not sure how that school is set up but in ours, we have 2-3 days in the classroom and 2 days of clinicals. The day before clinicals, we have to go to our assigned hospital and pick patients to care for. We write up preps that take about 3 hours each and nursing care plans. If you are trying to commute, work and go to school, you will be burning the candle at both ends.

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that is what I am afraid of :confused: thank you for your input!

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

I could NEVER commute that far to school, but that's just me. Especially with the gas prices the way they are now.

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Wow, that's a tough one!

On one hand, you don't want to commute 3 hours (plus possible traffic time) to school each day. That would eat up valuable time for work, studying, family, etc. Plus - not to mention gas $$! But on the other hand, it seems silly to give up a spot in a education program that is so highly sought after!

We all have different limits to what we're willing to do... Do you have commitments like spouse/family where you live or would it be possible to make the sacrifice of moving closer to school during the program?

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Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.

My commute is about an hour..and that's in good traffic :(

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Specializes in transplant/case management.

i drive about an hour to school. i got a job right by my school so i can work earlier. i'm gone 7:30am-10:00pm mon-fri. it's really hard on gas but whatever it takes to get my schooling....

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I don't have children and I'm not married...so that isn't a problem as far as relocating for the 2 years, but I really don't think that I am willing to do that unfortunately. I just signed a 1 year lease a few weeks ago, and also the job I have right now is ideal for being in school...working as a front desk clerk at a very quiet hotel which means LOTS and LOTS of time for studying...however that won't matter if I'm not in a program...!

studentLJinCA is right...we all have our limits, but my problem is I'm not too sure what mine are @ the moment! :uhoh21:

Thanks to you all for your input I really do appreciate it.:D

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Specializes in Med-Surg/DOU/Ortho/Onc/Rehab/ER/.

Yea I know how you feel. I have a tie for my top choices. The one I probably can get into is far away like an hour while the other is the same but there is a train that goes to there and back, but I'm not likely to be accepted.

I say, if you can, wait it out. I know it sucks to wait but at least you'll save yourself stress (you commute alone is like the length of a lecture) and gas money

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Specializes in Private Practice- wellness center.

I'd do it. I drive a little over an hour each way myself. I got lucky though and found someone to carpool with. I meet her at her home, which is half way to school and she drives the rest of the way in. We chit chat and/or quiz eachother on material we need to know. I will add this caveat though- my husband has a REALLY good job, so I don't have to worry about the additional stress of having to work on top of school. (I'd still do it though! I may start working next semester as a tech so I have an "in" at a hospital when I graduate and get my license.)

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I'd much rather drive an hour and a half each way to visit family/friends, than to drive it every day to school.

I'd revisit the idea of moving. Sure it's a hassle, but it's likely not the most inconvenient aspect of nursing school.

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Hi JROregon,

My school is 1.5 hour away from me, and it really not that bad. It gives me the opportunity to listen to my taped lectures and clear my mind before arriving to class and home. It was a pain last summer because I had to go everyday, but now I only go 2 days a week. Don't let the distant stop you from pursuing your dream.

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