So I'm currently making my class/clinical schedule for fall 2019. A lot of my class/lab days are already long, and clinicals start at 7 am. Thing is, I commute from about 45 minutes to 1 hour away from the clinical setting locations. That means I'll have to be up by 5:15 in order to be out the door by 6:00 to arrive in time by 7:00. I'm just a little concerned because literally everyone has been telling me about how intense junior year is going to be, and the commute isn't going to make things any easier.
I might be a wimp, but does anyone/did anyone ever commute that far for clinicals? If so, how did you guys manage? Is it that bad? Any tips from any nursing commuters?
Yeah, it can be tough to have a long commute! It's hard to lose that much-needed sleep and study time.
There are some great suggestions above. I only had to spend money on a motel once, luckily. I had an amazing friend that let me spend the night with her a few times. I even slept in a chair in a school study room once or twice. Generally, I just drove.
If you have to drive, here are some ideas that helped me: Put everything in the car the night before - all your books and supplies. Lay out your uniform so that you can sleep as long as possible, then get dressed, and hit the road right away. Get a car charger for your phone so you can always stay in touch. Plan an easy breakfast, and eat in the car. Also consider an 'emergency bag,' with extra clothes, etc, in case you have car trouble or have to stay overnight unexpectedly. To study, you can listen to your textbooks on audio or find another app. (But sometimes, you'll want to just chill and listen to music ???)
My teachers were somewhat kind and understanding about it, so that helped. I hope yours are too!
I commuted 45 min to campus for classes and one of my clinical sites was farther away from my home. I'm more of a morning person anyway, but left the house by 5:50 at the latest to make it to clinical, I also liked showing up early, just gotta get yourself in a routine of waking up early and getting enough sleep.
Yeah, depending on which hospital I'm going to, I'm between 45 min to an hour away from my clinical site. We have to be there by 6:30 a.m., so I usually get up at like 4:30-ish and leave in time enough to get there like 15-20 min before just in case I run into an accident, get caught by a train, etc. It's not the greatest thing, but it's not terrible. Make some coffee, bring something to listen to, try to get to bed early the night before.
Depending on traffic and weather where you live, I think this is doable! ? I used to commute close to 50 minutes to one of my clinical sites, and it was not as bad as I thought it would be. Junior year is tough, but doable! I know it's easy to hear all the negativity and let that scare you, but you will be just fine. A lot of times, I find that the things people complain the most about are overhyped. I know people before me suggested things like spending the night with a friend or possibly staying in a motel the night before; these are good ideas too!
I was an hour and ten minutes away from clinical and classes, four days a week. You get used to the drive. I now work at a hospital that is an hour and ten minutes away from where I live. The drive to work isn't bad but man the drive home after a 12 hour shift sucks.
I was placed in a hospital an hour away for my acute care placement. Had to wake up really early to get there for the beginning of the shift. I also was working nights 40 hours a week. It sucks, but it's only for a couple months.... just suck it up and get it done.
My school in general is over an hour away. Im almost done. I been driving to school for two years monday through friday. Sometimes my clinical sites are 2 hrs away. Motivation and determination. Go get your RN girl!
I just finished my junior year and I live about a hour from our clinical location. It is doable. Be thankful your clinicals start at 0700, ours start at 0600. I would be up at 0400 twice a week. You can do it. It is only temporary and worth the sacrifice. Keep sight of the end goal.
thoughtful21, BSN, RN
129 Posts
Yeah, it can be tough to have a long commute! It's hard to lose that much-needed sleep and study time.
There are some great suggestions above. I only had to spend money on a motel once, luckily. I had an amazing friend that let me spend the night with her a few times. I even slept in a chair in a school study room once or twice. Generally, I just drove.
If you have to drive, here are some ideas that helped me: Put everything in the car the night before - all your books and supplies. Lay out your uniform so that you can sleep as long as possible, then get dressed, and hit the road right away. Get a car charger for your phone so you can always stay in touch. Plan an easy breakfast, and eat in the car. Also consider an 'emergency bag,' with extra clothes, etc, in case you have car trouble or have to stay overnight unexpectedly. To study, you can listen to your textbooks on audio or find another app. (But sometimes, you'll want to just chill and listen to music ???)
My teachers were somewhat kind and understanding about it, so that helped. I hope yours are too!