Distance from school to clinicals?

kh321 · Aug 29, 2011

For both of my rotations this semester I really lucked out. My hospital site is 5 minutes from my school and 10 minutes from home. Last semester I had to travel 45 minutes to another hospital for a rotation. I think it really depends on what local hospitals are willing to work with your school. Our school actually asked us for our top 3 picks this semester because of gas prices. There was no guarantee that we would get 1 of the 3 but it was a nice gesture I thought.

thatsthekeyRNC · Aug 29, 2011

Every school is different, but my school uses hospitals and facilities all over the place...some are 5 minutes away, but some are an hour or more away. I am very lucky to be staying close for my first clinical starting this semester, but I'm expecting to drive far in the future.

UVA Grad Nursing · Aug 30, 2011

It will vary greatly. Most of the clinicals in our program are at the University's medical center (200 yards from the School of Nursing).

I know one BSN program in Maryland where clinicals can be up to 90 minutes drive in any direction. I chatted with one student who had clinical in Delaware on Tuesdays and in the DC suburbs on Wednesday.

Raineylane · Aug 30, 2011

Thanks for your replies. I should clarify and say that I "can" drive, I just freak out when thinking about driving in large congested cities, like Atlanta.

If anyone has attended Middle Georgia College in Cochran, Ga., I would be interesting in knowing if you had clinicals in Macon? Macon is about 45 mins. away and pretty congested, in my opinion.

Also, do you meet at the school each day of clinicals, or go straight to the hospital?

If I had to travel to Macon I could go the "back way" from my home, but it wouldn't be feasible to do that if I left from the school.

I'm stressing over this driving thing more than I'm stressing about going to school. (Well, at least until I get this driving fear under control.)

AppalachianRNstudent · Aug 30, 2011

I travel 30 minutes for my Med-Surg rotation and about 45 minutes for my OB rotation.

Sorry you have anxiety while driving. This may sound goofy to you - but it might have to do some deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation at home. Do it once a day and you may be surprised how well it works.

AppalachianRNstudent · Aug 30, 2011

Just a few thoughts on Atlanta.

I hate driving in that city. I've driven on the interstates around it and in the city itself - it's a pain in the butt. Here's the thing, I did it in an 18-Wheeler!! I used to drive a tractor trailer over the road.

Again, I really recommend the progressive muscle relaxation. If that doesn't work - go to your doctor (if you can afford it) and tell him about your symptoms. Maybe he'll prescribe you Celexa or some other sort of SSRI. The bottom line is, you don't want to miss out on an excellent opportunity because you afraid of driving. And trust me, the more you do it, the easier it becomes. I could do Atlanta now with my eyes closed. ;-)

Raineylane · Aug 30, 2011

Yeah, I might could drive it in a tractor trailer! GET OUT OF THE WAY CITIZENS OF MACON!!!!!

I know, I don't want this to become such a problem that I don't go to school.

And thanks for the suggestions. Honestly, if I got any more relaxed (while not driving) I'd be in a coma!

I think you are right, maybe I need to drive to/through there a few times. Just gotta find some poor soul to ride shotgun with me in case I "break-down" mentally.

Sorry, I sound like such a baby.

So, do you go to class before clinicals or straight to clinicals?

AppalachianRNstudent · Aug 30, 2011

At my school we have clinical days and lecture days. We don't go on the same day.

Raineylane · Aug 30, 2011

Thanks, maybe the school I go to will do the same.

Funny, when I was 18 I drove all by myself from Georgia to Dallas, Tx, without the least bit of fear. Maybe I was too young to realize I was mortal.

And thank you for your kind responses. Looking forward to tapping into all of the experience on this board.