Driving an hour to school there and back

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I applied to 2 different nursing schools. One is 15-20 minutes away but I only got accepted to the LPN program. The other school is about an hour away and I would have to drive there I'm sure everyday just about. I got accepted to their RN program. Now I have a decision drive 20 minutes and be an LPN or 2 hours everyday going to the other school there and back.... I am worried about being overly exhausted. Driving an hour every day to school sounds like a bad idea. I want to be an RN (& it's only 2 years) but I'm dreading the fact that I'll be spending 2 hours everyday driving. I just need some advice....

I agree with the suggestion to drive the 1-hour distance for the RN program, although it can take its toll on you over time, especially if you live in parts of the country with snow storms/bad weather situations. Is it possible that the family can move closer to the school (for two years) or is it completely out of the question?

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My husband is stationed at ft. Campbell in Kentucky. And we live a few minutes away (and we already bought our house) so moving is out of the question. Unfortunately.

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Specializes in None.

The closest school to me is about 45 miles away. Therefore, making an hour drive everyday is nothing for me. I like driving and once you do it for awhile you will get used to it. Plus, like others said record lectures, etc. Just a little motivation remind yourself that the two hours a day will pay off when you're making RN money.

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That's what I keep telling myself .. That in the end it will all be worth it. My husband is just totally against me driving that far and thinks I will just want to quit after a month of doing it. But it's not true being an RN is my dream so I'm not going to give up just because I'll have to drive farther than I would like. There are other schools a little close but I don't meet their pre-reqs (every school is so different) and I don't want to sit on my butt another year waiting to get accepted to a closer school.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

See if you can set up a car pool with other students. Many schools have processes to support this type of arrangement. Check with Student Services. Even if you have a centralized "meet up" point, it would be worth it for you.

Congrats on being accepted & starting your program.

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Hi, I have been driving an hour each way for my pre-reqs and it has never been a problem. You just fit it into your routine and make it work. I have actually learned to enjoy the alone time! Do what you think works best for you, remember to consider wear and tear on your car and gas prices too. Good luck.

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I will be driving an hour each was for ADN program. I know some people who drive 2 and 3 hours each way.

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Specializes in CCM, PHN.

Just for some perspective, I live in L.A. where it takes an hour to get anywhere! We are used to living in our cars out here.

And, with a husband and kid, and being in nursing school, try and RELISH the alone time you get in the car. Many busy women who are moms, wives and students (and many who aren't!) would kill for a couple hours a day alone, in a private, enclosed space with your own thoughts, music, phone calls, snacks or just silence, watching the scenery. Use the time to sort your thoughts, study, or just enjoy some quiet time, because quiet time will be a rarity in your life! :)

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Many people who work in uber-urban cities drive for an hour or longer each way every day FOR YEARS. My school and clinical sites were all one hour a day. I drove it 4 or 5 days a week for 2 years back when gas was over $4/gal and I didn't have a job. I didn't like waking up, getting myself and my kids ready, dropping them off and arriving at clinical site by 6:30 AM. :wideyed: However, now that I have become a single mom I must say it was more than worth it. I don't know where I would be today had I and ex-husband not sacrificed.

I love to read so I borrowed books-on-tape from my school library. Let me tell you, when I had a good book going sometimes the commute wasn't long enough. :laugh:

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Wow! That is inspiring!!! All that being a single mom. I couldn't imagine. I don't think it will be that bad. I couldn't imagine driving 2 or 3 hours so I guess I have it good. I'm very thankful to even have been accepted. I think I will get used to the drive. And I'm sure I will enjoy the alone time. I haven't thought about it like that.

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Wow! That is inspiring!!! All that being a single mom. I couldn't imagine. I don't think it will be that bad. I couldn't imagine driving 2 or 3 hours so I guess I have it good. I'm very thankful to even have been accepted. I think I will get used to the drive. And I'm sure I will enjoy the alone time. I haven't thought about it like that.

I wasn't a single mom then, but I am a single mom now. That is why I am glad I became an RN then instead of waiting for all the stars to align to admit me into the program at the school in my city. Jobs are hard to come by in my area. I don't know how I would be supporting my children today had I not become a nurse.

I always tell people to go ahead and become an RN if you have the chance. There are more job opportunities available for RNs vs LPNs. Like others have said, in the long run it takes way more classroom time and money becoming an LPN first and then going back to school for the RN.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Ortho, Subacute, Homecare, LTC.

I drive an hour to school. I also drove 1.5 to one of my clinical rotations. I think it's worth it!

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