1 Hour and 25min drive to school to become an RN? It's it really worth it!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Apr 19, 2015

I commuted 95 miles one-way (190 miles round trip) to an LVN program five days per week for one year when I was living in California.

I also commuted 225 miles one-way (450 miles round trip) and crossed state lines to attend an LPN-to-RN bridge program twice a week for 14 months when I lived in Texas and went to school in Oklahoma City.

Commuting can be done. However, I wouldn't make that sacrifice to commute back and forth to Kaplan College.

HDHRN · Apr 19, 2015

I only commute about 30-35 min to my college. I have a classmate who travels over 2 hours one way for class. I about fell out of my chair! I had another girl who was in our group who commuted from Indiana. I live right outside of Dayton, Oh and state line is like an hour away. She had clinicals at a hospital that was over an hour from school. She just stayed with friends on the days they went to this site. I had another friend who lived in Indiana too and came to this college. I asked why she drove that far and she said all the schools close to her had a waiting list for the LPN to RN program. Our school has no wait list and you can start 4x a year, so that's why. Make sure you have reliable transportation! I have a leased car and have to watch my mileage, so sometimes I take my husband's car since it's already paid and not a lease. Good luck to you!

Christinajoannne · Apr 19, 2015

Is there no school closer? It may benefit you, if you didn't lose a couple of hours driving back and forth from school. It'll also help save money....

Is there no other option? If it's the "only" option, then it is worth it, because a nursing degree, is "something" worth going out on a limb for. But also remember, to be kind to yourself, and to help yourself along your journey to get that degree. If possible, do try to find a closer school.

lovinglife2015 · Apr 19, 2015

Nope, that's an extra 2 hours that you could be studying or sleeping and of course, family time.

teresia · Apr 19, 2015

It eventually becomes overwhelming , I'd either move closer to the school or look for another school

OnlinePersona, LPN · Apr 19, 2015

it can be done and i know you can do it :)

i do an hour drive each way to get to clinicals twice a week (and work fulltime)

ParkerBC,MSN,RN, PhD, RN · Apr 19, 2015

I drove an hour and ten minutes one way. No regrets.

devhrt12 · Apr 19, 2015

Where there's a will there's a way. Our clinical instructor told me stories of students who commute three hours a day to come class 3-4 days a week including clinicals, now that's dedication. If you're motivated you can do it.

cupcakeluver · Apr 19, 2015

I drive an hour and a half to school. It sucks. I live in the backwoods though, so it's a 40 minute drive to get to anywhere!! So far, all of my clinical sites have been in the same vicinity as my school. Hopefully it stays that way. The thing about driving so far is that any little thing can make you late so you have to plan accordingly. I always leave about 20 minutes earlier than what I need to just in case something pops up, like an accident or road work.

It's definitely difficult but sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do. When I graduate, I'll probably have about an hour commute to work. It is what it is. It can be done though. :yes:

lovinglife2015 · Apr 19, 2015

Where there's a will there's a way. Our clinical instructor told me stories of students who commute three hours a day to come class 3-4 days a week including clinicals, now that's dedication. If you're motivated you can do it.

Of course, anyone can do almost anything if the dedication and circumstances permit. However, I would apply to closer schools first before going wayyyyy out of my way to attend a subpar(Kaplan) nursing program.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Apr 19, 2015

However, I would apply to closer schools first before going wayyyyy out of my way to attend a subpar(Kaplan) nursing program.

Your point is cogent and salient.

The OP wants to commute to attend Kaplan College, an investor-owned school with a non-accredited nursing program that charges approximately $60,000 in tuition and fees for the associate degree program. It is unwise to drive past 20+ more affordable programs to attend Kaplan.

During this commute the OP will be driving past CSU Fullerton, San Diego State, UC San Diego, UC Irvine, UC Riverside, San Bernardino State, San Bernardino Valley College, Mount San Antonio, and many other more affordable nursing programs.

biopsychmajor, RN · Apr 19, 2015

It's hard....I know. I started out going an AT LEAST 2 hour ride on the bus when I started until I could afford to get a car. Many days I didn't feel like the ride, believe me. I have to say, though, it was sooooooooooo worth it! If you really want this and there are no other alternatives near you, just keep telling yourself you can do this as you move forward.

PS Only keep yourself surrounded by people who will encourage and push you. I also listened to alot of pick me up music. You'd be surprised how many people have written about overcoming things. Use this to help you along the way. Plus, you have us!!! We're here whenever you need us.