How far WOULD you and DID you travel for nursing school?

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The nursing school I would love to go to is about 1-1.5 hour drive and maybe 2 hours in the winter. I'm going to give it a test drive next week and I can possible speculate (I know not a good thing) how far the winter drive may be (I despise the snow).

The school offers pre-req.'s during 2 classes during an 8 week session (2 semester sessions with one nursing course each semester); however very expensive. If I take the pre-req's at the CC the classes would be 16 weeks each. My chemistry class at the CC was 16 weeks and I almost lost it (I took two grad courses during this time as well; I know, crazy). I did pass all courses with a B.

I just want to know how far did you drive to complete nursing school AND was it worth it? I just need a reality check and to make a decision soon. FYI, I'm a single mom in her early 40's. Time is not on my side. :)

Thanks for responding.

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I haven't narrowed my choices down yet, but I hope to keep the drive under an hour each way. I could do more than that, but it is the wear and tear on the vehicle that scares me more than the driving itself. If I had a brand new car I could do 2 hours as long as it wasn't everyday.

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Thanks dreamon. I was wondering if travel time would hinder others decision for the nursing school they would love to attend. Best wishes in narrowing down your nursing schools.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I would drive an hour or so each way.

Is there a possibilty for you to move?

Although I would drive 1+ hr each way - it certainly isn't ideal.

GL to you!

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My drive was an hour and a half, depending on commute traffic. One of my clinical placements was just shy of 100 miles from home. All of this took a toll on me and my car.

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Wow, that sucks! My schools (2 different campuses) are 15-20 mins from me. I can't imagine driving that far.

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Specializes in Emergency.

i applied to two schools that are 400 miles from my house. of course i wont commute =) but id move as far as out of state to go. but if moving isnt in your options then id drive up to and hour commute one way to school. and p.s. i did apply to schools that were closer =)

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Thanks for the responses.

misslisa and prettyladie,

I do not have the option of moving. :madface: I spoke with a classmate and he told me the school of our choice was a 45 minute drive for him. I live closer to the highway/toll road. Like I said, I'll give it a test drive and see how things turn out. I do believe anything over 1.5 hour (each way 5 days a week) will put plenty of wear and tear on your vehicle. Thanks everyone.

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I have 2 students driving 300 miles each way every week for their FNP Master's program (classes meet 1 day/week, and practica are in their home county). Fortunately they live in the same county, so they carpool together.

I have several PHD students who drive 4-5 hours each way every week (but we provide full scholarship to all PHD students and thus have students coming in from NC, WV, DC, MD, and PA for a free PHD).

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Specializes in ER/Trauma.

Drove 2 hours one way to school and a bit more than that for some clinical sites in my LPN to ASN bridge program. This was in the winter too. The med surg clinicals were brutal with 2 days a week from 0600-1630. I kept telling myself it was only for 10 weeks. I swear to you, it only snowed on Tuesday and Wed mornings!!

My program lasted from Nov-July. Once we got past the winter clinical it was a breeze. I did have a friend that went into the same program with me, so we took turns driving. The company was great and honestly it was so much better knowing that even though we had the crazy drive, we were done with our program!

My advice...pack a bag to leave in the car for emergency use, stock your car up with breakdown supplies (my dad taught me this way back when. He alwasy put an emergency kit in every vehicle) always have a credit card or enough cash tucked back for a hotel overnight if needed, keep emergency gas money on you, keep the cell phone charged and maximize your time. Record lectures to re-listen to while on the road, record your study notes and listen on the road. See if anyone in your class lives near you or on your way and work out a carpool deal, company makes it go better. We took turns quizzing each other on the way to school.

Hope this helps some, You can do it!

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I moved 2 hours away from my family and newly engaged fiance. It has been really hard being away from him, but I am really enjoying the program and with the the amount I am learning its totally worth it. It might be hard for you in the beginning but once you get used to it and you realize that this going to change your future your outlook will change. Just know that nothing in life comes easy and if you want something from life you have to make sacrifices!

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I start nursing school in a month and a half, and it is a 2 hour drive from my house! I can't move because I have a family and my husband has his own buisness. I am going to rent a couch with one of my classmate's for a few days a week. I'll drive up there, stay the night for classes and clinicals, and come home for the days off.

Each semester will be a different time commitment, but this will only last about a year. It's an accelerated 18 month program and the last semester will be all online and I'll be able to get an externship in my hometown.

It'll be tough, but well worth it! All of the local community colleges had like a 2 year wait list and the next university cycles didn't start for another year. I just wasn't willing to wait that long, and besides, I was just thanking my lucky stars that I got accepted!!!!

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