Long Distance Relationships in Nursing School

fromthedyt · Sep 8, 2009

My boyfriend and I have done a long distance relationship the past 4 years. He goes to college 2 hours away from where we live. We see each other every few weeks. The two biggest things are trust and communication. Without them it will probably not work. Nobody understands nursing school unless you have been through it. You can explain til your blue in the face why it isn't like traditional college and they won't get it. lol Just hang in there it can work. :monkeydance:

cingle · Sep 9, 2009

I've just stated school and I have sympathy for you! I've been married for 17 years and (other than a few nights when my kids were at camp and hubby was away for business ~7 years ago) have not ever been on my own at night.

My husband was with me for several weeks to help me get moved and started on the right foot, but he recently went back home which is ~ 5 hours' drive away. But, I slept fine last night and -- honestly -- it's going to be important to have the time to read/work/study without the added distraction of hanging out with my best buddy. So...

Thank God for nationwide cell phone plans, the internet, and the interstate highway system, I say! We've talked several times today and right now we're watching the same TV show and calling during commercials to talk about it, which is what we would do if we were home together.

Try to keep as normal a routine as possible. Keep all the communication lines open. The experience of being separated can bring out the best or the worst in people...shoot for your best!

lovingmynurse · Sep 9, 2009

Hi. I'm hoping to find a little support and better understanding of my ongoing long distance relationship. I've been with my boyfriend for going on six years in Dec. I love him, truly for everything he is and wants to become, I'm proud to call myself his girlfriend and I stand by every decisions he's made whist getting into the nursing program. We are literally each other's best friends and desperately want to do right for each other all the time. We've been in an LDR now for the five of the six years and he's starting his nursing clinical this semester. I am aware of the strain and stress the students will have to go threw, however, I am starting to find it hard to let go of the already limited time we have in contact with one another. Also, we had plans for me to visit him in Oct for Halloween, and now he says that he doesn't want me to come because he won't be able to entertain me and doesn't know what his work load will be like. I know taking this personally would be an awful assumption on my part, however, it does hurt that i'll have to go till Dec. when I get to see him next. I wanna be selfless and supportive and above all else loving and understanding, but I feel like I'm going to have to start lying to myself when it hurts bad enough to where I want to tell him, just so that I won't interfere with his studies. What's some good steps to take as he progresses threw these next two years? Also, whats normal to ask for, if anything, as a girlfriend.. time.. love.. care.. Also, if anyone can supply some realistic insight into what to expect in the next couple years.. all would be incredibly appreciated. Thanks so much.

Trauma Columnist · Sep 9, 2009

While I'm not in nursing school, I am in grad school (yet again). Hubby lives 160 miles from me due to a job situation. We've been married 29 years and due to military comittments (on both our parts) we have been separated for long periods of time (even before the internet - lol). Here's some things that worked for me:

1. Maintain open communication. Even with the internet, texts, cells, etc., if you don't have the face to face communication, there can be misunderstandings.

2. Schedule time to be together - even if it is off in the distance, start planning and make sure nothing short of a bonafide emergency changes it.

3. If kids are involved - make sure they send pics, coloring pictures, school work, etc.. This brightens everyone's day.

4. Realize that there are going to be doubts along the way about making the right decisions.

5. Keep focused on your ultimate goal: if it is those coveted initials RN then start planning for job hunting especially if it involves relocating.

6. Above all - relax. Things happen for a reason.