No Car for Nursing School- Urban Area- Am I doomed?

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Hello Everyone,

I am fairly new to this site but have gained a lot of great tips and really enjoyed it thus far. I am accepted into a BSN program for this fall in Philadelphia. Living in this large urban area I get by without a car. I have no financial means for a car and have been able to get by thus far. I have gone to school for 3 years here (1 year undecided then 2 years nursing pre-reqs). Now I will be transferring to a Nursing school that is right in the city and easily accessible to me! Score right? Ehh not really... I got a packet in the mail stating that "clinicals begin at 6:30 in the morning". This will make the farther clinical sites very difficult to get to because the subways start at 5:15 and if I have a long commute I am pretty much screwed?! Right? Also, I was told a car is necessary for the program because I will travel to clinical sides within the Tri-State area. Further more, during my home health care rotation I will be traveling to patients houses.

I pretty much had a heart attack when I got this letter. I choose the school based upon the fact that they have an amazing clinical sites, but I guess I really didn't think about the implications of that (ie traveling to clinicals). I would love to hear how people made out with or without a car. I do not want a stupid car to stop me from going to my dream school and now I am freaking out.

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I have driven other students who live around me to clinicals every term except for the first. Ask around and see who lives near you, and then talk to the person who does scheduling about placing you at the same site. Or talk to the scheduler and request places that are closer so you can get there via public transport on time.

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You can find a way. There will be someone in your area. If not I'd pull a loan and go get a cheap car. You need to get the program done. Don't let these small things get in your at.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

We did a lot of carpooling for clinicals, especially since at many facilities have limited parking. We always carpooled to the distance sites. Just be ready to split gas costs and always be ready early at the designated meeting spot.

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My program actually let us pick "clinical buddies" so we met at the college at a certain time before clinicals then rotate driving each month. We pretty much was in the same group until the end.

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU.

Do you mind if I ask what school you're attending? I'm starting at Thomas Jefferson University in September and that letter you received sounds awfully familiar to one I just received. I think it would be possible to find someone to carpool with, as long as you're willing to split the cost of gas, as JustBeachyNurse pointed out.

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Thanks Everyone! You all made me feel SO relieved! This site is great! And @jocy- Yes- I will be at Jefferson too! :) Congrats to you!!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I live and teach in NY, where many of my students do not have a car. I can't speak to your geographic area, but where we go, there are trains, buses and even the railroad (a few of our sites are in the 'suburbs', if you will). It is possible to navigate, but just like my students, you need to do your HW; do a dry run at the exact time you need to be at clinical. You HAVE to give yourself extra time every time you go to clinical. If the 5:15 bus gets you there at 6:25, take the earlier bus. You are going to sacrifice sleep time, but you could use it to study ;)

Also, make it your business to network with classmates, and do the right thing (offer coffee, gas, parking $, don't be a leech :) ). Sing up for clinicals early, so you can choose the sites that best suit your travel needs. You may not always have a choice. Network with upperclassmen to see how their commutes are to the various sites. If there is a student nurses' association, or your school has a facebook group, hook up with people.

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU.

Yay, congrats to you too, Victoria!!! I'm not sure which program you're doing, but I'm starting the APW program. Maybe we'll have some classes together! :)

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Heyy I just graduated from this program and I didn't have a car! I made it through the 2 years by taking public transportation to sites that had it available and by carpooling with other students who lived on campus. I just pitched in with gas money and parking. Good luck during your next two years! Jefferson faculty are amazing!

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU.

Thanks morningdew, that's great to hear! I can't wait to start in a few months! And now that I know you survived the program, I'm sure I'll pick your brain from time to time. Lol. :lol2:

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Thanks morningdew, that is helpful! I won't be living on campus, but I could always travel there and meet friends and go from there. I now finally feel like there options and I won't be panicked with no transportation- I like to have all my ducks in a row so to speak LOL. Jocy- I am doing the traditional BSN.

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