Out ot town travel

Athlein1 · May 22, 2004

I think you have to investigate each school's set-up. Some schools require a lot of commuting because some sites are 2+ hours away just based on geography. Housing is not provided, because what's distant for one might be convenient for another student.

If commuting/housing will be issues for you, it's better to make a firm decision now about whether you are willing to take that on rather than choose a school that is heavy on "windshield time" and be miserable or perform poorly. Take this from someone who is commuting 3+ hours a day for clinicals. That doesn't leave much time for life...

louloubell1 · May 22, 2004

The school I'll be attending, SIUE, has some of its clinical experiences about two hours away from the school's campus in Springfield, Illinois. The university did just recently buy a house there for the anesthesia students to use while at their clinical sites so that will be a big help as it will save a good deal of money on hotel costs. Another school in this area, Webster University, has one of it's rotations in Texas, requiring students to spend several weeks out of state at that time. From what I've been told by several students that have interviewed there, that school also provides housing to the anesthesia students while at these out of state clinicals. I think you'll just have to check with the programs you are interested in to find out more about your options.

user69 · May 22, 2004

I think you have to investigate each school's set-up. Some schools require a lot of commuting because some sites are 2+ hours away just based on geography. Housing is not provided, because what's distant for one might be convenient for another student.
If commuting/housing will be issues for you, it's better to make a firm decision now about whether you are willing to take that on rather than choose a school that is heavy on "windshield time" and be miserable or perform poorly. Take this from someone who is commuting 3+ hours a day for clinicals. That doesn't leave much time for life...

Thanks, but I think I was not clear on my question. One of the programs that I was looking at had two out for town rotations for clinical for 3 weeks each. I am guessing that is not a normal part of most programs based on the responce level.

Athlein1 · May 23, 2004

Gotcha. So you're asking more about specialty rotations or short-term assignments. I can only speak for my own program, which has some relationships with out-of-town/state hospitals for a month or two at a stretch. Housing is provided, but food, travel, and extras are your own expenses. I don't know how other programs work, but it's a good question. Again, commuting and out-of-town rotations can take significant time away from family and study life as well as add to student expenses. It's better to know this ahead of time so that you can plan accordingly...

movinsouth · Jun 2, 2004

Gotcha. So you're asking more about specialty rotations or short-term assignments. I can only speak for my own program, which has some relationships with out-of-town/state hospitals for a month or two at a stretch. Housing is provided, but food, travel, and extras are your own expenses. I don't know how other programs work, but it's a good question. Again, commuting and out-of-town rotations can take significant time away from family and study life as well as add to student expenses. It's better to know this ahead of time so that you can plan accordingly...

At my interview I gathered that I would have my clinical in my choice location (one of two options). Now after accepting a position in the class, I just found out that I will likely be doing 50% of my clinicals 2 hours away. I don't know yet how the schedule will be (days/weeks at a time). Ill have three little ones at home. This obviously causes a bit of stress for me. How many of you are in similar circumstances? Is it common for all programs to have clinicals in several different locations? Any suggestions on how to cope with this schedule in terms of family time, study time, and expense?

SRNACHIC · Jun 2, 2004

At my interview I gathered that I would have my clinical in my choice location (one of two options). Now after accepting a position in the class, I just found out that I will likely be doing 50% of my clinicals 2 hours away. I don't know yet how the schedule will be (days/weeks at a time). Ill have three little ones at home. This obviously causes a bit of stress for me. How many of you are in similar circumstances? Is it common for all programs to have clinicals in several different locations? Any suggestions on how to cope with this schedule in terms of family time, study time, and expense?

I am in the same situation. I start classes at ODU in Norfolk and our clinical sites are all over as well. I am told we will be going to OHIO for 10 weeks, Washington DC for 6 weeks and Baltimore for 4 weeks. I have 2 small children at home and all though I have a very supportive spouse and my mother is availabe to help at times, I am going to hate leaving them. I know it's a sacrifice that I have to make though, and it will be well worth it in the end.

mulzii · Jun 2, 2004

The school I'll be attending, SIUE, has some of its clinical experiences about two hours away from the school's campus in Springfield, Illinois. The university did just recently buy a house there for the anesthesia students to use while at their clinical sites so that will be a big help as it will save a good deal of money on hotel costs. Another school in this area, Webster University, has one of it's rotations in Texas, requiring students to spend several weeks out of state at that time. From what I've been told by several students that have interviewed there, that school also provides housing to the anesthesia students while at these out of state clinicals. I think you'll just have to check with the programs you are interested in to find out more about your options.

How do you like the SIU CRNA program? I'm planning to apply there as a post graduate student. Please give me more information if you can.

Thanks a lot

Qwiigley, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, CRNA · Jun 2, 2004

Boy, I guess it depends upon what you are used to. In Los Angeles, we think nothing of commuting 1.5-2 hours to go somewhere. I have just walked for graduation for the Kaiser/Cal State Fullerton program. We had each 17 different clinical sites. Some where as far as 3, 4 and 5 hours from my home as well as an optonal one in Honalulu. Yeh, we commute and think not much of it. It does take a lot of time.

Housing was not provided, except for our San Diego Navy rotation and the Honolulu rotation.

Gotta go, it is graduation week and my mother is in town.

Good luck all!

I will be happy to answer questions, I'm just not timely lately as I am studying for boards and am SWAMPED!

QWIIGLEY!

EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN · Jun 2, 2004

Congrats on your graduation Quiigley!! :balloons:

Athlein1 · Jun 3, 2004

Movin,

You can PM me if you want to get specific info on how I am managing. Here are a couple of thoughts right off the top:

1. You have to get time management down to a science. If you are a piddler, start working on changing those ways.

2. Listen to lectures in the car via tape

3. Listen to audio-digest to get broad-based info on specific anesthesia topics (better once you are more advanced)

4. Try to stay over at least once a week rather than commuting every day and night. Even one night saves a few hours and can help you catch up on sleep.

5. Clear your weekend calendar. Often, commuters who don't have the luxury of dedicated study each day have to catch up on the weekends.

6. Lower your expectations. Try to seek a balance between good grades, family time, rest, and sanity. You do not get extra credit for a 4.0. Learn what you need to learn, work hard, but do not kill yourself. You will be burnt crispy in two years otherwise.

7. Absolutely budget your gas, car maintenance, and travel snacks. It can get expensive. And, don't skimp on oil changes and routine maintenance. When you are racking up the miles (I am doing 120/day, every day), oil changes come up fast!