To Commute...or to Settle

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Im at the point in my Pre-reqs that I am starting to look for Nursing Schools in my area. I am looking for some sound advice from Nurses that been there done that. I will be done with ALL my Pre-reqs in two semesters for the Nursing Program (BSN) i currently have a 3.5 GPA and will be taking the Hessi in November (dilema) i have had to retake a few courses due to me not being focused in the beginning (not looking for sympathy) i sucked it up and re-took the courses to boost my GPA and my school allows for 3 retakes in Math, English, and/or Science TOTAL so im good to go but i spoke with my nursing counselor who told me id have a better shot of getting in my school's ASN program b/c of the competitive BSN program (due to my retakes). SOOOO there is a good chance i wont be accepted in my school's BSN program but will be in the ASN program. THREE of my friends from school were denied entrance in our school's BSN program (because of this) but were accepted into ANOTHER SCHOOL'S BSN program with much lower GPA's. Only problem is this school is a hr and a half away. Im a mother to a 3 and 4 yr old and wanted to know from others that had to commute (if this should be my fate) if this would be realistic for me having to commute. I guess what im wanting to know from parents that had to commute for a nursing program..how were you able to manage children, school, and personal life. Or should i just do the ASN program at my school then do the BSN track later. By the way my school is about ten good ole minutes from my house. HELPPPP..im a planner and just want to know what others had been through as far a commuting to school with children. Thanks so much for the time invested to read my thread and taking the time to reply. Lots of Love. Be Blessed.

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Specializes in Cardiac Stepdown, PCU.

Personally I would apply to Both the ADN and BSN programs that are local to you, as well as the commute BSN program. If it turns out you get accepted to only the ADN or the commute BSN I would personally pick the ADN and then bridge to BSN after. I couldn't spend 3 hours in a drive a day on top of my classes. That is a lot of gas you have to figure into the cost of school. And clinicals! Could you imagine 12 hour clinical days + commute time?

Take a look at your area tho. Are there hiring programs for new grads? Are new ADN grads being hired? Are you willing to work outside a hospital setting until you hey that BSN? Would potential employers be willing to hire you knowing you are working/enrolled in a BSN program?

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I agree with immortalessence, apply to all of them and see from there. But an hour and a half commute is quite long one way. For me, it isn't worth the gas money. I wish you luck on applying!

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Thanks for the replies and yes starting off i do not have any type of job preference besides being SOMEBODY nurse ill start WHEREVER thanks for the perspectives its just i got my eye on professional nursing and getting my masters so to go into an adn program after completing all my pre reqs for the bsn just seems long winded but having a long commute with small children prob wont be the best..there is light at the end and ill will get there one way or another thanks so much

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