100 mile commute. Worth it?

[indomie23]

Hello, I have been searching for an PRN ICU position in my area, while I am currently in school to finish my BSN online. I was offered a position for a ICU position PRN/Days at a hospital that is 50 miles away, 50-60 minute commute, one way. I have a 2013 vehicle that runs 28-30 mpg.

What I like about this position is that there are no weekend requirements (shifts are FCFS when scheduling), that I can pick up as many shifts as I desire, technically, beyond my required minimum of 4 shifts, and that I can still gain critical care experience.

I have another PRN offer which is Float (between med-surg and ICU) Nights, with a requirement of 8 shifts a month, with 3 weekend shifts required in it, and in which I would drive 15-20 minutes to work.

Considering my baby (aka my vehicle), me not dozing off on the road to and from work, etc. what offer should I take? I am leaning towards the longer commute one. Any advice or support from your experience would be so helpful! Thanks!

[RachelP_CRNA2B, BSN, RN]

I commute 30 miles each way 3X a week...living in a metropolitan area, a commute is very common actually. I used to work 10 miles away from my home in a small ICU and, let me tell you, the only thing I actually miss is the extra sleep 😋 During my job search, I was willing to drive longer distances if I found a job that met the criteria I had set. I don't get compensated for my commute, but I have great benefits, am in a large teaching hospital, am getting continuous education, and am in a very high acuity ICU, all of which were on my "dream" list. Also take into consideration if you plan on staying at this job long term versus short term, if there are contractual obligations, etc. prior to making a commitment.

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

Geez. I work 10 shifts a month sometimes at my full time job. But that commute would be awful. They both kinda stink.

[Orion81RN]

I picked the longer commute bc 1) I have done it on days. Same thing. 50 miles, 50 minutes to an hour drive to and from. It was for a private duty, relatively acute case that I loved. It was worth it for me. I had a few options 15 minutes from home, but the cases weren't acute enough for me to "keep up my skills" for when I decide to return to bedside.

I don't normally like offering advice in situations such as these bc everybody's wants and needs and finances are so individualized. But, if you are looking to gain, or keep, your experience in ICU, then I say work the strictly ICU until you can get hired closer to home.

Best of luck!

[chacha82, ADN, BSN]

Since you asked....NO. A PRN position in order to gain exposure and experience in a new area is not a bad idea, but it's not worth a 100 mile commute. That position takes away from time for your BSN and free time that keeps you rested and sane.

[Eris Discordia BSN, RN]

Throwing my experience in. For several reasons, I commute 110 miles ONE WAY for my PRN job. That's a 1 hour and 45 minute drive one way, so a 3 hour and 30 minute round trip. It is completely straight interstate the entire way, zero city driving. I work two shifts a week (a 12 and a 16).

It's long, it's boring, but it is very easy and tolerable and my car is a work horse. And for many reasons, at this time in life, it's worth it and it's not the worst thing on earth.

[Froggybelly]

My current commute is pretty similar to your first one (same amount of time, shorter distance). It was rough when I was working shorter shifts because I was making the commute 4-5 times per week. I did that for several years and the afternoon commute would frequently stretch to 80-95 minutes because it was during rush hour. I bought a hybrid for he fuel efficiency, but between the mileage and car payment, it's it worth it. Now, I work 12s and though my days are long (15 hours from leaving the house to getting home at night), the commute feels relatively easier and it's only three days per week.

That being said, if I could make the same money at any of the hospitals that are near my house, I'd transfer. Take the short commute. You'll thank me in the long run.

[caliotter3]

Take the short commute. You'll thank me in the long run.

From experience, Froggybelly has the right idea. Over time, the short commute, even in spite of pay disparity, makes itself worthwhile in ways which can not always be measured in dollars.

[Munch]

If the commute is your only concern I would take it. 50 miles isn't so bad. I commute daily from the suburbs to the city 45 minutes to an hour each way. Most of the time I take the train though do to traffic. But on days I take a PM shift I drive in and its not bad I actually find the drive enjoyable.

[ChristineS2004, MSN, NP]

Yes, the longer commute would suck, but you can work when you want too. I commute 62 miles for my first job to get the experience, and worked for 6 months and than got a job close to home after. Now I can get a job anywhere. Good luck. I always believe that what is meant to be will happen.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

If it's just about the commute, take the closer job.

If it's about the shift, the patient population or other intangible benefits, pick the job that calls to you.

If the commute is the only reason you're hesitating about the furthest job, consider that after you've been working there for awhile you'll get to know people. Someone may have a spare bedroom that you can use. Drive to work on Monday, work Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and stay overnight in that spare bedroom. Then drive home after Wednesday's shift. I know many, many people who have made that work for them.

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

The shorter commute prn job has so many requirements that you may as well be a scheduled employee. No way would I take a prn job that requires 3 weekend shifts a month. Unless you want to pick up double shift on a weekend you'd have to work every other weekend anyway just to meet the prn requirement.

[Leader25, ASN, BSN, RN]

three weekend shifts in a schedule , no way !