How far is your commute and how offten do you work?

pnkgirl25 · Dec 30, 2012

I was commuting from San Diego to LA several times a week and, depending on the time of day, it could easily take me 3 1/2 to 4 hours one way. Without traffic it took about 2 hours. I stayed in a hotel several nights a week so I didn't have to make that drive every day. I had to leave at 4:00 a.m. in order to miss the traffic on the way there, and wait until 8:00 p.m. to miss it on the way back. It made for some very long days. It's definitely doable, especially if it's your only option. But it's not easy.

Is it any better if you are working the 7p to 7a shift? Do they have fast past? What about taking the train in

Leonardo Del Toro, RN · Dec 30, 2012

I commute 7:30 hours to work. Of course I moved there but I still come home every other week and a half thanks to the rural hospital where I found work is all 12 hs shift. Of course my kids are big boys and my wife is OK with it. Times a tough right now is an understatement.

melmarie23, MSN, RN · Dec 30, 2012

commute is a half hr door to door and I work 2 12s a week

threre are 2 hospitals in my city but I commute to mine bc I prefer it more

thecool1Nscrubs2no · Dec 30, 2012

That's a good idea with the hotel, and for three days a week you can do it. I would opt for a hotel or something like the extended stay ones that sorta look like an apt( cheaper than some of the big chain hotels). Also talk with the manager on duty or head desk clerk at the hotel many don't mind working with nurses, you might even luck up with a discount. When I was in a traditional nursing school I commuted to my campus over a 100miles round trip per day. I stayed in hotels for rotations and 3 nights a week. I had classes five days a week. I worked every Saturday and every other Sunday. I did 16 hours on Saturday and 12 hours on the Sundays. If there is a will there is a way and you will. Continue to work towards the goals you have set for yourself. Also try to book six days at a time since rates can vary at the hotels. Also with in about 6-7 months of working there continue to place applications in of where you want to go, since you had said something about closer to home. If something comes up while you are working at that hospital as a possible interest in a position apply for it. Don't feel pigeon holed to a place even if you are new grad, if you get a job offer somewhere else that you want go for it. I wish you the best. Keep your eye on the prize and you will do just fine.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Dec 30, 2012

I am almost embarrassed to say now I work in a home office and my morning commute (in my slippers) is downstairs to the kitchen and then to the back of the house. But I've done years of the 50-milers and the thousand-mile weeks, and you just do what you have to do. I learned a LOT about interviewing from listening to Terri Gross and Ray Suarez on NPR. Books on tape/CD also make the miles fly by and I don't resent the drive time so much because I'm doing something I can enjoy and look forward to.

pbuttercups · Dec 30, 2012

I work about 45 min. away, 32 mi. one way. All highway...not too bad...never alot of traffic.

Rnkaren86 · Dec 30, 2012

I work 5 days a week and commute each day about 45 minutes each way it is tiring at the end of the day but worth it to live in the country. I am not a city type girl

Vishwamitr · Dec 30, 2012

For housing i would either rent a cheap hotel or look into area hostiles. It owuld only be short term...maybe a year until I can work out a better custody arrangment or get my one year of experiance and move closer to home.

They have built-in spell-check you know. Posts like these only make me wonder.

NutmeggeRN, BSN · Dec 31, 2012

3.5 miles one way minimal traffic....weekdays...and grateful everyday! Used to communte into an inner city for 11p-7a and do NOT miss that at all!!

Laboratorian · Dec 31, 2012

I just moved closer to my job.

Google maps says I am 2.1 miles away.

Laboratorian · Dec 31, 2012

That's a good idea with the hotel, and for three days a week you can do it. I would opt for a hotel or something like the extended stay ones that sorta look like an apt( cheaper than some of the big chain hotels). Also talk with the manager on duty or head desk clerk at the hotel many don't mind working with nurses, you might even luck up with a discount.

I know most hotels in my city do offer this or have a running agreement with local hospitals.

evieinco · Dec 31, 2012

I've been a nurse for almost a year, currently work in rehab at an LTC facility. My work is only 3 miles away from my home. That will all be changing in the next four weeks. I accepted a night position at a hospital that is 50 miles away. So my round trip will be 100 miles, 3 x a week. It's all highway, and takes about 45 -50 minutes one way, no traffic, but snow could cause a problem. I know they close the highway down at lease a few times a year but hoping I won't be working when it happens. If it does, then I'll deal with it then.