soon to Be RN and no job YET? Commute?

kwvath · Mar 10, 2009

I commuted 46 miles for 2 years to my ICU job and it was a great chance for me to energize, gather my thoughts, and get ready for the day/night. On the way home, it gave me a chance to defuse and leave work at work before I got home to my wife. Had a similar situation as yours and I think I did have a better experience there. Only problem was gas prices. That can be a significant budget chunk. Also, I am a buckeye myself and know that OSU is an excellent hospital and you will probably get a much better "first-experience" there rather than at a podunk facility. Nothing against podunk facilities but may not be the best spot to get your wings. Best wishes and go buckeyes!

zoo*moon, BSN, RN · Mar 10, 2009

i moved away from my husband and kids for a new job. you won't believe my commute-- 2 1/2 hours away (120 miles). crazy? yeah. it has been really hard. but i did it for the new experience.

so, no kids yet? go for it? (the miles sounds good to me right now.) unless you can find something closer. there are a lot of rns that commute 45 min to an hour, even an hour and a half where i work. a larger hospital should provide you with better experience.

i'd wait a year though before trying for a family. get at least a year's experience first. just my opinion. it's a lot harder to manage childcare and commute too.

gelousstudent · Mar 10, 2009

Thank you! I know the gas prices have come way down, but I guess I look at my oppourtunity around here and it is AWEFUL! Our hospitals are called "bandaid hospitals" it is soooo bad! I don't know. I drive an SUV so I thought may I could get a smaller car (if affordable) to commute. So much to think about. Then we are throwing the chilren thing in there as I am 30 (type I diabetic for 25 years and my husband is 33. So we feel it is time, but who knows. I LOVE columbus but my husband is still hanging on to his job here and has been there for 10+ years. . So we won't move. I know most commute 30-40 min and that would not be bad, but is it true that employers ASK how far you drive and that will base their decision on hiring you?

tdern · Mar 10, 2009

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! :yeah: I drive an hour, or 54 miles, one way to work. I work 12 hour shifts. I sold my big SUV and bought a little gas sipper, so I can get to work on a tank of gas every week and I have a ten gallon tank. I have driven this for almost two years now. The drive sometimes is great, giving me time to gear up for work, or unwind. Then sometimes, I'm really tired, or the weather is bad, and it gets to me. I love the people I work with, which presents it's own problem. Who do you hang out with alot of times? Yeah, coworkers, but I live an hour away. If they have a party or go out, I'd love to go but can't stomach the thoughts of adding another driving day to my week. There are no job openings within a 40 mile radius of my home, so I really don't have a choice at the moment. For the most part, the drive gives me time to catch up on phone calls, hands free of coorifice, or just enjoy the scenery, I live in the country. Your first year in nursing is a reality shock, to say the least, so the fewer new things you have to deal with, the easier the transition from student to nurse will be. Good Luck!!

hellerd2003, RN · Mar 10, 2009

I know most commute 30-40 min and that would not be bad, but is it true that employers ASK how far you drive and that will base their decision on hiring you?

I don't know about the area in which you are, but I was hired in another state, and no one questioned the state driver's license when I filled out my paperwork. By "another state", I mean 1000+ miles away. As long as you can get there, you should be ok.

If they ask you how far you drive, tell them you will drive as far as necessary for you to work in an environment that makes you the best nurse you possibly can be, and that supports your growth as a nurse. Shows you'll go to any lengths, and turns the tables on them.

FlyingScot, RN · Mar 10, 2009

I wouldn't give up on the local hospital just yet. The Columbus market for new grads has mostly dried up. Plus we have a multitude of nursing schools churning out graduates...many of whom have interned at the hospitals you will be applying to. I'm not trying to discourage you and by all means apply in Columbus I just don't want you to be horrifically disappointed. Feel free to PM me for more information should you like.

AOx1 · Mar 13, 2009

If you work there, you may find others who commute and with whom you could carpool.

gelousstudent · Mar 28, 2009

Ok - SO I have done "some" research. The local bandaid hospital is not hiring as of right now. They are making so many cuts due to the economy. It has been so bad they have cut UNit secretaries and PCA's and RN's on the same floor = SO this seems so unsafe to me. I understand that you will have those days where it is AWEFUL with the work you have to do and the little time, BUT I am afraid if I jump into this I will dread my nursing career forever! I have been looking in Columbus for jobs and it looks like a few have openings. How do I apply and how can they give me the job so soon as I dont' graduate until June? How does this process work? I know I can apply online, but how can they hire me if I don't have my license yet? Any thoughts? You think a HUGE hospital is a MAJOR shock to a new student who is used to the small 15 bed hospitals? I love new things, but I feeel this is a big decision and I need all the input from those that have been there!