Advice on Job Offer

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I am a BSN student that graduates in less than 2 months. I want to work in the NICU, but the closest NICUs to me do not have positions open. I found a hospital that has openings, I applied, went to shadow there, and interviewed. I absolutely loved it there and the interview went perfectly and lasted an hour. I am confident that I will be offered the position. However, the commute is 1 hour and 18 minutes. Relocating is not an option for me at all. I know that the drive would take a big toll on me, especially since 12 hour shifts are rarely 3 days on, 4 days off. Also, it is a New Grad Residency Program. Therefore, it would require me to travel there once a month for classes and skills practice for a year. This time is not including the mandatory call coverage. I feel like I would be exhausted and my mental health would decline. However, it is the job I have always wanted. I need some advice on whether or not I should take the position. I keep going back and forth with pros and cons and I don't think I can even decide. I want to do what is best for my mental health in the long run.

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Specializes in NICU.

If you could do it for two years, you would have the experience to find another NICU closer. I would do it and either get a hotel room for back to back days or befriend a coworker and crash at their place for the night when you work back to back. I work 3 on 4 off every week, so it is possible to get that schedule. 

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NICU Guy said:

I work 3 on 4 off every week, so it is possible to get that schedule. 

Possible but extremely unlikely. I worked a job with a long commute. Frankly, it was awful. It took a toll on me, my car, my house, my relationships. 12 hours shifts are rarely 12 hours. Bad weather is a thing. So are mandatory meetings and continuing ED. As a new grad it's going to be night shift for sure which carries an addtional set of challenges not the least of which is drowsy driving. 

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There are many other variables to consider. Do you have responsibilities at home?  Could the time be extended by inclement weather or traffic.  Will you be working nights? That throws off EVERYTHING. My personal max commute was 45 minutes. But I could get home  and fall into bed.

The key negative factor is mandatory call coverage. You could be called back in with very little rest. 

Best wishes, whatever you decide.

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Specializes in Occupational Health.

Commuting that far may not be an option with mandatory call coverage? Does the provider have a mandatory response to site time?

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Yes I was very open with them about my commute. The nurses on that floor have the option to do their call coverage while they are already there. For example, if I had to do 8 hours of call, I could do two sixteen hour shifts and get my call coverage in after my regular shifts while I am already there. They have already told me that if I have to do call on another day, that my commute would be okay with them.

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Specializes in oncology.
Bethany Rae said:

Relocating is not an option for me at all.

I worked with someone who really wanted a specific job but lived hours away. This person rented a very cheap apartment (studio) to crash in. Got them through to a better job of which they had the pick of. 

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Specializes in ICU.

I had a hard time with my commute after night shift which was a little shorter than yours. It's a big deal, and if you already know it will be tough, I'd say you should listen to heart. As some have suggested, you could find a cheap place to rent, a room, or even a nice coworker that doesn't mind an extra person a couple days a week. If it's your dream job, I'd say take it and figure out a way to make it work. Maybe later on if you love it there you might actually be in a position to relocate. Good luck!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

My commute to my job (that I really enjoy) went from 40 minutes (during traffic free covid) to over an hour once or twice. Those days made me change from 3-10 hour shifts (during rush hour) to the 12 hour day shifts (so, both commutes are not in rush hour). The long commute was really painful, even with the fancy car with the automatic cruise control.

When I got clinical hours a hike away from my house, I rented a hotel room for consecutive clinical days. But, my husband could surivive without me and we have no kids.

Spending nearly 3 hours every (work) day in your car is exhausting. Make sure your car is comfortable.

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