Commute

SwansonRN · Dec 28, 2013

I don't think 3 hours is doable. I commute about 45 minutes, but I think an hour is the max I would consider. Working back to back to back 12 hour shifts with a 3 hour commute each way just doesn't seem safe.

Guests · Dec 28, 2013

How far would you commute for your dream job? I am interviewing for a job that would work two 24 hour shifts per week (its a fixed wing flight job). My commute would be 219 miles or about 3 hours into Houston. Anyone do anything like this? Think this is doable?

I did a 208 mile commute for three years... for something far less than a dream job.

It was 3.5 hours... or worse when the weather turned and the chain restrictions went up.

I would awaken, drive up, work my 12, sleep, work my 12, sleep, work my 12, drive home... sometimes I'd have to stop and sleep on the way home.

I did it because that's the only job offer I had and I figured I had to get my nursing career started somehow... I suppose having a job made it my dream job.

It was a long 3 years but it did finally get me to where I wanted to be.

VintageSwagger · Dec 28, 2013

I think it is doable... you are the only one who really knows if you (your family) can handle it or if it is worth it.

I had a friend who was in the same situation here in California. He said that he would rather commute to a job he loved than work at a job he could tolerate.

Also, I am sure you have researched it but keep in mind that a lot of these flight nursing companies require one on-call shift a month and/or require you to live within a certain radius. :yes:

Good Luck!

ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 28, 2013

Three hours? Yikes!

Is there anyway you could relocate to be closer? I cringe over the thought of an hour commute, but three hours? Doesn't seem safe. Plus, imagine all that money gas and car repair expenses eat up, it almost doesn't seem worth it.

But only you can decide if it is "doable."

imintrouble, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2013

Doable depends on you.

If the two 24 hr shifts a week were back to back, I don't see a problem.

ERRN324 · Dec 28, 2013

Well, thats the first thing, it is 24 hour shifts so its only twice per week that I would have to commute. The other thing that I am hoping for is to be able to work back to back shifts and that would make it worth my while. Think of it this way, if I have to go back and forth for one shift (48 hours), thats two shifts a week. That's six hours a week driving. If it was an hour away, and it was three 12

s a week thats still six hours a week. I am trying to convince myself that this will be ok. Thanks for all of your help.

RNewbie · Dec 28, 2013

For my dream job I would give it a try. Worst thing is it wasn't a good decision and you can just try something else. I know someone who drove 3 hrs twice a week for 2 yrs for a job, not even her dream job.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2013

How far would you commute for your dream job? I am interviewing for a job that would work two 24 hour shifts per week (its a fixed wing flight job). My commute would be 219 miles or about 3 hours into Houston. Anyone do anything like this? Think this is doable?

219 miles in 3 hrs? That seems ambitious- that would put you at an average of 73 mph. What is the speed limit in Texas? Is there no rush hour traffic going into the city? I'd say it would be doable if you worked back-to-back shifts and slept at a hotel in between.

I'm a fan of working close by. My first job was 2.5 miles from my first apartment and 6 miles from my current home. My current job is about 3 miles from my house. I had a per diem job last year that was 14 miles from my house and that was far enough.

Is moving closer not an option?

mtngrl, ASN, RN · Dec 29, 2013

Am I the only one wondering how you work 48 hours straight???????????

VintageSwagger · Dec 29, 2013

Am I the only one wondering how you work 48 hours straight???????????

They pay you to be there on site whether or not there are calls. You get paid to eat, sleep, workout, or go on calls.... every shift is different. Sometimes you work call after call others you don't. Just imagine it like being a fireman shift.

CrazierThanYou · Dec 30, 2013

I did a 208 mile commute for three years... for something far less than a dream job.
It was 3.5 hours... or worse when the weather turned and the chain restrictions went up.
I would awaken, drive up, work my 12, sleep, work my 12, sleep, work my 12, drive home... sometimes I'd have to stop and sleep on the way home.
I did it because that's the only job offer I had and I figured I had to get my nursing career started somehow... I suppose having a job made it my dream job.
It was a long 3 years but it did finally get me to where I wanted to be.

This is what I do now but my commute is a little shorter, 2 hours.