Commute Time

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I was wondering how long everyones commute to work is. If you have a long one, how do you manage it with 12 hr shifts? I think I may have a long commute (over an hour) to a new job soon until I am financially stable enough to move.

I am a consultant and I go to several different work places. The farthest is an hour away, fortunately this is only twice a month.

I find it helpful to have something specific (and inspiring) to listen to. Just random radio won't cut it.

I like TD Jakes.

I hope you have factored everything in and there is a good reason to drive this far!

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I've done this. My commute was over an hour for about a year and I hated it. I used to work 6 12's & an 8 to cut down on the amount of times I had to make the commute. The worst was after a nightshift or getting mandated after nights. Since they weren't moving the hospital I moved. It was really one of the best things I ever did. I don't know how I got home some mornings because I was so tired. I've had several friends crash because of this so be careful. Good Luck!!!

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Specializes in Adult and Pediatric Vascular Access, Paramedic.

Right now work is a 10 minute drive for EMS and 45 minute drive for nursing.

I just interviewed for a NICU job in a far away land and my commute would be 1 and a half hours, which I'm thinking will not be tolerable for too long, so I will probably say thanks, but no thanks. It would cost me 500.00 a month just in gas since it's 90 miles each way.

I kind of wanted to work there, but it's not worth it if I can't have a life/work balance because of the driving and money. After reading the posts of people who also have had a long commute, I know for sure I do not want that.

Annie

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Specializes in Hematology-oncology.

I live 35 miles from work. My radius limit when my husband and I decided to buy outside the big city was 40 miles. It's not bad, and I greatly prefer my drive to either A) paying for housing close to work and and giving up my small town home or B) working at the local hospital in said home town.

My drive in to work is easy. One of the nice things about working 7 am to 7 pm is that I don't have to deal with the rush hour nonsense (*massive* number of commuters from my area into the big city). I found a morning show I really like, or I listen to a favorite CD. On the way home, I decompress and rock out to my favorite bands. Having a well-maintained, gas-efficient car is a must. I wouldn't complain one bit if they created a light rail line though!

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45 minutes on a bad day, 35 on a good one. I find it rough, but I've been doing it, in variations, for 3 years. I plan my drive to 1) avoid the worst traffic and 2) get to work in time to take a 5-10 minute catnap.

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Thank you so much for your replies. I'm a new grad in a saturated nyc market and this job is my only lead so far. If I get it, I would be crazy not to take it but the commute will have to be temporary. I guess i will have to extend my nursing school exhaustion for a little while longer.:angrybird9:

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I guess i will have to extend my nursing school exhaustion for a little while longer.:angrybird9:

The problem is there's a big difference between nursing school exhaustion and commuting while exhausted. The latter can kill you or somebody else.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Absolutely no traffic (i.e. Sunday mornings) it's 25-30 mins door to door. Average daily commute is about 45 minutes but it is not uncommon for it to be upwards of 1-1.5hrs depending on traffic, road closures etc. Definitely not ideal.

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Specializes in Private Duty Pediatrics.

The hour-long commute with a 12-hour shift means 14 hours. In the winter, cleaning the snow off your car and driving slower when road conditions decline can easily mean adding at least another 30 minutes each way. Think 15 hours/day. At least.

So, if I want to try to get 8 hours sleep, that means I have 30 minutes in the evening before I have to be in bed ready to sleep, and 30 minutes in the morning before I'm out the door. That works for me for one or two days in a row, because you know I'm not going to actually sleep 8 hours/night under these conditions.

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Specializes in Adult and Pediatric Vascular Access, Paramedic.

To add to my previous post to the OP, I think if you have the option of moving closer within a reasonable amount of time, maybe a 3-6 months it might be doable.

Annie

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Specializes in Urgent Care, Oncology.

My commute TO work is 30-35 minutes. My commute FROM work is 45 minutes 2x/week and 60 minutes 2/x a week. I work two 8's and two 11's. I live in the suburbs and have to commute into the city limits to have a decent job.

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Door to door, about 15-25 minutes depending on traffic.

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