I posted something similar on my state board but thought I may get more experiences here. Does anyone commute an hour away from home for work because they prefer the better work environment?
Do you drive home every day or stay in that area? For example, I am thinking of a 36 hr three 12 hr, days position. It would be ideal to stay in the area but I don't know how to work that out or if financially it would be beneficial.
Any experiences with commuting this far are appreciated.
I used to commute an hour and a half each way a few years ago. Via the train that is. What I decided to do was learn Spanish and refresh my sign language skills on the commute. If I was going to be on the train for three hours might as well work on self improvement. I also listened to alot of podcasts. I started listening to plenty of medical podcasts which made my commute go by fast and was educational and enjoyable. When I was at an interview a few weeks ago, and the ADON asked if I spoke any languages, I answered in Spanish as well as sign language. I thank my long commute for that! My new job is now an hour via public trans (if I had a car it would be 30 min) but looking forward to even more self improvement for this commute! I am in a masters program so I will more than likely just read the 2-3 chapters I am assigned each week, and do my studying on my commute. So just like a few other posters mentioned above - if it is a long commute, do not dread, just make it productive!
If a train was an option that would make it a much easier decision :)
Specializes in peds, allergy-asthma, ob/gyn office.
Many years ago I commuted 50 miles each way. It was just under an hour plus allowing time to catch the shuttle bus from the parking lot that was several blocks away. During orientation it was awful because I was working 12 hour shifts 7 a to 7 p. I often wouldn't get home till 8 30 p and then had to get up and leave by 05 30 the next morning. It was a long day, and I was young and single then. After orientation I worked five 8s.. eves, and we'll that sucked too. I was often asked to work a double and had to say no to a 16 hr day plus 2.5 hours extra for driving and catching shuttle. On those times I would work an extra 4 hours unto next shift.. which again made for some long days.
Many years ago I commuted 50 miles each way. It was just under an hour plus allowing time to catch the shuttle bus from the parking lot that was several blocks away. During orientation it was awful because I was working 12 hour shifts 7 a to 7 p. I often wouldn't get home till 8 30 p and then had to get up and leave by 05 30 the next morning. It was a long day, and I was young and single then. After orientation I worked five 8s.. eves, and we'll that sucked too. I was often asked to work a double and had to say no to a 16 hr day plus 2.5 hours extra for driving and catching shuttle. On those times I would work an extra 4 hours unto next shift.. which again made for some long days.
This hospital is set up the same way, there is shuttle you take the hospital. So, that would be added time. If I could figure out a way to stay in the area for 2 or 3 12 hr shifts, it would be wonderful. I don't know anyone who works there though.
Your tolerance for commuting is individual. Please take into consideration the additional travel time that may be needed for inclement weather, and the fact you might not get out after 12 hours.
Many of my positions required an hour each way. The ride home was brutal, as I was exhausted on the way back. I was always on top of the weather reports, but one morning fog developed..and I was lost and 2 hours late. One time snow developed on the way home, and I could no longer see the road.
Stay safe, best wishes, let us know what you decide.
Ideally, I would love to find a way to stay in the area and work my hours instead of commuting. There is not much, in my area, for opportunities. We have one healthcare system monopolizing the area.
I commuted for a little under 3 years. I used that hour and half a day to pray, listen to the radio, and for generally me time. I had two tween girls and a husband, plus I was doing MDS's so this time was the only time I had to myself.
Specializes in Healthcare risk management and liability.
I was recently headhunted to become the VP of risk management for a position in downtown Seattle. I had commuted to downtown Seattle for 25 years and it took between 45 to 120 minutes each way for my 27 mile commute depending on traffic and weather. I now live 50 miles north of downtown, so it would have been a 100 mile commute each day, and on the road in Seattle traffic for 4-5 hours daily. Since I will probably only work another 6-8 years before retirement, I decided life was too short and passed on the position.
Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.
I commute 45+ min each way. I find it worth it for me. I love my job. We are trying to find a way to move closer (hubby is only 15 minutes from my job). Oldest really wants to finish high school where he is. I guess I drive for a little while...
We have a nurse that works the weekends only (has a part time job in the town he lives) and he has a deal with a local hotel to stay overnight. I have thought about that too, but weekend traffic isn't bad.
I do what others do, I listen to the news or music. It's good unwinding.
MiaLyse, APRN
855 Posts
If a train was an option that would make it a much easier decision :)