Commuting opinions

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Specializes in Ortho/Med-surg.

I finally was offered a hospital position despite my new grad status-- the problem is that hospital is 65 miles away. After months of applying to the numerous local hospitals (I live in the Chicagoland area) and not hearing anything I finally decided to apply to hospitals further away assuming I'd relocate. My plan was I'd come back to the city after about a year once I had RN hospital experience under my belt. Well, a major event recently happened in my life that'll make relocating very hard at this point ( 3 days after I was offered the job). I'll be working 3-12's on nights. My new plan was to stay at an area hotel on the days I have to work back to back (Probably once a week). Some hotels actually offer deals to people who work at my hospital so I'm thinking I wouldn't be the only person that is doing this.

I'm currently not working, so a job is better than no job. I'm also dying for RN hospital experience. My friends all think I'm nuts but I've hadn't had any other offers (In addition to hospitals I've applied to home health agencies and some LTC). Any thoughts or opinions on this? thanks for your input!

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I don't have experience with commuting but I work with plenty of nurses that do. Although it isn't ideal, I would think that it's realistic for this economy and situation us new grads are in. By the way, I'm considering moving back home (I relocated to accept my current position) and commuting just about the same distance as you. :) Congrats on your job.

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I live in a big city where theres a lot of hospitals around to apply for jobs. But with today's economy, a lot of my classmates have relocated or have applied at further hospitals just so they can start working or gain some experience. I have friends who works 50 miles away from their home. They would rent a room monthly and stay there for three days straight and come back down to spend the rest of their 4 days off at home. And after 7 months of experience, some are going back to school and applying to hospitals in the city.

I say go for it. After you're done with your 12 hour shift for the day you'll be tired and would just want to rest anyways. Any experience would be great. You're not alone. A lot of other new grads and experienced nurses are commuting to work.

Congratulations on your job!:up:

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The milage is less important than the drive time. I'm rural, many people I work with have a commute time of 45 to just under 90 min. (Rural, mountainous area). Most everyone does 12s and just do the drive. Try to carpool if possible, it makes the trip much faster, even if it's for only part of the drive. Good Luck.

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

i know lots of people who have done the commute thing -- three days in a room near the hospital and then home for their four days off. most of them thought it was well worth the commute. i'm hoping you find it so as well.

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Specializes in Flight, ER, Transport, ICU/Critical Care.

I would take the job.

No question.

Just get super duper organized and do 3 in a row and it will be a snap. You will even find that you will not have interrupted sleep (do to house stuff). I always just made sure I had my uniforms pressed and all things ready - kept a bin with "just in case" stuff in it for the trip - had a hotel with small refrigerator/microwave and planned a meal or two for the trip and it was very do-able.

The experience is everything and in the "new grad" market of the moment - I'd say you are a bit lucky from what I have heard.

Do not try to socialize on your work days - do not let anything keep you from rest and being prepared for work. Also, ear plugs to cull the noise.

Good Luck.

Congrats!

;)

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