Commuting 1 1/2 to work???-- new grad

Dixielee, BSN, RN · Jun 26, 2012

If you are working 12 hour shifts, it really is 12 1/2 or more, then add commute to that and decide if you can do it. I have commuted an hour and it is rough. Since you are living with your parents, you may be able to stay in a motel for the days you are working if you can get your schedule arranged with your shifts together. Will you be working days or nights? It is very dangerous to add a long commute to a night shift.

Most schedulers will work with you if you are willing to be flexible. You may be able to work your shifts in a row if you agree to work every week end or parts of every week end.

When it all comes down to it, you may just have to go where the jobs are. I worked a travel assignment that was 5 hours from home once, and worked every other Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. That way my days were together, no overtime was involved because it was split between pay periods and I stayed in an extended stay hotel with a kitchen for the week, then drove home and had 8 days off.

It is doable, it just may involve a little creativity, and you will need your sleep. Don't discount that fact and as a new grad, you will have enough stress to deal with.

Good luck!

angel337, MSN, RN · Jun 26, 2012

i agree with the post above, but as you said it is really hard to get a new grad job now so even if you could do it for a year until something closer opens up or until you have enough for an apartment, it is probably a good idea to take the job. i wish you the best:)

Katie71275 · Jun 27, 2012

I think I would try for it.

Now, if you had said that you own your own home, then I'd have said no...Do you have any financial responsibility towards your parents(helping on mortgage, utlities, etc?). I know for me to commute 3 hrs total would be a nightmare and not feasible plus would eat up gas.

I like the idea of the hotel though! And you would come out probably about the same after you factor in gas and wear and tear on your car, and you would get enough sleep :)

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 27, 2012

If you have no other employment prospects, I would take the job and see how it goes. Since Harrisburg has brutal winters, you might have to use creative solutions when commuting during the colder months.

I've commuted 120 miles one-way (240 miles round-trip) to and from work because I was living in an area with a crappy job market. I was able to continue this routine for one year before I finally threw in the towel.

allnurses Guide · Jun 27, 2012

I would most likely go for it as well. I've had jobs with long commutes (time-wise due to traffic) and mile-wise, although weather isn't usually an issue where I am. I did my best to make the drive as pleasant as possible, by listening to music, audiobooks, etc. I stuck with the music and books that made me feel as peaceful as possible. :) Best wishes to you whatever you decide!

jaznia15 · Jun 27, 2012

I did an hour and fifteen minutes....lasted a year and gave up especially when gas went up. I admit night shift was the reason for this downfall, I couldn't drive home without stopping to sleep somewhere. Great hospital, after transferring I've been thinking about going back everyday. It has a lot to do with being in school for FNP and the hospital for which I worked was a magnet status teaching facility. The one I work for now is a small one where I pray for the patients who come here. I guess it just depends on what fufills you professionally. I still shiver at the drive if I do end up going back.

nurse2033, MSN, RN · Jun 27, 2012

Once you get a job you'd have money to move right? I would totally consider looking for a job anywhere and dealing with the commute short term while you come up with a long term solution.

live2run00 · Jun 27, 2012

Thanks for all the replies!!!! But yeah I have no payments while I live with my parents so I could afford a motel after working for a little bit! And I'm going to wait a little bit till I apply to geisinger! I applied to other hospitals a little over an hour away but I applied to only part time positions so after my orientation I would be only driving 3 times a week there! I currently have a long term boyfriend that has a job here but I am trying to convince him to move half way between my job and here but we will see how that goes! Nursing homes hire new grad RNs around here but I really want hospital experience and a good orientation! It seems people commuting far for work is becoming more common. I'm also doing online school to my BSN so idk with driving and working all the time if I would have time for school.

CherylRNBSN · Jun 27, 2012

I agree with all the OP. It's doable, and may be necessary.

I will warn you to be so very careful about getting sleepy while driving. I commuted for 6 months for 45 min. I did fine after my shift, but in the mornings, the highway sounds would just lull me and make me so sleepy.

One time after working a night shift, I literally fell asleep at a red light! It scared me to death, frankly.

I am applying for a position now 67 miles away. I will taking in some very serious caffeine in the mornings.

Praying for all our safety as we make these commutes before/after 12 hr. shifts!

FlyingScot, RN · Jun 28, 2012

There have been quite a few posts on this subject. If you do a search you will find lots of helpful information. You will also find out that the majority of people who have tried it wouldn't recommend it, myself included. There are too many variables out of your control. One of the biggest questions is the likelihood that you will be able to schedule your shifts back to back. As a new employee your scheduler may find this request annoying. Their job is to do what's best to fill the holes on the schedule to benefit the unit. They likely will not care or take into consideration that you have a long commute. It was, after all, your decision to choose a job that far from home. There are many, many other issues to consider. You would be much better off to rent an apartment in the city where the facility is. Commit to a year's lease and then re-evaluate. The "long-term boyfriend" at this point isn't really part of the equation. You need to do what's best for you. He needs to realize that and accept it.

live2run00 · Jun 28, 2012

Yes me and my boyfriend may move in-between Danville and Harrisburg! I just applied to Geisinger. I am going to wait and see if I get a call back before I start to search for apartments. I don't want to move out of my house but I really want a hospital job and its so hard to find jobs as a new grad so i'm probably going to have to.

Thank again for the replies!!