Hello forum! Been lurking on this site for a while now and finally decided to make a post to see what you guys would think of the situation here...
I'm about to finish my program in a few weeks and received my only job offer not too long ago. It's a temporary position until next June. Given the current job market these days, I didn't hesitate and accepted the offer right away.
Now the job is located about an hour and half away from where I live. Not entirely sure if it's doable to drive that long for 8 months? I'm not inclined to relocate mainly because of the housing situation in the new place as it's pretty hard to find a place for a single person in the new town (most rentals are for the entire houses and they require leasing). However I might change my mind depending on other factors I'm not seeing right now.
Everything else about the job is ideal for me; it's in an area I want to work in, the hours I will be getting is great and the facility/staff is really nice etc.
Would you drive an hour and half for work? What are some concerns during the winter? Or should I relocate?
@vintagemother and @akulahawk, have you ever seen the show "Iceroad Truckers"?
Depending on where in Alberta, the OP lives, there are days those roads are what we drive on. Trust me 1.5 hours in good weather can rapidly turn into three hours, easily. I live in a major city, and with the first snowfall there are days my 30 minute crosstown drive can turn into just under two hours.
Road maintenance here, for lack of a better word, sucks.
Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.
@vintagemother and @akulahawk, have you ever seen the show "Iceroad Truckers"?
Depending on where in Alberta, the OP lives, there are days those roads are what we drive on. Trust me 1.5 hours in good weather can rapidly turn into three hours, easily. I live in a major city, and with the first snowfall there are days my 30 minute crosstown drive can turn into just under two hours.
Road maintenance here, for lack of a better word, sucks.
I did note that the OP does not live in my area. I don't know about living in Canada. However, I still think that her decision should be at least partially based on the ramifications of not setting up her career properly.
I'm pretty sure Canada and Cali aren't similar with regard to both economics as well as commute.
But, I stand by my post, that a person should consider the long term effect on career for choosing a certain site/facility / specialty.
But to be honest with you, I think Cali is unique d/t our 1) large amount of new grads and 2) our ease in commuting d/t freeways and lack of snow.
Canada is likely quite different with regard to climate.
But I wanted to put a heads up out there to the OP just in case Canada has economic conditions similar to California. I wouldn't presume to know a thing about the Market for new grads in Canada.
If the market is sweet for new grads, she can definitely hold out for an opportunity closer to home.😀
Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.
My purpose, sometimes , on AN is to provide sage advise for new grads. I know I perused AN r/t info for new nurses. I just want to provide helpful info.so that a person isn't blindsided!
I've been a member since 09, started prereqs in 2010. Became a Cna in 2011, and Lvn in 2013, and prayerfully an RN next year. The info in this site was basically my only way to learn about the realities of nsg!!😀
If I lived in California, the hour + commute would not be as draining and dangerous. Snow, ice and temperatures of -30 some days are major considerations for us.
Agreed, sometimes new grads have few options for work. However, renting a room, a motel or relocating would probably be wiser options.
If I lived in California, the hour + commute would not be as draining and dangerous. Snow, ice and temperatures of -30 some days are major considerations for us.
Agreed, sometimes new grads have few options for work. However, renting a room, a motel or relocating would probably be wiser options.
To the OP: As long as your work days are done in one continuous block, I'd recommend doing this as well given your commute issues. I know that in California we don't normally face the extremes that can be found in Alberta, but we do have our own troubles from time to time. Where I live, we can get fog that is so dense that we can't see beyond about 10 feet. That can (and has) changed a 90 minute drive into a 4-5 hour one. Those of us that have longer commutes, no matter where we're from, usually aren't a stranger to on-the-road challenges that come up after we've left for our destination.
Thanks for the input guys! Finally got a place in town and did the drive myself there and back for the first time last week..indeed, it was a good decision that I got a place there! Although had I lived in cali, it would've been a different story
Fiona59
8,343 Posts
@vintagemother and @akulahawk, have you ever seen the show "Iceroad Truckers"?
Depending on where in Alberta, the OP lives, there are days those roads are what we drive on. Trust me 1.5 hours in good weather can rapidly turn into three hours, easily. I live in a major city, and with the first snowfall there are days my 30 minute crosstown drive can turn into just under two hours.
Road maintenance here, for lack of a better word, sucks.