Freaking out

Published

Soo, I am not intimidated by working in major cities, not intimidated by living there either. But I find myself back-peddling because Im scared to death of driving across the country by myself. I dont have anyone who can tag along.

My agency knows that I may have a MA license soon, and yesterday my recruiter asked how I feel about Boston, or Philly in Pa. Initially, I was jumping for joy. I would love to be in those cities on an assignment with hopefully extensions. But now that Ive had time to settle down, I'm freaking out over the drive. I am from HomeTown, USA. I am not used to crazy driving. The most excitement that I get on my daily commute is passing a tractor. Anyone else get this way? The furthest I have ever traveled is 700 miles and it was a pretty easy trek, no tolls or anything. But Philly is 1000 miles from home and Ill have to drive the turnpike. And Boston is 1300 miles. omg!

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Get your car shipped and fly. Easy!

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I wouldn't have done Cali to Boston by myself (I made my mom drive with me) because you go hundreds of miles with no civilization through deserts with no cell service. I drove from Arkansas to nh though. No issues. I planned the route ahead of time and only drove while it was light out.

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Or you could do what I was gonna do if my mom couldn't come. Offer to pay a friends return airfare and share a hotel room along the way. They get a free road trip!

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My friends are all married with little kids, I wont bother asking them. My only friend who is childless cannot take time off work/school. My parents will not go with me bc of health problems, and my sister is busy with her work and family. Sigh. I may look into shipping, but Ive heard it is very expensive.

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Go for it!! I traveled last summer and I went by myself. 1500 miles! The dumbest thing I did was watch one of those "cop"shows about a serial killer who happened to stalk his victims on the same highway I was taking. Jeez, I literally panicked. I called a friend who lived in that area and said that happened back in the 1970's.I was fine after that. Moral of the story is grab your bags and go have fun!

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Yea, I watch Dateline....seems like most ppl become victims on highway.

but really, I panic in heavy traffic and I panic with cars going 80 on a 5 lane Interstste. I cannot read an Atlas for crap, so if my Gps and backup #2 fails me, I am screwed! And isnt parking going to cost an arm leg in Boston and Philly? Oh, and dont ask me to parallel park! I am some 'travel nurse" huh.

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When I had to drive in the ice during the polar vortex crap, I called my hubby and made sure I had full coverage! The movie Secret Life of Walter Mitty really opened my eyes. Now, I was already traveling last summer, but still as nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. My older sister travels over seas by herself. I panick going to a grocery store at midnight. Traveling made me get over some of my fears.

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I just packed up my car and drove over 1000 miles from small town Alabama to Connecticut, a town outside NYC all by myself with nothing but my GPS and the Holy Spirit. I drove through Washington DC, Baltimore, Philly and NYC. It was an adventure, enjoy it and live life. Kung Fu chop anybody who bothers you.

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Specializes in ICU/PACU.

Driving across country is one of the best parts of travel nursing. One of my favorite things to do is be by myself, driving on the open roads. It's relaxing and gives you time to think. And if you plan it out, you can see some cool stuff on the way. The only thing that scares me is driving through snow, so be glad it's not yet that time of year! I have literally called my mom almost in tears due to driving in the snow lol. It scares me to death.

As for parking in the city, that's something to consider before taking an assignment! I haven't been to either city, but am pretty sure in Boston you don't need a car and will take public transport, so your company may not pay for parking at your apt complex or the hospital..ask first and consider the cost before taking an assignment there! I'm sure someone here as been to Boston or Philly so can be more helpful. Also if you are worried about the actual driving in the city, ask to be housed within walking distance to your hospital (if you take company housing that is). My last gig in Seattle, they wanted me to pay for parking at the hospital, which was crazy expensive, so I just lived within walking distance and walked to work everyday. I would drive around the city to get my bearings early in the morning when there was no traffic, just to feel more comfortable.

I'm from a small town too, with hardly any traffic. And big parking lots. Suburbia. Much different than living in the city.

You can do this! I completely understand what you mean though. Driving in bigger cities still makes me nervous, especially when there's all those one way streets. But you will get used to it.

Make sure you have triple A or something similar, GPS and keep a phone charger in the car! Travel light and keep your belongings hidden as best as you can.

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Drive! It is an adventure and adventure is part of why you are becoming a traveler.

Drive at the same speeds as everyone else and interstates become incredibly boring and safe. You don't have to take them though, the old main roads (now called secondary roads) are a hoot. They will take a lot longer but what is the rush? See the country in your Chevrolet. Don't worry about the time or distance. They have these really cool buildings with private bathrooms and furnished beds called hotels where you can stop for the night. Color TV even, but don't watch it - I've heard there are a lot of scary shows and movies full of made up stories about the dangers of travel.

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:)). I will drive it and allow myself plenty of time. The time to travel is getting close so now I am getting all these butterflies and sh!!t. Looking at GPS's now on QVC. Any recs?

I am working with another traveler right now and Ive been telling her my plans to ski, snowboard, SUP, bike etc when I travel to cool places. Well my joy turned into fear when she told me that if I hurt myself while on an assignment, or driving to assognment, and if the injury forbids me from working up to speed, like a fractured ankle, that I will likely get sued by agency for backpay of hours missed or breaking the contract. Knowing my luck, I will get hurt driving to new city and then owe agency beaux coup bux. But seriously , this does zap some of the excitement out of everything. Any of u hear of this actually happening?

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