100 mile commute. Worth it?

Nurses General Nursing

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  1. Which offer should I accept?

    • 39
      Longer commute job
    • 36
      Shorter commute job

75 members have participated

Hello, I have been searching for an PRN ICU position in my area, while I am currently in school to finish my BSN online. I was offered a position for a ICU position PRN/Days at a hospital that is 50 miles away, 50-60 minute commute, one way. I have a 2013 vehicle that runs 28-30 mpg.

What I like about this position is that there are no weekend requirements (shifts are FCFS when scheduling), that I can pick up as many shifts as I desire, technically, beyond my required minimum of 4 shifts, and that I can still gain critical care experience.

I have another PRN offer which is Float (between med-surg and ICU) Nights, with a requirement of 8 shifts a month, with 3 weekend shifts required in it, and in which I would drive 15-20 minutes to work.

Considering my baby (aka my vehicle), me not dozing off on the road to and from work, etc. what offer should I take? I am leaning towards the longer commute one. Any advice or support from your experience would be so helpful! Thanks!

Specializes in OB.

I actually don't think that 50 miles one way is all that bad, when I read your title I assumed you meant it was 100 miles each way, 200 miles round trip. If the commute is a relatively straight shot with minimal traffic I'd go for it, it's just a PRN job that sounds like it affords you many other opportunities. The second option sucks, IMO.

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Half of us believe the OP should take a job that has been stripped of the benefits customarily associated with that type of position! SMH.

There's more than just mileage involved with that - there's the whole idea of them knowing the second that you accept the position that you are someone who can be taken for a fool. It starts before you ever walk in the door - they have you pegged as someone that is not going to require the usual and customary degree of consideration.

??

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After having done the long commute thing at one time in my life I normally am against them. Really against them. Then I realized that it takes me 50 minutes to do my 16 mile drive home and stop and go traffic is way harder on cars (and people) than a 50 mile highway commute. So given all the other factors (days, no contract, etc) I would seriously consider the prn ICU position.

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Half of us believe the OP should take a job that has been stripped of the benefits customarily associated with that type of position! SMH.

There's more than just mileage involved with that - there's the whole idea of them knowing the second that you accept the position that you are someone who can be taken for a fool. It starts before you ever walk in the door - they have you pegged as someone that is not going to require the usual and customary degree of consideration.

??

What one person needs or doesn't need in compensation is their own deal. Some people have benefits through a spouse or might be prior military and they prefer to have the extra cash. What's clear is the op is seeking jobs that are flexible without concern for benefits. The question isn't about which is the better deal. It's about which work situation (without benefits) is more appealing.

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Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).

In California and the Western US, a 50 mile commute each way is nothing! Lots of people commute much farther. I've done it, and I still have my beloved 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport. I also just enjoy driving, as many people do.

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What one person needs or doesn't need in compensation is their own deal. Some people have benefits through a spouse or might be prior military and they prefer to have the extra cash. What's clear is the op is seeking jobs that are flexible without concern for benefits. The question isn't about which is the better deal. It's about which work situation (without benefits) is more appealing.

Insightful.

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Insightful.

You literally called anyone who takes a job sans benefits a "fool".

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Actually you missed my point entirely. I've had my fair share of jobs with no bennies...the tradeoff is that they were completely flexible as these positions have historically been. The one mentioned in the OP is not.

I called no one a fool, literally. What I voiced is my concern for how employers may view nurses who accept positions that have been conveniently stripped of their usual defining characteristics. Geez, the whole paragraph was meant to be a bit of a caution, that's all. I don't think nurses are treated very well. I certainly wouldn't expect the chances of good and fair treatment to be any higher with a crappy job they floated out there to see who would bite. I'm sorry more nurses don't consider such things; I posted because I'm surprised they don't.

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You literally called anyone who takes a job sans benefits a "fool".

I didn't interpret it as such. I kind of had the same response. The requirements of the second option really don't fall in line with what most of us think as a PRN position. It really does sound like a part time position masquerading as PRN so they don't have to pay bennies. Only the very naive would fall for that or someone who doesn't care and just wants the job. It sounds really shady and I think that's what JKL33 meant.

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

I live 43 miles from my job. Wouldn't trade it for nothing!!!! It's only 3 days a week. If I wasn't married with kids, i could probably stay for the weekend. I work with someone that drive in Fri night (about 60 miles) and stays over. Works 12 sat and 8 Sun. he has a semi-FT job w/VA during the week but likes the bedside.

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Specializes in ICU, CCU.

I REALLY appreciate all the advice. I went with the ICU PRN, longer commute. The commute is mostly straight highway. I am not needing benefits at this time. I'm glad I can still gain critical care experience while I am working on my BS, then I will explore full time later on, but likely somewhere closer. The past year, I worked full-time nights, and my body just could not adjust. So I am looking forward to days. Thanks again guys!

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Specializes in ICU, CCU.

The manager told me that the schedule opens up at the same time for everyone for signing-up, but FT/PT employees will be considered first.

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