To those that have a long commute

Nurses General Nursing

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How long is your commute? How bad is it? I am a new grad and I am currently in a job I despise and really dread. I have an interview for a totally different type of RN job in a better setting that I think I will really enjoy. It is an hour and 20 minutes away, but off hours so not during rush hour or high traffic time. I think I will really enjoy the job, and my lease is up in 6 months so eventually I can move closer.

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6 months of commuting is not bad....I commuted at least an hour for classes, and sometimes almost 90 minutes for clinicals....did that for 2 years. I say go for it

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for me it would depend on the shift length/number of days worked to see if it was worthwhile or not.

currently my commute is about an hour +/- 15 mins depending on traffic. i work 1900-0730. i'm up around 1645-1700, out the door by 1730 and i get home around 0830. its fine for one or 2 days, but after 3 days in a row the drive home can be hell.

i declined a job offer on my dream unit b/c of this. it would have been about the same commute but working only 8 hour shifts. even though it was 40 hrs vs my current 36 the extra 2 days of commuting just wasn't worth it.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, DSU, Ortho, Onc, Psych.

I commuted about an hour & 20 minutes for clinicals and my work, usually more.

The only thing u have to remember is that u won't have time to sleep inbetween late/early shifts, and u will be doing that for 6 months.

If u get the job see if u can get someone to take over ur lease. I've done this b4 for work & it was successful.

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Specializes in ICU, Telemetry.

The rough part of that job will be if you work 12s. Say 1 hour to get ready, 1 1/2 to drive, not counting stopping for gas/food, and at least another 1 1/2 to get home. That's 16 hours out of 24. Even if you are one of those who can hit the pillow and crash, you're looking at probably only 6 good hours of sleep after you eat, get the mail, pet the dog, whatever. That can catch up with you, and if there's bad weather like this last week (my 25 minute commute turned into 90 minutes), you may just want to keep a "storm bag" in your trunk and plan on staying.

It's doable...I had a 2 hour commute when I lived in Atlanta years ago. You get books on tape (Ipod now) and some finger food like carrots to keep you awake. But you just need to plan for the days when the crap hits the fan, and you may need to stay over.

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Specializes in PP, Pediatrics, Home Health.

I have a bout a 30-40 minute commute but I LOVE the job and I gladly do it :)

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I commuted 1 hr 15 minutes for 2 1/2 years. The first 6 months was rough b/c I was on 12 hr nights and wld hit both rush hours. But when I went to 12 hr days it was alot better b/c you miss both rush hours. I would say it is very doable, and I also worked overtime alot. If it is a job you love it is totally worth it. The only reason I'm not anymore is b/c I'm getting ready to travel. Good luck!

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Specializes in pediatric critical care.

My commute is about an hour and 15 minutes one way, I've been doing it for 7 years. I LOVE my job, and moving closer just is not an option. I kind of like the peace and quiet I get during my drive in, no kids yelling, no dogs barking, etc. The drive home can be awful if you are tired ( I work 12 hour nights). I only work 3 shifts a week, I rarely work more than 2 in a row, and I am very strict about my sleep schedule, especially in between shifts. The drive can take up to 2 or more hours during a NE Ohio winter storm, and a few times I have stayed at the hospital knowing that if I got home I wasn't getting back for my next shift. I think 6 months is doable for you, if you have a dependable vehicle, and especially if you will move closer after your lease is up. Bring a snack, listen to a book, I always pick up a coffee. Good luck!

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

My commute is short, but I know several nurses who commute 1+ hours. They work 3 12s, and all have said both the job and where they live make it totally worth it.

My only concern with a commute that long is working nights - to me, it's touch and go driving home on my 25 minute commute, with regards to feeling too sleepy to be safe. No way I could safely drive an hour+.

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Specializes in Trauma, Burn, Crticial Care.

My commute is an hour to hour and half each way. I live in the Washington DC area.

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The reason I am considering this is to get off of the rotating shifts. The overnights are killing me. This would be for a day shift.

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Specializes in Trauma, Burn, Crticial Care.

It is do-able. I find if I leave a little earlier in the AM - even fifteen minutes, I can have less traffic. I drink my coffee and listen to talk radio and traffic(WTOP)! At night since I don't leave until about 8pm or later the commute is less.

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