Hope I made the right choice

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Ive been working for the past 5 months as a med/surg nurse at a hospital that is one hour and fifteen minute drive one way for me. I got this job and started it right after graduation. I work 7p - 7a and by the time I clock out and get on the road I find myself drifting at times. Also this hospital is in a very very bad area and most of my patients are drug addicts and are frequent flyers.

So I decided to get something close to home. So I got a PRN job at a LTC right down the road maybe a mile and I took a position for a healthcare staffing agency that has contracts for all the local hospitals.

So Im hoping this was the right choice, I believe it was. Now I don't have to leave for work almost 2 hours early and I can stay awake on the drive home. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Oh ya another factor was Im starting school in October to go on for my RN.

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Safety first. I'm glad you will be safer in your travels to and from work. I hope it all works out well for you. Good luck.

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Specializes in ED, M/S, Pedi.

The great thing about nursing is that you have the ability to move and change. Trying out new roles in nursing is almost expected and the great thing is that if you do not like it there are many more opportunities out there waiting for you! Enjoy the extra time you gained back into your life!!

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Specializes in tele, med/surg, HH, cardiology,.

I think the key is what feels right in your heart. I have been an RN for 15 years, just went back to med/surg unit at a local hospital....geezzzz!!! I was doing HH before, income was not stable but I loved it. I went back to the inpatient setting to get stable income, it is nuts. I am nuts...but it feels right in my heart. NOT MY HEAD THOUGH THATS FOR SURE!!!!!!

Good luck to you..we are lucky in that there is so much diversity in nursing.

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Specializes in L&D, PP, Nursery.
Ive been working for the past 5 months as a med/surg nurse at a hospital that is one hour and fifteen minute drive one way for me. I got this job and started it right after graduation. I work 7p - 7a and by the time I clock out and get on the road I find myself drifting at times. Also this hospital is in a very very bad area and most of my patients are drug addicts and are frequent flyers.

So I decided to get something close to home. So I got a PRN job at a LTC right down the road maybe a mile and I took a position for a healthcare staffing agency that has contracts for all the local hospitals.

So Im hoping this was the right choice, I believe it was. Now I don't have to leave for work almost 2 hours early and I can stay awake on the drive home. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Oh ya another factor was Im starting school in October to go on for my RN.

I recently left a higher-paying job in which I commuted 45 minutes each way. I was drifting off also when I worked night shift. I am now about 15 minutes from work and sooooo much happier. I can get off work, go grocery shopping, get gas and still be home sooner than I was at the other job. Also, I don't dread night shifts as much as before because I have a much shorter drive home. I stayed casual at my other job for the extra money but commuting 1-2 days/month is alot better that 5-6 days/week! My paychecks are smaller but I'm alot happier now!:wink2:

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical.

Good luck with the new position. That drive home in the morning can be frightening, I think many of us know from experience. Also, best of luck in RN school!

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thank you so much for all the kind words. makes me feel so much more better. I am glad I got the experience. And I can't wait to get back in the hospital and learn more, just with a much shorter drive.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Psych.

I think the PRN job closer to home was a good idea, and avoiding the long commute definitely a wise move! But I think agency work with so little experience would be really tough - I have years of experience and couldn't take agency nursing! Can you look for a PRN or FT job at a closer hospital?

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I actually got a phone call today from a local hospital. they said they will be calling me next week for an interview when the LPN recruiter is back from vacation. so keep you fingers crossed.

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