How far would you commute for a hosp job?

Editorial Team / Moderator · May 4, 2010

My personal max is 50 miles, each way. I used to commute an insane distance -- like 90 miles each way -- and it almost broke me mentally. DC-area traffic, go figure. :) How far are you (theoretically) looking?

rchembunny · May 4, 2010

I don't think I would go beyond 50, either. When I think about how early I'd have to get up to get ready and commute to get to the hospital by 6:30 AM, followed by a 12-14 hour day, it seems like it could get old really quick.

Editorial Team / Moderator · May 4, 2010

It does get old. When I worked 7a-7p, I got up around 4:30a in order to leave the house by 5:30a to get to work. I work 11a-11p, and I'm out of the house by 9:40a -- there's a little less traffic at that time. But you know what? For three 12s a week, I can deal. :) I used to be a graphic designer, and I had to commute 5 days each week. Ugh.

GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN · May 4, 2010

I feel about 45 minutes (regardless of the mileage) is reasonable. Right now I drive 80 miles each way, but I actually like the job a lot, so it is worth it.

prinsessa · May 4, 2010

Up to two hours....

Ace587RN, RN · May 4, 2010

45 minutes. I travel 24 miles each way. 3 12 hr shifts a week. It's not bad but i wish it was closer.

iluvnoodles · May 5, 2010

no more than 1 hour drive...hospital jobs r difficult to find as a GN, so take whatever you can get your hands on.

krstxn · May 5, 2010

The drive should take 50-60 min w/ no traffic, but I have to give myself extra in case I hit traffic.. I think I will find a Starbucks nearby and sit and drink coffee until my shift starts. Im not really worried about the commute-- every job I have ever held and even nursing school was at least a 1-1.5 hour commute. I only ask because friends and family make stupid comments about "why cant I just get a job at xyz hospital down the street" or "I thought there was a nursing shortage" ... or experienced nurses I know saying "I had no problem when I graduated" one nurse friend I have even flat out told me she didn't believe me...I feel like telling some of these people wow..there is an office building by your house, why don't you work there instead of commuting all the way downtown, because that is acceptable to commute as long as your not a nurse, then you should work at the hospital right around the corner.

Yes I am venting... and if I don't vent here then my husband will have to hear it all over again for the hundredth time...ugh...

Editorial Team / Moderator · May 5, 2010

I like listening to audiobooks. Makes my drive very enjoyable! My drive takes about 55 minutes, but I give myself a little extra time, too. Some of my coworkers who commute about the same distance (about an hour) have gotten Sirius satellite radio, and love it. One of my coworkers almost had to pull over because she was laughing so hard at the comedy channel on Sirius.

Congrats on getting a job! It's tough out there, for sure.

ShannonRN2010, BSN, RN · May 5, 2010

I'll be commuting about 45 minutes one way. The max I would do would be a hour...I am pretty much use to the 45 minutes, I drive that to school now so...

krstxn · May 5, 2010

I like listening to audiobooks. Makes my drive very enjoyable! My drive takes about 55 minutes, but I give myself a little extra time, too. Some of my coworkers who commute about the same distance (about an hour) have gotten Sirius satellite radio, and love it. One of my coworkers almost had to pull over because she was laughing so hard at the comedy channel on Sirius.
Congrats on getting a job! It's tough out there, for sure.

I like both of those ideas.. I get bored hearing the same music over and over again. Those two things will def keep me entertained, thanks!