How far do you travel to get to work?

Nurses New Nurse

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Hey ya'll!

I'm a new grad, recently graduated this semester and I was wondering if I should apply to this position. It's an internship/ GN position for Med-surg, but the problem is that it's like 45 minutes away (i know some of you may say it isn't that long of a drive, but I think it's a pretty long). The internship is only 8 weeks long. I'm relocating and I've been applying to other places, but no luck! I don't have my license yet, which is probably one thing that's hurting me from getting a position. It's also no guarantee that I will get the position, but it's worth a shot. I'm trying to see if I should just wait until I get my license and see if I could get a job that's closer or just apply for this job that's 45 minutes away. I'm just curious on you all's opinions. Where I am residing now - it's a small city and doesn't take long to get from point A to point B. But, where I'm relocating, it's a big difference. How far do you all drive to get to work?

Thanks a lot!

Specializes in LTC/Skilled Care/Rehab.

I live about a mile from work. I walk there and back (unless I pick up a PM shift). It takes me about 10-15 mins. I would commute up to an hour as a new grad because it isn't easy to get a job. It took me a year to get a job after graduating.

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I just took a new grad position in NYC. It will take me an hour train ride + 20 minute subway/ walk. I think it is completely worth it.

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45 minutes is nothing. When I lived in LA it could be 1 Hr and 15 minutes drive 6 miles to work. Seriously made me mad. I hate stop n go traffic. Now I live about 40 miles from work, takes me about 60 minutes door to door. Its not a bad drive at all and its only 3 days a week. You get used to it. I dont think you need to relocate for a 45 minute drive but to each their own

Know what you mean, Creamsoda - used to commute from San Berdoo to O.C. & it'd take anywhere from an hour to 3 1/2 hours, depending on traffic/weather/accidents. Distance-wise, it was about 50 miles. The absolute WORST was Berdoo to Commerce - for a day shift position! Just brutal - 55 miles, average commute was about 2 hours, and my personal best was just about dead-on 4 hours one way. L.A. metro traffic is frickin' INSANE! :eek:

As per the OP's request - I'm currently driving about 22 miles one-way, with a transit time of about 35 minutes give or take (typically +-5 minutes, but can be worse.) A 45 minute commute's not terribly unreasonable for a seasoned "road warrior" - personally, given the job market I'd go for it. Like you say - it's an internship gig, 8 weeks & it'll give you a taste of what commuting's all about on top of some valuable floor time.

And, congrats on making it to "new grad" status! :w00t:

----- Dave

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Specializes in FNP, ONP.

1.8 miles. It's a three to four minute drive, or 12 minutes on my bike. My personal limit for a commute would be 15 minutes.

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Specializes in hospice.

It takes an hour to get to my office, but I do home hospice, so last month I drove over 5000 miles. I listen to Books on CD and time passes very fast. You can get them from your library for free. I love to drive.

When I was a GN, I got a job at a hospital an hour away. I worked the night shift and found it very difficult to get home. I remember screaming in my car trying to stay awake. If you will be taking a night position, I might move closer or nap in your car before driving home.

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Specializes in ..

My commute is about 2 minutes--that's if I take a detour and make myself a cup of tea before walking to my home office at the other end of the house!

It's a gamble... jobs are elusive. Do you think you'll get an offer for something that's closer? If you pass this up and you don't find another position, you have nothing to add to your resume. Many times those internships lead to job offers, so you should really consider it in spite of the travel time. As they say, a bird in hand...

But, if you do start this job, it's only 8 weeks in duration. Say you are offered another position, elsewhere, chances are you'll be at least a couple weeks into the internship; you could probably negotiate a start date after your internship ends--it shouldn't be more than a few weeks at that point.

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Specializes in Family Medicine.

0.9 miles.

I drive because I work the 3-11:30 pm shift and don't want to get kidnapped after work. Plus, I have a heavy bag. Also, I workout 5-6 days a week so I get enough exercise.

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Specializes in Pediatric Cardiology.

It takes me 15 or so minutes on the subway. I love not having to drive after a long day at work, just put my head back and listen out for my stop. I used to travel over an hour though so 45 minutes isn't too bad.

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Specializes in ER, SANE.

I travel 800 miles by plane, drive 45 min from airport to house, drive another 45 min-1 hour to work. I work 6 days on, 7 off so fly back when I'm off. I have been doing it for 6 months just to have a job. My family and I will move permantly in 4 weeks!! Whoohoo!! :yeah: So I will only have the 45 min-1 hour drive then, lol.

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Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.

I USED to live only about a mile from work; I often walked to and from.

That was nice for a while, but I prefer to commute. I drink my coffee

on my way to work and listen to my music; it's relaxing. =)

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Specializes in Rehab/LTC.

Takes me about 35 minutes to get to my public health internship. Being how the job market is now for new grads, I would happily drive an hour each way.

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Specializes in Acute Mental Health.

It takes me about 45 mins, most of which is highway.

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