How far did you travel?

Nurses New Nurse

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I have accepted a position at a major University Hospital. I will be working on a unit that has a mix of 3 different units...ortho/uro/dermo. I am very excited. I live in a little hick town, so was well aware that no matter where I work, I would have to drive...My drive will consist of about 1hr 45min to get to work. I chose a shift that will allow me to make it during the winter months, by allowing time for roads to have cleared(somewhat)...I chose an 11a-11p shift. The hardest part of all is the first week is central orientation, which means being away from my son the whole week, as they pay Salary and I will not receive my first check until 10/1...(starting 9/8). So to cut cost, I will be staying at a friends house that lives in a suburb. My husband is very excited and clearly "blinded" by the money. I just wish he would show a little bit of whatever about my not being here all week! I am truly excited, this is such a great opportunity, one of the top hospitals in the country. How far did you drive for your job?

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I did a 1 hour 15 min drive for a year and couldn't take it, it wasn't worth it. It's great that you have a place to stay to help out. Would your husband consider moving closer? 12 hour shifts and a long drive on top of it is an accident waiting to happen.

best of luck

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

I currently drive 70 miles ( about 65-70min) one way to my job. It isn't so bad, sometimes I can even find it relaxing. It can be a little rough if you are tired though. There are many closer hospitals but none have pediatrics which is what I really wanted. However I am not married/with kids so I suppose that makes it easier for me. I am planning on moving closer to the area within the next few months though because I work very random shifts and it wont really work come winter!

I think the commute will be worth it for you if this is something you are really interested in, and it's also a big plus that you have someone to stay with to help cut gas costs! Like the previous poster said, if it turns out to be too much, could you possibly relocate?

Good luck with the new job!

Brittany

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Specializes in Transplant/Surgical ICU.

10 minutes! Los Angeles is too jammed for me to be able to tolerate an hour drive, plus gas is expensive and I am not accustomed to taking public transportation. So, I am fortunate to live close enough to not have to sit in traffic for hours but far enough to not have to feel as though I live behind work.

I don't know how you do it...

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We have no "real" desire to move closer, we love the little town we live in, we have talked about renting an apt. somewhere in-between, that way when I work weekends my husband and son can stay there so I can see them. My son is 4 and has expressed how he doesn't want me away that long, and why can't I just stay home. I grew up on welfare and vowed I would never put my child through that life, and I love nursing, so I know I made the right decisions, I guess I am just needing to know that it will be ok. That I am strong enough for this journey I am going to take. I feel like in some ways that I am letting my son down, like I'm not a good mom. I don't know, I guess I am just confused...anyone else feel like that? thanks for reading my nonsense! and thanks for your input.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, ICU, OR, PACU.

Most of my poisitions as a hospital nurse required at the minimum of 45 min to 1 hour 1/2. Nowadays, I live 5 minutes from the building I run, and am LOVING it!!

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Specializes in CNA/CMA in LTC.

I live rural and will drive 60 miles one way with minimal traffic. I will do 12 hour shifts so it will be fine! We are considering moving but our mortgage would be 5x as high! (my house was 20,000!) There are no jobs within 15 miles and the close ones pay next to nothing!

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Specializes in Transplant/Surgical ICU.

LylesMom, you will be okay. And don't ever think as your self as a 'no good mother!' You are working hard to make sure you provide the basic amenities of life for your child, and there is nothing wrong with that! Plus, you work 3-12's right? So, you have 4 full days to spend with your son. Not a lot of mothers have that luxury!! Be proud of yourself :yeah:

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40 mins each way......and its the winter that does me in.......so after 7 months have decided to transfer to their satelite closer to home.....where the commute will be 10 mins:D

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is a train an option? I liked taking the train even if it was an hour because it gave me time to read and relax on the way home.

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I wish a train would be an option, but living in rural Iowa...no such luck.

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Specializes in ER/Critical Care.

I was commuting an hour each way for a year. But with gas prices going up, and a few scares on the road (blinking and opening my eyes WAY further down the road than I should have; having to pull over and take little naps on the side of the highway just to make it home) I wimped out and got myself a little apartment about 10 minutes away from my hospital. Even with the extra rent I'm still saving money with gas. I don't think I'll ever do more than a half hour commute after this just because I am SO tired at the end of my shifts (but then again, I'm a bit of a wuss).

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