How long do you drive to work?

Published

I've already accepted a position at a local hospital and am supposed to start Monday (as a new grad.. although I have already passed my boards). The thing is.. I was originally contracted with the hospital and bought it out when I was told I would have to maintain 80 hrs/pay period for 3 years. With all I have going on.. I just want to be a .9 employee and do the 36 hr/wk and def don't want to pay them interest on all of that if I get to 2.5 years and have a baby or something and quit work all together. So anyway- I bought out the contract figuring I could do 36 hrs/wk. Now the manager of my unit says all new grads have to work 40 hrs/wk on their floor and after the 1st year IF staffing permits.. you can drop to 36. There's just been a lot of miscommunication and misleading information. :banghead:

I do have the opportunity to take a position in the exact area of care I want as a new graduate... the NICU! The thing is.. it's a couple hours away. My brother and his wife live there, and my husband and I plan to move there in May for him to continue his education. so I'm in need of some advice. Is it absolutely crazy for me to drive this once a week up and back in order to work there before we move... or should I just stick with the position here that I don't really care for just to keep things simple until May?! Am I being unrealistic? ANY help or ideas or tips would be greatly appreciated!

Specializes in ER.

I used to live 45 miles from work, then I got laid off. Now my new job is 13 miles with 3 12's. I'll drive as much in one week as I used to in one day.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

With what you've posted, I'd do it if it were me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER,ICU,L+D,OR.

My distance is almost 20 miles

Often I bike to and from weather permitting. Which in Texas is really a lot. Other days I take my EV car made by NMG that I just bought. It is so cute.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, Research, Corrections.

I think it is very "doable" if you work 3 days (or nights) in a row and have reliable transportation. I am working at a seasonal position and I have been doing this since November with no problems. I work 90 miles from my house and rent a room close to my job.

It can be a little rough on the marriage. You will be also stressed as a new grad; factor that into the equation. If it is your dream job, then go for it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER/Trauma.

I drive about 3 minutes in the winter (thanks to all the blessed traffic lights).

In the summer, I bike - or walk! :)

Yes, I live roughly a mile away from work.

And yes, I only fill my gas tank once about every 45 days...

cheers,

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Surg, Mental Health.

I'm lucky I think. I drove 2200 miles to work at a seasonal place in YUMA. I am Nights 7p-7a. I live 1.7miles by car from the back door. I can sleep into 6:10 PM and be on the floor early!! :coollook: I am growing tired of the medsurge area and am looking forward to another venture this next assigmnet. I think I am gonna settle down at the next hospital I feel comfortable with. YUMA is small. Not much of a chance to advance my degree (RN - MSN). Other wise I like the commute time. If this is a job that can help you decide if you'd like this area of work, then try it!!

You learn from trying. The smart ones learn from other's failed attempts :heartbeat

Thanks for the time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I live 60 miles from my job one way. I've been driving it now for about 7 years and I work the evening shift. The drive relaxes me and when I get home I am ready for bed. Driving IN is the hard part. I keep falling asleep at the wheel. NOT GOOD!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Operating Room Nursing.

It only takes me about 25 minutes to drive to work.

When I cycle it takes me about 40 minutes.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It takes me about 5 minutes, but if i was to find my dream job I'd be willing to drive a distance. I love to drive though. I find it relaxing and a nice way to unwind.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I know some of the nurses I work with work 3-12 hour shifts, stay with family or friends and then go home until the next group of shifts........they drive about 2 hours (in good weather) to home................take the new job and hope hubby could try to move sooner if possible! The hospital you are working for now could have a problem if you wanted to push it and there was a signed contract at hire but who wants to go there when you know you will be moving soon.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am not a nurse, (pre-nursing student) but my understanding from some other posts is that most places want to see that you made it through at least a year with your first employer as a nurse?

You already know there's some miscommunication issues with the first hospital. There's no guarantee you're going to be able to work 36hr/wk if you stay. May is less than half a year away, and you have plans to move closer to there anyway.

I would say, hands down, go with your dream job. Life isn't handed to us in a pretty little box with a bow on top, sometimes we have to make sacrifices. I can think of worse sacrifices to make for one's dream job than a long commute for the first few months.

Pursue your dream job NOW before someone else takes that slot. It may not be there in 5 months.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical-Surgical.

I start Monday as a new grad. I would have to drive 1 hour to work. I will be doing 3 twelve hour shifts at night a week & rotating every other weekends. It is totally up to you what you decide. I don't mind driving. It never bothered me. If you are not the type of person that like driving, then it's not for you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion