Job prospects

Specialties NP

Published

Specializes in Med/surg, Tele, educator, FNP.

Hello, all , so I have a new opportunity to work in ER as a NP, 12 hours *****, double the money I make now with full benefits. I currently work as at a FQHC a few miles from my house, the hours are 2, 10s and 2 8s, 1 weekend a month with full benefits. The ER is 90 miles 1 way away, but I would get more time off during the week and may have a more challenging job.

I became a NP to work in ER but have found it hard to find an ER job due to very little experience in ER. Now I have this job offer because its so far and I think no one wants to drive. Should I take the ER and quit the FQHC? I find myself bored at the FQHC and the admin is challenging to deal with. I am not sure if the convenience of being so close to home beats the more money and more flexibility. What do you all think? any input appreciated.

PS: I am married with 1 child, no plans for more, babysitting is not an issue

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Double the money? Heck yeah. Sounds like you found a killer offer in a dream specialty.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospital medicine; NP precepting; staff education.

If the commute works for you, go for it? My organized self would make a list of pros and cons to see the benefits and disadvantages in print.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you really want the job, consider clustering your days and sleeping where you work for a day/night or two. I know people who have done this and it paid off big time. Also, after you get experience, there are places desparate for ER help and paying well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

90 miles one way. In the ED you usually rotate shifts and coming off a 12 hour shift driving home can be rough - plus if you live in the snow belt may be dangerous. As an RN I had a job that was 34 miles one way and I worked nights and it was awful driving home sleepy and I hated the drive even though I loved the job. When I was looking at NP positions I had an offer from a facility 1 hour away and I did the math. Account for the hours in commute, the depreciation/wear and tear on the car and the cost of fuel and that added up over time - plus in the ED you are going to lose weekends. Too bad you cannot try it out part time and keep your current job just to see if it works.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

94 miles is quite far in good conditions/no traffic. Do-able for some, especially if you cluster your days. However, it is far and I might consider it too far if traffic and weather are also going to cause significant delays. Is there any possibility of moving closer to work? Maybe not right away, but if you love the job and think you'll be there long term? Maybe you could stick out the commute for 6 months or so and then start thinking about moving closer? That being said, I realize this may not be easy considering your child, school systems, your spouse, etc.

The reason I focus on the commute is because to me it seems to be the only barrier. Everything else sounds perfect - better pay, in a specialty you like, good benefits. If it were me I'd try to make it work, but I am also unmarried with no kids. Best of luck and keep us posted! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Years ago I had a job that was 55 miles away, one hour drive as hard as you could go, with no weather or traffic issues, and it was worth it due to the quality of life at that hospital, but much further than that, and I am not sure it would have been a good thing. 90 miles is over 3 hours a day in the car. Four days a week, and that really starts adding up. I think I'd hold out till something closer came up, unless where I was at was horrible.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

way too long of a commute IMO. do a pro/con list, if you dont mind the long drive, go for it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment