Looking for opinions...

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Cardiac ICU/SICU/MICU/Trauma ICU.

I didn't know where else to put this, so I'm posting it in the general discussion. I'm in somewhat of a situation. A little history: I worked as a phlebotomist for 2 years, nurse tech in medical intensive care unit for a year, then worked as a surgical ICU nurse for 3 years. I've been working as a clinical liaison for the past several months (long story why) and have been looking to get back into the ICU setting. This leads me to my predicament....

I have been offered a full-time days position at what I and many consider one of, if not THE, top ICUs in the state. The only problem is that it's about an hour to hour and fifteen minutes one-way from my house. It would be 3 12-hour shifts. I am anticipating a full-time ER offer tomorrow, but there's no telling what shift it may be. It could be nights, evenings, days, who knows. The thing is that job is about ten minutes from my house.

Now, I absolutely LOVE ICU nursing. I love everything about it and this unit that extended an offer is a predominant cardiac ICU. I've never work ER, but know I love dealing with traumas. The only problem is that a lot of 'junk' comes into the ER, especially at the location by my house. Considering money is similar and the fact that I love ICU nursing as much as I do (mind you, I don't dislike ER...I would prefer it second any day to ICU), would you take the ICU position or the ER position. I'm just trying to decide if the hour drive one-way would get to be too much. Friends of mine that are nurses and drive an hour one-way now say that it's not too bad...it's their 'down-time'. I just don't want to take either position and then regret it later.

If anyone can give me their opinions, what you would do, and why, I would REALLY appreciate it. I have prayed about it and am leaning VERY heavily toward the ICU. The only thing keeping me back is the drive. What do you all think??

Thanks in advance....

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I would, if that's truly your passion...That is not that bad of a drive. In my area I know some nurses that drive 45 minutes just to get to the train station and then take a 1.5 hour train ride to get to work each way. Follow your gut feeling, it is hardly ever wrong...

GOOD LUCK!!!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

I think if you've contemplated it and prayed about and are still leaning "VERY heavily" towards the ICU position, then you should go for it.

Three 12's would be the only way I would consider it, but that's what you have. Any on-call?

I agree that the drive is a gear-up/wind-down period. Good music or quiet time, whichever you choose. I have known many who have commuted this far (or farther) and have never regretted it.

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Specializes in Cardiology and ER Nursing.

I'm looking for opinions too. I still haven't found one I like.

I'd probably take the ER position provided it is pretty close to your house and it sounds like it is. Do you really want to be dropping $70 or $80 a week in gas when prices shoot back up to $4+ a gallon? 12 hour shifts end up being 14 hour shifts with the driving . . . I can list a bunch of reasons.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I can totally relate to your dilemma! I didn't even have a for sure offer from the hospital about 10 min from my house (only a 2nd interview), but I cancelled it & went with the offer from a prestigous hospital that is a 50 mile one way commute. This is in Southern CA, so I get the fun traffic situation too! ;)

Even though pretty much everyone I know is afraid that the commute would kill me, I knew that I had to risk it for my dream job. I didn't want to be at the smaller community hospital 3 years from now and wonder "what if".

But, like NnSweets says, go with your gut! (and we can both gripe about the commute!)

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Specializes in Cardiac ICU/SICU/MICU/Trauma ICU.
I think if you've contemplated it and prayed about and are still leaning "VERY heavily" towards the ICU position, then you should go for it.

Three 12's would be the only way I would consider it, but that's what you have. Any on-call?

I agree that the drive is a gear-up/wind-down period. Good music or quiet time, whichever you choose. I have known many who have commuted this far (or farther) and have never regretted it.

no call. it's 3 12's and if i want to pick up overtime, it's always there to take if i want it.

I'm looking for opinions too. I still haven't found one I like.

I'd probably take the ER position provided it is pretty close to your house and it sounds like it is. Do you really want to be dropping $70 or $80 a week in gas when prices shoot back up to $4+ a gallon? 12 hour shifts end up being 14 hour shifts with the driving . . . I can list a bunch of reasons.

i don't mind the money on gas. i wouldn't take a job based on how much i made so i wouldn't negate a job over $80/week in gas. i agree that the 12 hour shift turns into 14-15, but i'm really thinking that the ICU will be worth it....i appreciate your input, though. that's the kind of opinions i'm looking for...

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Specializes in ER.

There is something to be said for working close to home. I would not want to drive 1+ hours after a LONG 13+ hour day. That's my opinion.

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Specializes in Emergency, Pediatrics.

Well, I was recently in a similar predicament. I am a new grad and have already been working for a Children's Hospital at the off-campus site in the NICU. I just interviewed for PICU at the main campus, which is an hour away, and it was for 3 12hr nights. I also interviewed here at the local site for Float pool on 3 12hr days. The float pool includes NICU, Emergency, and General Peds. With my paramedic background, I have always wanted emergency or ICU because I need that challenge. Working in the NICU as an LPN, I was in the subintensive nursery and it is pretty boring for me so I'd love the Intensive stuff and the ED but I wondered if the General Peds would be too slow for me.

I debated back and forth.. I considered the pros: ICU, so much to see and learn, good experience to become a Peds transport RN. The cons: the gas prices, night shift (I can never get used to it), and worried about falling asleep on my drive home.

I ended up accepting the position here in town. So far so good, but occasionally that little what-if pops up. I'm hoping to transition into ED full time and that would make me feel better.

So, I chose to not drive... but I do think about it. Only YOU can make your decision.. and hopefully in a few months I will feel as though I made the right decision. I just need to get through orientation and all that and see how it is when I'm on my own. Good luck with your decision and keep us posted.

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Specializes in geriatrics, IV, Nurse management.

I don't recommend driving that far after a night shift. Is there a place you could book to crash after a night? Sounds like a great opportunity for your dream position though:) CONGRATS!:D

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Specializes in Cardiac ICU/SICU/MICU/Trauma ICU.
I don't recommend driving that far after a night shift. Is there a place you could book to crash after a night? Sounds like a great opportunity for your dream position though:) CONGRATS!:D

my offer is for full-time days. i worked nights before, but now i'm wanting the daytime thing. my wife and i have a new baby, so i want to be home at night whenever possible.

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Specializes in medical surgical.

My husband drives an hour and 15 minutes each day to work and does not mind it. I could not do it. I know you said gas was not a concern. It does not bother my husband. Between he and I were spending 700/mo on gas. It really bothered me.

Maybe you could get a commuter car that gets good mileage. Also what about relocating in a few months if you really like it.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

IDK, I did the commute for a little over a year and I can tell you the drive there was easy, the drive back after being up for 18+ hours was getting dangerous.. I was seeing things that wasn't there, and not seeing cars that were stopped in front of me..

I left for a job much closer to home and while I miss my old place and co-workers; I had to do it.. Could you take the ER job and then transfer into the ICU ??

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