Hello, I have been searching for an PRN ICU position in my area, while I am currently in school to finish my BSN online. I was offered a position for a ICU position PRN/Days at a hospital that is 50 miles away, 50-60 minute commute, one way. I have a 2013 vehicle that runs 28-30 mpg.
What I like about this position is that there are no weekend requirements (shifts are FCFS when scheduling), that I can pick up as many shifts as I desire, technically, beyond my required minimum of 4 shifts, and that I can still gain critical care experience.
I have another PRN offer which is Float (between med-surg and ICU) Nights, with a requirement of 8 shifts a month, with 3 weekend shifts required in it, and in which I would drive 15-20 minutes to work.
Considering my baby (aka my vehicle), me not dozing off on the road to and from work, etc. what offer should I take? I am leaning towards the longer commute one. Any advice or support from your experience would be so helpful! Thanks!
8 shifts is the minimum.. LOL.. That is NOT PRN. That's a part time position that is getting screwed out of benefits. I'd pass on that without blinking. I also wouldn't be fond of that long commute. I've been there and done that before. Never again.
I'd keep looking, but that is just me. If you really like of the openings, take it.
How often are PRN nurses canceled at the long commute job ? What time would you be canceled at? Would you already be halfway there before you were notified of cancellation? Would you canceled part of a shift and required to go in later?
Do you live in an area with inclement weather which would increase your commute time? Are you 8 or 12 hour shifts? All things to consider.
I would factor in the cost of your extra wear and tear on your car. A general rule of thumb is a mile costs approx. $0.55/mile, not including gas. This take into account tires, oil changes, general wear and tear, depreciation, etc. If you only work one shift a week, the difference between the two jobs in car cost will be ~$1700/year. That doesn't include gas, which would put the difference over $2000 a year. If you work 2 shifts a week, you're looking at $4000 in vehicle costs.
If you want to do this for a year or so, then I'd say other factors might weigh more heavily (I loath floating to med-surg). Of course, the longer you stay, the more the costs add up, and the heavier that decision would weigh on me.
On the other hand, I love driving. Music and podcasts are therapeutic after a tough shift.
Speaking of drive, what sort of commute is it? Will you be cruising down the highway or doing a stressful bumper-to-bumper commute? If the drive is easy and parking is close, maybe the long drive won't be too bad.
I'd take that PRN ICU position if it were closer, but TWO HOURS of windshield time a day is not worth it to me. Think of your prospective shifts instead of eight hours, they're ten hours- two hours unpaid time. Or twelve hour shifts are really fourteen hours shifts-two hours unpaid.
I'll echo everything already stated: the true cost of the commute, problems with weather, possibility of being canceled after an hour drive and then an hour drive back, and possibility of falling asleep at the wheel. The more time a person spends on the road, the more likely they are to be involved in an accident.
The other PRN offer, as stated, sucks. I'd look for something else.
Specializes in LTC, Wounds, Med/Surg, Tele, Triage.
I voted for longer commute based on what others have said - second gig sounds more like part time and no benies! I am a little biased however, in that I drive 49 miles one way. We bought our dream home in the country and I drive into the larger counties safety net hospital to work. I have a vehicle specifically for this that is not "my baby". It gets good mileage and I love listening to NPR, music or just having peace and quiet. I look at it like this - it's two hours of my day that I get to myself. As a full time nurse, mom and wife - I'll gladly take the two personal hours per day. And sometimes my commute is closer to 1.5 - 2.0 hours each way because I live in the Northeast/Great Lakes region where we get plenty of Lake effect snow in the winter. Good luck on whatever you choose!
I commute almost an hour each way, because I love my job and company. Do what you want, it's not forever. personally, I love flexibility so I would take the farther one.
Lot of good points made.....I love to drive, but the commute of that distance would make me think twice. I guess it all depends on what kind of commute it is. If its a light traffic situation, ya maybe. I currently am 15 miles from my job, in the morning it takes me 30 min and going home around 40, but closer to an hr is not out of the question at times..usually bumper to bumper and not enjoyable driving for me. Good luck
Specializes in Med/Surg/Infection Control/Geriatrics.
Poor thing! Yeah, that is hard. Myself, I am older and hopefully will retire in the next 5 years or so. But I do make a 104 mile roundtrip commute to a job I really do love!
xoemmylouox, ASN, RN
3,150 Posts
8 shifts is the minimum.. LOL.. That is NOT PRN. That's a part time position that is getting screwed out of benefits. I'd pass on that without blinking. I also wouldn't be fond of that long commute. I've been there and done that before. Never again.
I'd keep looking, but that is just me. If you really like of the openings, take it.