I'm interested in a new graduate program at a large level I teaching hospital. If I got the position I would take it in a second. I live in MA and there's a big glut out here...I've been job hunting since May with nothing on the horizon, so this a huge opportunity to work my dream position in a level III NICU straight out of college...I would get to go out on deliveries and transports, the nurse-patient ratios are excellent, and they have all the technology I want to work with. 34 days off/year with a cashout option and great benefits are the icing on the cake. The only downside is that the pay is a few dollars less an hour than MA, however there's no state taxes so that helps. The main issue I have is that it's a little over 129 miles/2 hours and 15 minutes each way and the unit has 12 hour shifts...That would be a minimum of an 18 hour day when you figure wake-up time, the commute, and staying a bit extra to complete tasks and give report...that leaves oh about 6 hours to eat, unwind and sleep if I have to do serial 12s. I don't mind because it would only be for two out of the three shifts, but I'm worried about being unsafe in practice and falling asleep at the wheel during a long drive on little sleep. Relocation is not an option at this point.
Has anyone ever made a commute like this and if so how did you work it out? I don't know anyone in the area to stay with overnight, and I was thinking about staying in a motel room if I have to do serial 12s...the thought of doing that skeeves me out though and I'm not sure it's really financially intelligent when I factor in all the gas it's going to cost to commute plus paying for a room for two nights. I'm afraid to bring it up in an interview because I don't want to be difficult about scheduling and I worry the commute will work against me in their decision-making.
So for those that made a huge commute like this, did you get used to it? How did you cope and how did it affect your marriages/relationships? (I don't have children so that's one less concern).
I am obviously willing to work hard for what I want but I don't want to be completely unrealistic in what I think I can handle.
I would do it in a minute. You mentioned this opportunity is exactly what you want. If, in your heart of hearts, this is what you want I, personally, feel it would be worth it. I have had a commute like this in the past and, personally, for me, it was fine.
From what I hear there are few, if any new grad positions in Boston, where as NH and other areas (I hear) have more.
Thanks everyone. I am not going to pursue the job. I found a position I'm really interested in at South Shore Hospital here in MA and I'm going to try really hard to get that one.
I'm glad you found a different job (closer to you hopefully). That is just too unsafe to be driving so far and being so tired all the time. Best wishes in your new job. :)
I took a job 45 minutes each way from my home and ended up hating the commute although short compared to many. Especially in the winter. I am now back at my old facility, 15 minutes away. Although I don't make as much money, it is sooooo worth it to me. Especially on those shifts that I didn't get out on time (which happened all the time), and night shifts, I dreaded the drive home. I barely was 20 minutes into my commuted off nights and was falling asleep. I didn't know anyone that I could stay when the weather was bad. Commuting is OK for some people. My cousin commutes on steady nights 1 hour each way and he loves it. It's not for me! I just couldn't imagine a commute over 2 hours even 1or 2 days a week!
carol72
231 Posts
I would do it in a minute. You mentioned this opportunity is exactly what you want. If, in your heart of hearts, this is what you want I, personally, feel it would be worth it. I have had a commute like this in the past and, personally, for me, it was fine.
From what I hear there are few, if any new grad positions in Boston, where as NH and other areas (I hear) have more.