How far would you drive?

Specialties NP

Published

Specializes in allergy and asthma, urgent care.

I have an interview next week at a practice that is 60 miles away from me. Assuming I get an offer and the salary/benefits are attractive, is 60 miles just too far? I currently have a 20 mile commute each way with no traffic. I would likely encounter traffic on the longer commute. Public transportation is not an option, unfortunately. If offered the position, I would like to negotiate a 4 day per week schedule.

What are your thoughts?

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Specializes in Outpatient Psychiatry.

I think four days is your best bet. When I left my previous career and went to nurse school, I communted 42 miles over a 34 minute trip. I suppose it boils down to how long will it actually take, is the cost acceptable (fuel, more frequent oil changes and tire rotations), and is there anything else you need to be doing with your time?

When I'm on the road for whatever reason I try to make use of that time, i.e. make calls I haven't been able to make, schedule appointments I haven't been able to schedule for myself, pay bills by phone, calls to make complaints or gather information, etc. A good radio station helps.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I'm on the road 100-250 miles per day. I use audio digest a lot and get my CME done.

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Specializes in Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy.

Im in a similar situation, we are moving to pa but the closest job I could find was 40 miles away. The road is not high traffic and its a pretty easy drive. I already spend over an hour commuting by public transportation in my current job. Only disadvantage is that my commute is by turnpike and the toll is nearly $3 each way on top of gas. If I took a non-toll road it would add 20 minutes each way and my time is worth way more than the $3. I am working 4 days and also weighing going 1099 because then my transportation expenses are deductible. Not sure if it's worth it though all else considered.

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My first NP job I drove 100 miles going to the clinic and 100 miles from the clinic to my house everyday. I thought it was a great practice and it gave me very good foundation because it was in a rural community. The drive was peaceful and a straight shot from where I lived. I also worked some Saturdays. 8-10 months from the practicing I realized that I didn't have much quality time with my husband and pretty much didn't have a life outside work. So I resigned in good terms. I wanted more of a work and life balance. I really liked the clinic and didn't mind the drive too much. Now, I just do travel nurse practitioner jobs, which is great by the way. So I guess it depends, 60 miles isn't too far if you really like your position and you think it is worth the drive.

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Specializes in Outpatient Psychiatry.
Im in a similar situation, we are moving to pa but the closest job I could find was 40 miles away. The road is not high traffic and its a pretty easy drive. I already spend over an hour commuting by public transportation in my current job. Only disadvantage is that my commute is by turnpike and the toll is nearly $3 each way on top of gas. If I took a non-toll road it would add 20 minutes each way and my time is worth way more than the $3. I am working 4 days and also weighing going 1099 because then my transportation expenses are deductible. Not sure if it's worth it though all else considered.

Unless your transportation costs are really high, it's probably a bad idea. That being said, unless you do a lot of moonlighting with a variety of organizations, it's probably a bad idea. If you do find yourself swinging between organizations providing your services then I recommend you don't merely stop at an independent contractor designation but contact an attorney (preferably tax, estate, etc) and discuss your the pros and cons of PAs, LLCs, etc. Then when you're hired to fill a contract the organization is actually hiring JeanettePNP, LLC (or what have you). There's a lot to be said for this such as protecting your assets, tie it into your estate, and if you follow the right convoluted path ($8-12k later) you're virtually untouchable when it comes to risk and liability. This latter part is optional of course, but the LLC, PA, or whatever is best in your state of operation is a great way to go. For example, you see Dr. John Doe, PA, Internal Medicine. There's a reason that PA is there, lol. Likewise, when you sell your cognitive abilities, sell them JeanettePNP, PA (or LLC, PLLC, or whatever is best where you're at).

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Usually the distance is correlated with the pay. I like dollars and will do things for more dollars. Dollars talk, listen closely to them.

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Specializes in allergy and asthma, urgent care.

I ended up withdrawing my application. The drive will take at least 1 hour with no traffic and no bad weather, and there is lots of traffic on weekdays.I would end up leaving at 6AM and not getting home til 8-9 at night. My goal for changing jobs is to make my life better, not to add stress. I'll keep my eye out for something a little closer to home.

Thanks for all your thoughts.

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It depends on how much you hate driving. I drive 57 miles to clinical city and it takes me 1:15-1:30 depending on traffic. The first 12 miles are horrible (to the clinic) but the remaining is actually nice and relaxing. The opposite on the ride home. The 4 days week would seem to make it manageable , but consider all the miles you put on your car and the fact you will need to replace it sooner and what sort of weather you deal with - snow could put a nasty kink in your commute and also how long are you contracted for (1,2 3 years). Good luck with your decision

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