position 1hr 15 mins away..should I?

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There is a very high probability that I'll be offered my dream job in NICU when I graduate (in december)...but the position is an hour and fifteen minutes from where I live. I have been offered a position at a facility 10 minutes from my house in an acute rehabilitation facility, and in this economy, I'm thankful for the offer. However, I don't want to pass up on the NICU position because it seems near impossible to get in that specialty unless you're a new grad or already have experience. Is it crazy to make this commute three days a week? Has anyone done this? What would you do if you were in my situation?

Dream jobs are hard to come by nowadays as a new grad. If you feel you'll enjoy the other job, then it's worth giving it a try. I would consider moving for the nicu. I'm saying this because I passed up my dream job in nicu when I graduated and went into med/surg because all my clinical instructors advised me that I should get the experience. However, I don't enjoy med/surg at all and truly feels that nicu is my passion. I am still working in med/surg as a new nurse but actively applying to nicu jobs.... which is very hard to get. So whatever decision you make, don't regret it :)

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It is hard to say what to do. I drove 2 hours for clinicals for my MSN. It was 105 miles away. I could have driven 50 in the other direction and it would have been just as long if not longer because of traffic and parking. A 1 hour plus commute is worse in congested stop/start traffic. Also factor in the weather. I planned my clinical to avoid snow which is worse in the area where I had clinical than at my home. NICU is a BIG opportunity. There is also much to learn which requires concentration and rest. Maybe moving 1/2 hour closer would help? Best of luck in whatever you decide. Driving can be stressful ,but so can being stuck somewhere where you are not happy.

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Specializes in NICU, ER, OR.

Yes, you should!!! My thinking is, if you are even *considering* it, then do it.... I had a 108 mile commute, one way, for my dream job at a prestigious hospital. I did that 5 days per week, during orientation, and then I went to 3 12's. I would get up at 4 am to leave for 5, get there for bout 645, then I would do it all over again at night. I literally left the house at 445 am, worked 13 hours, drove another 2 hours, went home and went STRAIGHT TO BED. But I did it, and I am glad I did.... I did that for over 2 years, then I moved to the state I worked in....so yeah, deff do it!!! Its worth it, this is our career.....

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Specializes in Health Information Management.

My advice is to do a trial run of the drive before you make a decision if at all possible. Obviously, you probably drove there for an interview, but make sure you do a trial during the time you'd be driving to your shift. That way, you'll get an idea of how tough the normal traffic situation will be. It would be even better if you could try shadowing a standard shift, but that may not be possible for you; however, it helps you to get a feel for how tough a full shift plus the drive will be.

Also, if you're married or have kids, talk about it thoroughly as a couple/family. A drive like that can be very tough on your relationship and family routines and responsibilities. My husband used to do a drive of that length and it was more difficult than we'd initially anticipated. He was tired all the time, I was frustrated at having to take on many more of the household responsibilities while caring for a newborn, and we were both horrified by the gas costs (mind you, this was during the days of $4/gal gas). However, you should also consider the long-term ramifications of giving up a "dream job." I'm still regretting a dream opportunity I passed up 15 years ago! Sometimes it can really be worth it to go all out for a big opportunity. You just have to be determined to make a go of it and do as much advanced planning as possible to prepare for the daily grind.

Also, if you decide to take the job and don't already have a car that gets good gas mileage and is long-lived and reliable, start looking! At least it's a good time to buy if you have the money and credit....

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Specializes in Peds/Neo CCT,Flight, ER, Hem/Onc.

If there is any way you can move to the city where the NICU job is I'd do that before making the commute. I've mentioned this before in previous posts like this :you cannot guarantee you will be scheduled in such a way to grant you adequate rest. I did a slightly longer commute and it was horrible...HORRIBLE! Gas cost a fortune, insurance went up, needed oil changes at least once a month (sometimes more) new tires way more often, absolutely no social life and complete and utter exhaustion. Scheduled one day on, one day off, one day, on one day off (night shift). Don't turn your "dream job" into a nightmare. IF a NICU job is meant to be you will get one at jsut the right time.

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I'll say take the job. I started out as a new grad with 1hr commute one way and it wasnt my dream job. What helped was that i tried to get my three days in a row and so i stayed overnight in a hotel for 2 nights and drove home after the third day. Trust me, there is a difference btw getting up a 4.45am to get to work at 6.30, versus getting up at 6am for a job 10mins away. I'll say take the dream job, find a roomshare on craigslist for about $300-$400 a month, or look around for a co-worker that you could rent their guestroom for 3days a week.

good luck!

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As a new grad (ADN) I have been looking for a job for 9 months. I would take the job!

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I say rent a motel room for two nights a week. I know lots of nurses that do that to work at the big children's hospital here. If it is your dream job, then I say go for it!

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Specializes in cna.

YES DO IT! driving one hour and 15 minutes for 3 days a week is worth it! you will have the experience so just in case you aply somewhere a little closer they will see you worked in NICU! I would definitely do it even if it was 2 hours away!

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I commuted an hour one way for a wkend position. Worked every fri, sat, sun. Great facility, great team, and pretty great pay. I had friends and family in that city and would stay overnight as needed. Also car pooled with another staff person, so the ride was a nice time to unwind after working. If it is your dream job, it just may be worth the drive!! For me, it definately was!

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omg... TAKE IT!!!!!!

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I commuted 90 minutes each way 5 days a week during school and then 3 days a week for the first three years that I was a nurse so an hour sounds like a picinic. Gas was expensive but the ride wasn't a problem and I actually enjoyed a bit of solitude. I wouldn't pass up my dream job but thats just me.

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