Should I accept?

[LetsgoHawks]

I graduated in May and have my license in both Illinois and Indiana, so I've been applying all over. A few weeks ago I had an interview scheduled at a hospital about 50-55 miles away. We had a horrible snow storm and called and asked if I could reschedule. I was able to reschedule for the next day. This was my first interview and left it feeling like there was no chance I would be hired. My interview lasted about 10 minutes. I heard nothing for over a week, then they asked me for my references email addresses to send them questionnaires. Today, I had a missed voice mail when I was at the gym, from the woman I interviewed with, saying they'd love to have me on board.

I have several concerns about accepting this position. It's an hour drive in good weather. We have been having a horrible winter and this hospital is in an area that gets a ton of lake effect snow. Last weekend they had to shut down the expressway I would have to take in order to get there because of the road conditions. This would either prevent me from getting to work, or add extra time on to my commute. I'm worried that after a 12 hour shift I'd be too tired for this. Also, when I interviewed, 3 jobs for this unit were posted on the website. Now they have 2 listed, for BSN. I only have an ADN. It is a magnet hospital. It is a med surg/tele unit with some oncology. I was told there would be a 3 month orientation and I would have the opportunity to have training/learning experiences in ICU and cath lab as well. However, my interview and the multiple job listings popping up is making me wonder if there is a high turn-over rate and can't keep nurses.

There are plenty of hospitals in a closer range than this one that I have been applying for. I am currently working retail and still live at home. My mom thinks I should turn it down. I still don't know the specifics, like exactly what shift it would be, salary, benefits, etc. What would you do?

[yadi87]

take it, its hard enough getting jobs as a new grad with an adn ( i am a new grad with an ADN ) , waiting on auth to sit for boards. Anyhow, students from my program who graduated before me and are licensed had to move out of state to find jobs, only 2 out of 55 got jobs MUCH further than 50 miles from their house ( i live in miami, notoriously awful job situation ). Stick it out for at least a year and get that coveted experience and then look for a position closer to home. you have no idea how long it will be till you score another interview and get an offer, these are few and far between these days for people like us. If i were in your position i would do it.

[Emergent, RN]

I wouldn't apply for jobs if you don't plan on accepting the position if offered.

You can always, in a pinch, stay in a hotel. I've done this type of commute in a snowy climate and, yes, it's doable. You also will eventually make friends on your unit, I've had lots of people offer me a bed to sleep in. You will need an AWD vehicle though, that is a must.

You need to go for it. After a year or so, try to get a per diem job closer to home, then eventually you can transition.

[Marsha238612]

I'd take the job if I were you since you can gain valuable experience. It is a long commute but you never know it might just be worth it.

You're currently working in retail where honestly you're losing your recently gained nursing skills.

Btw Is this hospital you're talking about St. Anthony's hospital in the inner city?!

Sent via my iPhone using allnurses.com ❤️

[Bubbles]

I don't understand if you are being offered a position that you and employer have not discussed specifics such as pay and hours. If it were me I would want more information. You need to ask about these matters to help you make a decision. Also, if you have a legitimate offer and the employer has a good reputation you might consider moving closer to work. Personally driving 50 miles or more after working a 12 hour shift seems dangerous as it is too easy to fall asleep at the wheel. Wishing you well.

[krisiepoo]

You graduated in May and 8 months later you're offered a job that you not only applied to but went to the interview for... why would you apply if you didn't want the job?

Also, they could have just done a budget for the new year and are able to hire more nurses vs employee dissatisfaction

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

It really sounds like you are trying to talk yourself out of the job.

Look at the big picture.

1 hour is a longish commute, but winter will soon end, so snow won't be an issue.

They post BSN, you have ADN, so what? They offered you the job!!

The rest you need to work out for yourself by calling them and getting your questions answered.

[macgirl]

Well I took I job an hour away it was my first in area I wanted to be in. More on that later..

Off hand I would say the interview or lack there of says high turnover. Minimum,...To find out ask some questions call her back and ask. You Should..Ask if you can shadow for a day, is very normal, don't take job that wouldn't allow you to shadow. You learn A LOT DURING A SHIFT. Either way it buys you time. If your honest that your worried about the job you may lose the job...I don't know how hard it is to find a job in your area...If they are short you may still be able to take the job later.

Now, back to what I did, and what you may have to do. If you take it, expect to either move there or get a place. Mine was a small town out of the way, almost everyone drove in 30min-1 hr (or more). I got a roomate a woman who like me worked my shift, 2/3 days anyway. We stayed over on our days. Basically, I drove in dropped off my stuff and went to work, slept, then after my last shift drove by and got my stuff (unless I packed the night before) and went home. Tjis works well if get 3 in a row. It allowed me to be there when an knew an ice storm was coming in. I just went and slept there so no driving. It sounds like weather is a real issue. If you do decide to pass, then tell her alfter really thinking about and crunching the numbers you can't in good conscience take the job. You could mention the money (if it's a barrier to moving) but it's not a good way to go, (you may get a pay bump but you may lose the job offer too.)

[macgirl]

I just wanted to add something... Before you take it thinking I will move there or get a roomate. Do your research. I once again have a job that's a drive. I made 3 mistakes.

#1 was not checking out prices of apartments, huge mistake. My old place I rent a 2 brdrm/1 bth house for $400 a month, here It's $550 for a studio on the 3rd floor. Average price for a 1 bdrm is $725 a mo.

#2 was not looking into roomates, even though I was only looking for a place on the weekend people were like I don't care when you will be here I want half of everything, I could see half of the rent, but more than a 3rd of the other bills seemed a bit much. I would been barely less than a studio to myself were I controll how much elec and such is used. No issues about my food eaten or stuff taken.

#3 was looking into drive at the time I would be going to work. While the distance is about the same, the drive takes longer due to rush hour. adding 30min to hour to my drive so 1 1/2 to 2hrs to get to work. Granted it's less but if there is traffic....