[Mazz]

"Success: To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."-Ralph Waldo Emerson
I'm learning the balance in aggressive vs. assertiveness in our profession. To gain respect you must encompass self-respect and have a personal relationship with it. I'll get back to you when I learn more. It's not the amount of hours or number of tasks but what it all means to you at the end of the day.

[jules]

I work 32 hrs a week. Currently, I am doing a weekday baylor, which is 3pm-7am on Mon. and Wed. Work 32hrs get paid for 40. Right now, it's working for now, but I don't know for how long I can keep up those hrs. I used to work nights yrs ago, but I was alot younger then,lol. Some think that my hrs are great and they say, "it must be nice to only work 2 days. It's not only 2 days first of and I practically lose the days after working the double shift. So, it's not as easy as others think. I also work for an agency and pick up extra hrs there, and I have been doing some flu clinics. I don't do too much agency though, maybe 16 hrs every 2 wks or so.

JULES

[Kryss88]

I work in labor and delivery. We are scheduled three 12 hour shifts each week, and are required to take 12 hours of call in addition to the 36 hours. Now, considering that we never get out on time, because we get caught in surgery or deliveries, and somethimes just not enough staff to get relief, it is not that uncommon for me to work over 50 hours a week. I go in at 0545, and sometimes dont get to leave until 2000 or even 2200 for emergencies.

My family actually visits me at the hospital.

[mercynurse]

Last year I was putting in 55 hrs/wk. I'm director of nursing @ a pain management clinic. On a salary, hours don't make a difference to my income. It seemed that no matter how many hours I put in, it was never enough.

This year, I made a conscious decision to put in no more than 40 hours/wk. I have learned to delegate, make the best use of my time and just let go...realize that I do my very best, give my all when I'm there, and I can't do everything.

I don't feel guilty as I give 100% while I'm there and frequently put in more hours than the owners do!

[Marie_LPN]

40-55, depends on the cases.

[cougarnurse]

I put in more than 50, but get paid for 40; the joys of being salaried nowadays.

'Cat'