When I first started nursing I worked 12 hr Noc in Labor and delivery. Of course I was 39 years old which may have played a role but I was so tired all the time. On the days when I worked I averaged about 4 to 6 hours of sleep in 24 hours. It was brutal and to get more quality sleep I turned to Ambian and when that didn't work fast enough I bumped it with alcohol - Ended up totally addicted and found myself in the situation which nearly led to the loss of my license. I haven't had a drink or an Ambian in 6 years. Still a nurse and giving good quality care to a fantstic group of disabled adults who live and work in the community. Most days I work about 6 hours a day - though my phone which is my "office" is always on. I have all my weekends except one every eight weeks. I get quality time with my family and most nights I sleep - though I've always been a bit of an insomniac. Plus I make as much money as I did killing myself in a hospital.
I ecourage nurses who are tired of the 12 hour grind to explore other areas of nursing. I found my job from an add in a weekly throw-away paper that led with "Nurses Are you tired of working Overtime and Weekends" I faxed a resume and that was that.
Peace and Namaste
Hppy