wow.. this sounds like what I was hearing when I was an undergraduate... and then in graduate school.
I love the idea of being compaired to a profession athlete. I know most days after 12 hours I am physically, emotionally and mentally exhausted, good day, bad day or "average" day. Most people don't understand what we really go through in a days time. Thanks for the support and the real view of what we do.
By the way, i have printed this to share with the nurses at my hospital. I hope others share it with their peers.
God Bless