How do you manage to be healthy with 12 hr shifts?

[Work in Progress]

I am a new grad RN and my goal now that school is finished, other than finding a job, is getting back in shape. It seems like healthy eating and regular exercise are a challenge when you are working 12 hr shifts, especially night shifts. I have had a really hard time during school and working night shift as a nurse intern. I do pack a healthy lunch before I go, but this is difficult to do when I barely have time to sleep (with a little one at home). I am so exhausted at the end of the night that the idea of working out makes me want to cry.

So, anyhow, how do you make time to exercise? Days off only? Before work? After work? What kinds of quick healthy things do you make for work? I also know that the irregular sleep pattern is only inhibiting weight loss, but there is not much I can do about that at this point.

[Work in Progress]

Thanks for the awesome advice everyone! I think it is great to talk about this, because it is definitely a challenge to keep ourselves healthy with inherently unhealthy working hours and huge amounts of stress. I think I will get a good start on being healthy while I am looking for that elusive first job and then I will be better set with healthy habits when I start.