Makkiel

I have worked 5 12's before, I have worked 18 days straight before (not all 12's), but I have not worked 5 12's for a year straight. I think it can be done, but you have to have the time to sleep, the personality and physical ability to do it. Also - like others have mentioned - depends on where you work. My FT time job - no way - corporate wont allow the OT anymore and the ratios are BS. My PT job - 5 12's would be ok considering the current conditions remain the same.

The concept "the customer is always right" has not worked well in any area. One of the greatest business concept mistakes ever crafted.

I would suggest you keep going. Maybe you are at the wrong facility, the wrong type of nursing, etc. This is one of the reasons I chose nursing - it is so diverse. If I don't like one area/facility, or I am not good at an area/facility - I just find another. Maybe you just need more time to hit your groove there. I would suggest that you be intellectually honest in your self-reflections - so if you identify a problem you have - you cited retention - be honest and own it - which you did - and you also addressed the possible solution but showing up early and checking the charts etc. So it seems you are committed and honest. Just keep those going - and try different areas if necessary, but I would hang in there and keep going. And in the end, if you finally realize this area isn't for you - then try another type of nursing. As far as you co-workers - they don't matter. If they are isolating you, not liking you, I would consider it their loss (assuming you are a nice guy of course).

Forgot to ask - when you say 'rejected' - does this mean not getting any interviews - or rejected post-interview?

If you have not done so already, LTC? Or expand your work from home driving radius. Also - this takes time since you are new to the area - focus on networking - making friends, etc. Try to establish direct personal contacts concerning places you are interested in - nursing managers, etc. You may try stopping by the facility to see if you can briefly meet someone. Stop by every few months - just to 'touch base'. If you cant get someone in nursing, try someone in HR - whoever - just make those contacts and work em.

LTC - 7p-7a - 20-40 (includes rehab unit - though rehab is usually between 20-30).

No, it would not look bad at all. In fact, you could use the new car to help other new grads. I think you should buy the car, and with the idea of helping others study harder, drive by new grads and tell them the car was given to you by the nursing school for being the best student they have ever had. So you see, this way, everyone wins & you have no conflict of interest with buying the new car.