I have been a RN in critical care since 1986 (paramedic before that). The most important thing for me is to have a consistent schedule. I worked straight night shift for nine years until my son was born. Then I worked 11am-11pm until my son started school and then I worked straight days. I would find it difficult to rotate shifts as some nurses do.

I am on SSDI now mostly because of ptsd (domestic violence that ended in tragedy) but I am wanting to start working a few night shifts on every other weekend. The soonest I can get my ACLS renewed is July unless there is a cancellation.

My bipolar isn't really an issue because my symptoms are controlled on my current meds and I had no problem renewing my license with the board of nursing.