Editor:

In your article, as in conversation, I have had with friends and acquaintances was the practice of medical staff working really long hours ("Fatigue, Fear and Frustration," Dec. 17). I know how well my mind and body work after eight hours and it's not 100 percent. Now, none of the nurses I have spoken to have ever had any criticism of their schedules. Most cited the great time off they have in between schedules. But I'm curious if someone can explain to me why it is ideal to work medical staff 12 to 14 hours at a time? It seems to me I wouldn't want to need emergency medical care where my life depended on quick thinking and perhaps careful and meticulous procedures provided by someone working their 11th (or later) hour on the job.

Mike Stengl, Eureka