Can 12 hrs be beneficial to resident as well as to nurses? This is the question that has been lingering around member’s minds at the Loch Raven/CLC (formally known as BRECC) site. For years nurses at this site struggled to keep up with their work load and having adequate numbers of staff available to provide care.    Like most Nurses, our members at this site are well dedicated providing excellent and outstanding care to our veterans.  There is no question in the minds of these professional nurses, about giving back with a deep sense of caring for those whom risk their lives through services to this great nation.  Nurses at this site face a day by day struggle to carry out the VA mission, facing many times the disappointment and frustration, low morale, and sense of powerless.  Since the opening of this facility, RNs on CLC1 were permitted the opportunity to work 12hr shift and until today they have kept it. Recently members working on CLC2 requested a trial implementation of the 12 hour tours.  In a combined effort NAGE members seek the support of their coworkers (nursing assistances, health technicians and LPNs). They created a signed list along with trial schedule with those wanting to work 12 hour tours. Interesting, NAGE was apprised that some of the first line supervisors were not opposed to the possibility of granting a trial period for the compressed work schedule.  More interesting was the fact of seeing a group of employees working together for a common goal and brief boost of morale while do so. On May 25th 2011 CLC/BRECC II Nursing Staff received an e-mail communication from management stating that 12hrs tours will not be available to them as per guidance from Nursing Administration.    During a staff meeting in June 8th 2011, the disheartening news was delivered to the CLC nursing staff, a trial period of 12 hour tours were being denied. Although multiple reasons, i.e. absenteeism, and staff vacancies, were given; NAGE believes that Nursing Administration truly has multiple misunderstandings and misconceptions regarding the value of a compressed work schedule.    Currently, there is one vacancy for a Registered Nurse and 4 Nursing Assistants. NAGE advocates for a trial period. A trial period would provide an opportunity for evaluation as opposed to operating under assumptions and speculation.  A trial period may boost morale, increasing the sense of ownership, and support the principles of shared governance.