Hi,
I too am employed as a healthcare professional in the public health service. My contracted hours are 39 per week, but I work 7 x twelve hour night shifts in a row and then get 7 nights off. That makes an average of 42 hours per week. I don't get paid for the extra hours at all, but can (in theory) take them as time in lieu. Unfortunately, as there is rarely anybody to cover my shifts, I don't get to take the hours back. I'm currently 'owed' over 200 hours that I can't get to take. I also have four of my six weeks annual leave still to take, again because no cover is available. I get no official breaks because I'm on call all of the time that I'm on duty. My grade is not eligible for overtime payments of any kind.
I also have to attend some meetings held during the day on my 7 nights free.
I know that there are benefits in working for the public health service, but you have to wait till you retire to get them!
Regards,
Clig.