Clustering care is the biggest thing that helps, as mentioned before. And delegate! Don't just delegate something that you don't want to do. If I have time to do something, I will do it instead of delegating to my CNA. If I don't, then I will delegate. Your CNAs can make and break your shift. Your HUCs can be a great resource, too! Many of our HUCs are also CNAs but they primarily work as a HUC...but ours will go help out with tasks on the floor as long as someone stays at the desk.
I typically don't chart as I go unless I need to make a nurse's note...if I don't have time for that, I quickly jot down and a quick note regarding it on a sticky note so I can chart it later.
When I first started, I was getting out almost an hour after my shift...now I'm usually always out by 0655-0710. Once in a blue moon I will get out much later if it was a crazy night or if a nurse is late. After working awhile you will develop those time management skills and get into a routine that works for you.
Nov 2, '12 by turnforthenurseRNClustering care is the biggest thing that helps, as mentioned before. And delegate! Don't just delegate something that you don't want to do. If I have time to do something, I will do it instead of delegating to my CNA. If I don't, then I will delegate. Your CNAs can make and break your shift. Your HUCs can be a great resource, too! Many of our HUCs are also CNAs but they primarily work as a HUC...but ours will go help out with tasks on the floor as long as someone stays at the desk.
Nov 4, '12 by grahamd01Med Chica: I'm glad to hear that there are others who absolutely do not have time to socialize. I kinda feel bad when co workers want to be chatty with me and all I'm trying to do is think of how I'm going to get away so I can keep to my schedule. Talkative co workers are sometimes worse than the chatty patients.turnforthenurseRN likes this.
Nov 4, '12 by not.done.yetDon't worry about it. You will get more time to socialize as you get more efficient at your job. And if your coworkers have time to chat, try asking them for a helping hand. They can't help you if they don't know you need it. Hang in there. It gets better.