Are u extremely organized and meticulous?

sharann, BSN, RN · May 15, 2004

No one can MAKE anyone become organized or good at something or behave a certain way if they don't want to. I learned how to be organized by yhe time I was out of school, and learned more of it from being a mom and wife than as a nurse. Being an organized nurse will help you much though. How to do it? Just do it. Get rid of the clutter in your life(start with the stuff you keep fpr no reason). Then take responsibility for your actions, your health etc, no one else cares to! Your health (both in body and mind) will show in all areas of your life. Good luck with school and be persistent.Ask for help when needed in school and work.

Gompers, BSN, RN · May 15, 2004

My home and work organizational skills are polar opposites!

At home, I'm VERY messy. I have stacks of junk everywhere. I don't clean as much as I should. I'm a packrat. I can never find anything. It's just insane sometimes!

At work, I'm very neat. I make hourly lists for each patient, so at a glance I can see what times I need to do vitals, give medications, provide feedings, draw labs, etc. It's rare that I forget anything or do something late. I work NICU, and you should see my babies' beds! The blankets are perfectly smooth and tucked in, the babies are nested or swaddled in comfy fetal positions, everything (including the baby) is clean and fresh. I have nice stacks of linen, diapers, supplies, etc., within easy reach. I even line the beds up with the floor tiles!

Weird?

Tweety, BSN, RN · May 15, 2004

I'm kind of in-between. I work I start out organized and it all goes to hell eventually and I just fly by the seat of my pants. At home it's the same, sometimes the dishes just aren't going to get done.

First, just accept yourself whomever that may be, which is I think where you are at. Then realize you are not going to become this ideal person you think you want to be, this person who is defined by someone elses standards.

Let me give you the wisdom of my many years. You can become this super organized, thin, healthy eating, etc. person and you still won't be happy. You're happiness is going to come from within. I've been caught in the "if only..." trap myself. "If only I could eat better, exercise more, have a boyfriend, get out more, etc. I will be happy". Hasn't worked that way for me.

But obviously you have areas you want to grow in. Be very gentle with and accepting of yourself and take small steps. Like make a vow to call one person a week, then make a vow to go out once a month or whatever. Make a vow to sweep and mop once a week, etc. But don't hinge your happiness on any results.

Good luck. :)

Editorial Team / Admin · May 15, 2004

Have you considered seeing your PCP, in case there is a physical component influencing your actions? Say, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, adult ADD, etc?? Just a question. I'm in the same boat as Gompers: house a mess, but I've been praised for organizational skills at work, go figure! I do need lists, columns, -- written reminders at work, to maintain the flow, so I won't forget anything amidst the chaos.

I wish you well, don't despair. 22 is not too old to learn, lol!

susanna · May 15, 2004

"Have you considered seeing your PCP, in case there is a physical component influencing your actions? Say, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, adult ADD, etc??"

Geez, I didn't even think of that. No, I haven't ever been checked for those but thanks: not to be a hypochondriac, but maybe I should ask the doc next time. Previously, when I've felt bad or couldn't function, I've run crying to psychaitrists who say that I'm severely depressed and anxious and give drugs which make me feel funny(hee hee), but not really much better. I usually just pull it together by waiting it out instead of depending on a drug.

Its just that I've always been a really very grouchy, messy, lazy, and sometimes seriously dysfunctional person in private even though I can, at the same time, do very well at work and school. But, tho I do well, I'm not really excellent and I was wondering if the people who are excellent at work are excellent because they try to be excellent with everything even to how their desk at home and private planner and house mothering skills are arranged. Like, if they try to avoid dysfunctionality at all costs in all corners in life.

But, It seems from the responses that most people can both do excellent work at the job and be sloppy at home and in their private lives and they're okay with that.

3rdShiftGuy, your post is very encouraging. Thanks. :clown:

LittleCatB · May 16, 2004

I need help on something. If you don't feel like reading this entire post, the ultimate question I want to ask is this: Are the best of nurses/doctors extremely organized and meticulous and have excellent time-management skills both at work AND in their in private lives?
QUOTE]
Wow, what a great thread, and I can completely relate to the OP.
My only advice is: do NOT discuss with people every time you make a mistake, or how chronically sloppy you are or whatever... I am very well-known in my circle of friends and family as highly disorganized... This has morphed into ME, my personality (or at least everyone's perception of it), and no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to change my rep among my nearest and dearest...
but he past few years or so I have really improved. I would say my organization skills are even about average, LOL.
Maybe it will just take more time but once people expect the worst from you (in one aspect of your life) it's hard for them to see the opposite.

memphispanda, RN · May 16, 2004

I am exactly that way! Organized beyond belief at work...I make a list of everything that I have to do and mark it off as I go, usually creating a new list of things as I am marking off old ones (chart this, chart that, get IVF, etc). I have certain things in my pockets at all times, and each pocket holds specific things. I organize the drawers in the medcart just so and have it totally stocked out with everything (unless were are out of something).

My house...well...I try. But it's a wreck. Seems like I can get something organized just exactly right, but in the meantime the rest of the house falls apart. When I move on to a new task, someone messes up the one I just finished. Very frustrating.

Editorial Team / Admin · May 16, 2004

I know what you mean, memphispanda, I know what you mean. :)

Trauma Columnist · May 16, 2004

I sincerely don't mean this to sound bizarre, but the best ER RNs I've ever worked with have the ability to focus on the issue at hand, but change that focus at a moment's notice, never losing sight of the original goal. Does this make sense? I love the ER because I am forced to focus myself - there is no other way to do it.

Nurse GOODNIGHT · May 16, 2004

Hey All. Enjoying this as I am in the same boat. Every week I say I am going to get organized at home/personal life. How can it be done? I give so much at my clinicals/school/work that I have no energy or time to do the same for myself. Will keep reading to hopefully find the answer to the world's riddle and then bottle it and make lots of money so I can have more time!

moia · May 16, 2004

I can be terrifyingly organized at work....I don't mean organized I mean completely anal..everything in it's place and I have that strange ability to change focus on a dime...it freaks people out because my brain is forever constantly evaluating information and making priorities.......at home...well ..hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

It's not like its dangerous or smelly or anything but there is nooooo organization here...I can find things it just takes a full team effort and a few hours

If anyone at work could see this they would laugh til they peed.