How do you organize your day?

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Specializes in L&D.

I am a new nurse orienting in the ICU. I feel like I am having trouble managing my time efficiently. My preceptor has been very helpful, but I would love to hear how others manage their busy days so that when unplanned things come up (as they seem to pretty much every day) you don't find yourself woefully behind. I really want to figure out a way to keep on top of everything, I feel like this is my biggest obstacle to success in the ICU right now.

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Specializes in CVICU.

One of my keys to organization is having a good 'brain' that has all of your critical information, as well as blanks for meds, notes, etc. I have made one I really like.

If you need one, PM me.

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Specializes in L&D.

Thanks, Kolt. I appreciate it, I think it looks really helpful :).

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Hi kolt, Could I get a copy of your brain too? Right now I just write on the back of our patient care summary.But it's not very organized, I've been meaning to sit down and make one.

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I know what you are talking about. I am a new nurse to MICU and I too am having a problem with organizing. My preceptor is not that organized either so I guess that doesn't help. She is very knowledgable but that is about it. Any suggestions?

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Hey Kolt, could you send me your brain also...

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Specializes in Critical Care Float - ICU / ED / PACU.

Not sure if this will help or not - but I also have aquired a 'cheat book' that I keep in my clipboard. (lovely little clipboard that snaps shut - to keep supplies and notes inside) The standard drips, protocols, phone #'s, etc. for quick reference when needed.

Also - I keep an overall 'schedule' chart. It's a blank spreadsheet broken down by the hour - and a column for each pt I have. That way I have an overall skeleton telling me what I 'should' be doing at 1am or 5am with each pt - and I keep it on top of all of the other paperwork so I can just glance at it.

So - I have my report sheet for each pt - I keep a log of everything that happened on it - 'talked to dr. so & so, received this order, pt c/o pain, etc. - which helps when giving report the next morning. And then I fill in my schedule chart with meds, and procedures and when they are due.

Hopefully that may help someone out? I'm one of those people who needs to reference back to quick cheat sheets a lot. So I like to keep them handy! I don't know -- It works for me! :nurse:

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Specializes in Transplant/Surgical ICU.

Kolt may I have a copy too? :bowingpur

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Specializes in Critical Care - Cardiac.

Thank you so much Kolt!!!:up:

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Specializes in step down with tele mostly some MICU.

Hi I am new to all nurses .com. But i saw your post and am in need of a "good Brain" but I am not for sure how to really work the site yet, so if you don't mind would you be able to send it to my private email?

Thanks :)

coconut2005

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I would love to have a copy of this as well. Thanks in advance.

avasmom

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Yes, any new "brain" can't hurt, plz send me a copy...Thanks

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