How do you prioritize what to do?

brownbook · Jan 10, 2014

I like people who are succinct.....but a little more detail would be helpful. Are you a new grad RN working med/surg. A CNA working in a skilled nursing facility? What?

anon456, BSN, RN · Jan 10, 2014

We have "brain sheets" that have time columns across them. I write when meds are due on the patients, and write other cares like starting feeds and time sensitive things. Sometimes things happen and I can't be on time . . . I pick the most important things. Time sensitive meds like antibiotics or BP meds are more important than Protonix or skin cream. I go into the quickest patients' rooms first, saving the time consuming patients for last of that set of rounds.

In all the rushing around and being behind-- better to be late with a med than not take the time to double check it and make an error. Never pull out more than one patient's meds at a time for the same reason.

Work head to toe on a patient every time. Assess head to toe, suction, pulses, diaper, lower pulses, change positions.

Continue to make lists on the "brain". Go in and notice they are almost out of diapers. Make note for next time you go in the room

RNperdiem, RN · Jan 10, 2014

In a lot of settings, the day has an underlying structure.

In ICU it is assesments Q2 hrs, turns Q2 hrs, hourly neuro checks for some, meds at 0900. While in the room doing the 0800 assessment, you get your turn done and your mouth care done and chart as much as possible before you get interrupted by something.

If you work on a floor, the skill is to remember where you left off before you were repeatedly interrupted.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Jan 10, 2014

I have issues with prioritizing and time management. Any tips? Thanks.

I don't know how to help you. Prioritize as a student? A LPN? A CNA? For the TEAS? Passing meds? Doing an assessment?

We need more information to help you....:)

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Jan 10, 2014

I don't know how to help you. Prioritize as a student? A LPN? A CNA? For the TEAS? Passing meds? Doing an assessment? We need more information to help you....:)

Per post history OP is an LVN apparently seeking first nursing job.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Jan 10, 2014

Per post history OP is an LVN apparently seeking first nursing job.

I know I read that as well....but is this for work? school? They were also recently asking about rhythm strips...I am hoping they return and be more specific so we may better help them

heyitsme728 · Jan 11, 2014

I like people who are succinct.....but a little more detail would be helpful. Are you a new grad RN working med/surg. A CNA working in a skilled nursing facility? What?

I'm an LVN. I am not employed. My cna expired.

heyitsme728 · Jan 11, 2014

Unemplyed Lvn. Currently not enrolled so not a student. Not a cna because it expired. Failed teas twiceand I haven't scheduled to take it again. So not that either.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Jan 11, 2014

Unemplyed Lvn. Currently not enrolled so not a student. Not a cna because it expired. Failed teas twiceand I haven't scheduled to take it again. So not that either.

What are you seeking prioritization assistance with then?

Blue Roses · Jan 11, 2014

I wish I could take a picture of my "brain", meaning the sheet where I write everything down, so that you can see how I prioritize. Our unit usually averages 5 to 6 pts per nurse everyday, so I seperate my sheet of paper into six boxes on both sides and on one side I write the patient's name, age and MD and take report notes. On the other side I write their names again and in each box I write basically a to-do list of med passes and other tasks that are timed, organized by time (0900, 1100, 1400, etc.) and I cross them off as I compete them.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2014

We have "brain sheets" that have time columns across them. I write when meds are due on the patients, and write other cares like starting feeds and time sensitive things. Sometimes things happen and I can't be on time . . . I pick the most important things. Time sensitive meds like antibiotics or BP meds are more important than Protonix or skin cream. I go into the quickest patients' rooms first, saving the time consuming patients for last of that set of rounds.
In all the rushing around and being behind-- better to be late with a med than not take the time to double check it and make an error. Never pull out more than one patient's meds at a time for the same reason.
Work head to toe on a patient every time. Assess head to toe, suction, pulses, diaper, lower pulses, change positions.
Continue to make lists on the "brain". Go in and notice they are almost out of diapers. Make note for next time you go in the room

That's pretty much how I did it too. The patient you see first for NCLEX is not always the patient you see first in real life. If I had an elective admission who was in for monitoring and just needed 1 set of meds and 1 set of vitals, I'd knock him out first and tuck him into bed before seeing the patient who I'm going to be with for an hour the first time I walk into the room.