Ideas for Effective Time Management at Work/Juggling Tasks

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Hi all,

I was wondering if you guys would like to share what you do to help you with time management at work.

It seems the charting situation in my hospital is off the charts! The program they have is extremely cumbersome to navigate through. I feel like it takes me just 3 hours to do charting in addition to my 6 patients. I didnt have lunch the other day till 4 pm, because I was so far behind. We also use computer scanning for meds. It seems like more and more responsibility is being placed on the nurse these days.

What are some of your own "personal style" choices that you have found helpful in finishing work tasks in a timely fashion.....any help is appreciated. Thanks!

I check for early am meds first (renal meds that need to be taken with breakfast, thyroid, etc); those pts get all their meds at that time. If they are joint pts, I assess for pain and medicate before PT to minimize interruptions for pain meds. I've gotten better at delegating what I can and know which techs need more direction/supervision. Once my assessments are done I chart (paper charts here). I've also gotten better at not double charting as much. The flow sheet contains check boxes so I try to focus my narrative notes on the pt's specific problem or on anything that appears to be "off" with the pt. I try to check my care plans before lunch and get my chart check stuff started early (the stuff that's easy to check like med recs done). I've been a nurse for almost 2 years on a very busy floor and now I hardly ever stay too late.

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