Organization

I put each patient in their own column on a piece of paper, side by side. Down the side I put the hours of my shift in military time with space to write - 0700 all the way to 1800. Then I go through the MAR and write when meds are due. If there are a lot I write how many instead of the drug names. I add then things like blood sugars, supplements, peg tube flushes etc. As I finish each task I cross it off.

This method let's me see what can be clustered together, helps me recognize priorities and gives me a reference on what is coming up next. I would die without it!! It makes me seem impressively organized to my preceptor and other nurses. I love it. I even have put times to check for orders on there so I remember to do it. Having it all written out also helps me see when I can probably get some charting done.