organizational skills

[idahostudent2011]

How do you keep yourself organized throughout the day? Do you have a special brain that you use or do you make your own? I have used a few, but they are not quite right. Do you have any examples of said brains? Thanks in advance!

[Keri8680, BSN, RN]

On my report sheet I write out alittle "to do" list for stuff that pertains to that patient, before I start my rounds. (Before you start rounds is KEY for this to work out) I look on their med profile and check out their orders for this list. For example,

8am VS (vitals on our unit are Q4H)

Lab (if they have a lab due)

Meds (if they have AM meds due)

12p VS

Meds

Lab

2p Meds

4p VS

Meds

6p Meds

I use a list like this, highlight it with a colored highlighter and when I finish I cross it off the list. If orders get added in throughout the day I just write them in around the time they need to be done. It keeps me on track with who needs what when. Hasn't failed me yet!!

[Davey Do]

Gee, idahostudent2011, when I began this response, I thought I could answer you enquiry in a few words. Not so. Once I got going, I recalled a number of "Rules of Organization" I work by. Here goes:

Three words: Prioritize, prioritize, priortize!

Plan ahead. Always expect the unexpected. That way, the unexpected becomes the expected.

Know that Patients always come before Paperwork. But also know that Parework is a priority. Each in its own time.

When you first come on the Unit, assist the off-going Staff in putting out any fires. Report can be recieved on the run, empirically.

Have Systems. Especially for brainless tasks, e.g. setting up for an Admission. While performing these Mindless Matters, follow Your System to a "T", so that if you're interrupted (which you will always be by More Pressing Matters), you'll know right where to pick back up at.

Keep on-going notes in an easily assessible place. Use times, room numbers, abbreviations, etc.

"Banter in the Outfield" with your Colleagues- e.g. As I'm reconciling MARS, I'll make Verbal Notes to my colleagues about certain Patients who have certain PRN's. Or, "Did you notice this about this Patient? " It's a real Timesaver to be able to openly discuss and recall Incidentals PRN.

In your Department and Ancillary Departments, learn the Who, What, Where, When, and Why. Many People use the "Ask Those Who are Busy to do Something" Approach because they know It will be done. Know that Contacts are Gold.

Ask Docs their Opinion. Make them feel Important. They will serve you better when you need them.

If you are In Charge, delegate duties. Never ask Someone Else to do anything you would not do yourself.

Lend a hand when you can without being asked. And expect the Same Behavior from Your Colleagues. If they won't help you, allow them to sink or swim on their own accord. Barring any Patient not recieving Necessary Care, of course.

And probably the most important of all: Never loose your Sense of Humor. A Sense of Humor keeps Things in perspective. And, among other things, it helps with Stress or Feelings of Being Overwhelmed.

Anyway, that's all I could come up with, for now. Good question, idahostudent2011!

Dave

[j621d]

Great suggestions, Davey Do! I would suggest one more: rather than keeping on-going notes try to document at that time. This will avoid double work. I realize sometimes this is not possible, but document as you go whenever possible.

[idahostudent2011]

Thanks for the replys, that is a lot of help!