Time management + getting/staying organized

it took me a while to perfect things, but i am feeling like i have a great handle on stuff. i have a process of exactly how i do things when i walk in the door at work. i do the same thing every day, the same routine, same way i organize my sheets. from there, i do a list of stuff that i know i will have to worry about or make sure i keep track of. ie:

bg 1700____

2100____

ssi>150

drsg change @ 2200

vs

rop 2%

meds:

1 @ 1400

4 @ 1700

3 @ 2000

ect....

i have a way i fold my sheets and only highlight stuff i know i really need to worry about. i highlight pt name; age; allergies; surgery; date of ect....

routine of the way of doing things is the way i prefer. now it is nursing- so we get called off of what we are doing constantly, but if you have a routine, you will automatically go back to where you were when you left off. i wish i had a way to show you how i do my sheets, i have shown a few ppl and its really helped a lot.

and time is always a factor! i am sure lots of ppl will tell you that too.

gl!

any questions feel free to pm me, but you will get tons of replies. and if you need helpers, you can use the search feature on allnurses.com top right of page, i have found that super helpful!

-h-rn

I think this is a great question (I will graduate in May) for new nurses. I am planning on shadowing a friend of mine who is a nurse so I can get a firm grasp on how to organize and prioritize my shift. I feel like I am only getting bits and pieces from clinicals, and feel pretty disorganized. This does not answer your question! Sorry.

I take my Kardex copy and write down on the bottom right hand side the time of any med for that patient (noting if it's an accucheck with ssi) and any tasks with their times if applicable. Ex: Call dr. with H&H post 1800; flush drain, 1900, etc. Keeps me from getting too far behind or forgetting essentials.

I work LTC..after report, 1st rounds and making out CNA assignments, I grab a sheet of paper, and write down the tasks I need to do.

Gtube meds/flushes Nebs Foleys Skin Assessments Accuchecks

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

pt names/times/results/amounts under appropriate heading

That's the "routine" stuff

I also write down anyone on ABX/follow up fall etc

i go through the treatment book and note any "unusual" stuff (for my shift) like dressing changes (normally done 06-1400)

From 1430 until supper time, I'm usually answering phones, taking off orders, calling pharmacy, dealing with family members, try to do some charting.

Then it's pass out trays, feed residents, empty the DR when done. F/U after the CNAs to make sure showers are done, treatments, HS nebs/meds whatever . Finish charting.

In between all this is being the resource person for anyone and everything

Incident r4eports for falls, skin tears etc, There's never any down time and

I go home tired, but I GET HUGS and laugh every day

you get into somewhat of a routine, but MUST be flexible cuz no two days are ever the same