Time management

[Serotonin2]

Hello, I am continually frustrated by the fact that I am often getting out late by an hour or two. My patient care is done on time, but during my shift, I never seem to find time to chart. There is always something that needs to be done for a patient, and I'm charting after my shift. I try to delegate what I can to the CNAs but still find that I'm running about like a chicken with its head cut off. This leaves me feeling frazzled and overwhelmed. I've reviewed how I prioritize things and am not sure how to improve. The other nurses around me do not seem to be struggling like I am. I have been a nurse for 4 years and currently work in pediatric psychiatry. I generally get out on time if I work day shift, but if I work pm shift or am floated to the adult unit I'm consistently out late. On the adult unit I have a load of 7-8 patients, one or two of whom will be on CIWAS or COWS. 

 

As a side note, I seem to be struggling with a similar issue at home-that is the management of housework, caring for a toddler, a side business, garden etc. I constantly feel behind and overwhelmed. I struggle with anxiety and major brain fog as well.

 

Any time management, prioritization, or mind management tips (for work and home) would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

[JKL33]

Just spitballing, but I wonder if you are just taking longer at routine things than you think you are (this can happen with anxiety and similar conditions where one is just not aware of the way that things like worrying about crossing t's and dotting I's and double/triple checking things and worrying over what to do next and just not being cognizant of the way that fussing around in general can waste time).

One thing to do right off the bat is take stock of how your routines can be made more efficient--do some self-reflection to see if you possibly are kind of doing a few minutes of "fussing" here and there that substantially adds up over the course of 12 hours.

Good luck!