Time management tips?

ok, in our last semester of school, we are doing a presentation on time management and prioritization. several people are exploring the research side of this, but i want to know what your best tips are!

-what are some of the things you do to make your shift run smoothly?

i group my nursing tasks together for each patient so that i'm not running back and forth all evening. for example: i may do an assessment, wound care and meds while i'm in the patients room at the time. that way i'm not going to the room 3 different times.

-how do you decide what to do first?

i constantly adjust my priorities throughout my shift. what ever needs my or the docs immediate attention is what i'm going to address first. i work in ltc so i usually do rounds, then follow up on labs, start with meds/treatments and so on. however, if an emergency comes out i have to re-prioritize.

-how long did it take you to feel comfortable with these skills?

i'm not sure yet because i'm still not 100 percent comfortable. i have days where i feel like my shift ran smoothly and i managed my time very well, then there are some days where i felt like i was running around like a mad women.

-what are some things you do to balance your home/social life with work?

i typically leave work at work. on my off days i enjoy time with family and friends.

thanks!

hope this helps.

Thanks NurseLoveJoy, that does help. I just want some anecdotal advice from nurses themselves. We want to give information that will actually be useful to our peers!