Nursing is one of the most sought-after professions in the medical industry. Nevertheless, the job is very quick-paced and hectic. Because, as a nurse, you have a lot of activities that need to be finished in a set amount of time. You also need to be able to manage the emergency events that may arise while still managing your regular work. But in the hopes of trying to “do it all,” you may stretch yourself too thin.
That is why all nurses (new or experienced) must master the art of management. With proper management, you get better capability, confidence, clarity, and, most importantly, time to reflect on yourself and do what you enjoy. More convincingly, you become more productive and focused when you are clear on the best use of your time. Here are some tips for nurses to manage their tough routines and stay productive.
1, Put Things In Order.
You can’t accomplish everything you want to as a nurse. So, when you create a schedule for yourself, be meticulous when determining your priorities. Decide what has to be done, schedule time for each task, and then go back and look at the rest of your list. You should also think outside the box regarding how and when you do tasks. For instance, you can satisfy your desire for news by listening to podcasts while cooking, exercising, or going for a stroll.
Furthermore, if you’re looking to amp up your career and gain more flexibility in your working hours, why not consider getting a specialization like a family nurse practitioner? Numerous family nurse practitioner online programs can assist you in gaining the necessary knowledge. And since FNPs generally provide more in-depth care, you can assume higher roles and pick your working hours.
2. Make ListsÂ
A simple and quick approach to managing your time is to create lists. In the always-shifting world of nursing, there are so many interruptions that it’s easy to lose focus and forget what you had to get done that day. Lists should be prioritized, but be flexible and aware that your goals can shift suddenly.
3. Take BreaksÂ
On a hectic day when the workflow is continuous, it may seem best to finish all your work at once. However, this is rarely the case because it has the opposite effect. It’s crucial to take breaks when your day is busy. You will undoubtedly have more time and won’t get burned out if you take a break. On the other hand, if you don’t take a break, especially if you haven’t eaten anything, you won’t even feel inefficient toward the end of the day.
4. Employ TechnologyÂ
Using applications, software, and other internet platforms, you can prioritize your work and stay organized. Look for specialized time management tools to assist you in organizing your day and reminding you of deadlines. Make sure you are familiarizing yourself with time-tracking capabilities so you can use them for your job if your hospital uses software or apps for patient documentation.
5. Establish A Support SystemÂ
Nurses who have a support system can better manage their time. The spouse, direct and extended family, and nurse pals can all assist with time management techniques. Asking for assistance from friends or family should not be a fear for nurses. Pressure and discomfort are lessened thanks to the support system. Additionally, nurses can keep their partners and kids accountable for their extracurricular activities, make a schedule, and include them in household chores.
6. Limit All DistractionsÂ
Limiting distractions lets you focus completely on your work and finish it quickly. Keep private communications to a minimum by keeping your phone in a location other than your workspace and using it mostly during breaks. After responding to all inquiries from patients and their family members, provide medication so that you may focus on the task at hand. Additionally, working on administrative tasks in a calm setting allows you to go over your notes thoroughly.
7. Establish BoundariesÂ
Get practice declining requests that you know you can’t possibly fulfill. This could be challenging at work, especially if you’re young and inexperienced. Still, you can apply it in other spheres, such as family and friend relationships.
8. Master The Art Of DelegationÂ
You can still ask for assistance even after you have managed your time. Delegation in nursing is the assignment of responsibility for carrying out tasks or activities connected to patient care. When healthcare professionals have a good working relationship, are motivated to cooperate, and use clear communication, delegation works well.Â
When making critical nursing choices that require an RN to make them, delegation should not be used. Instead of delegating nursing responsibilities that require essential training, administrative chores and regular processes might be done. The capacity to assign tasks to qualified people is a key component of teamwork.Â
9. Keep A Healthy Work-Life Balance
As a nurse, your working hours are always long. Preparing for the day, traveling, and staying up late to provide a report on your workday might add up to 15 hours or more per day. This might be difficult for many people, especially those with families and children.
Thus, keeping a balance between work and life is crucial. Your organizational capacity is wholly responsible. If the transition is difficult, you should counteract it with stress-relieving hobbies. Spending time with loved ones, meditating, and exercising is beneficial. Many aspects of the nursing job become bearable if you learn and perfect your work-life balance, which can take some time to complete.
10. Finally, be prepared for anything.Â
Even if making a timetable and following it are crucial, unexpected events will still interfere with your plans. Ensure your plan allows flexibility to account for unforeseen events like coffee spills or traffic jams. If you arrange everything back-to-back with little room for error, you will be late unless everything goes flawlessly.
Wrapping Up
Undoubtedly, working as a nurse is rewarding and fun. But it is bound to wear you out—especially if you don’t learn how to manage your time and put self-care on top. So, do yourself and your career a favor and use these tips to balance your schedule and health better. Furthermore, if you’re still a nursing student, you can utilize these suggestions to maintain a positive balance between your studies and personal life.