Essentials of Nursing Leadership and Management, 5th Edition

chapter 11 | Time Management 167

control and those that are not, as well as realizing
your limitations. No one knows better what you
are capable of doing than you. Treats are part of
life. It is okay to take a break or time out. It is
important because doing so permits you to
refresh. Table 11-1 summarizes the Rhythm
Model for Time Management.

Conclusion

Time can be your best friend or worst enemy,
depending on your perspective and how you man-
age it. It is important to identify how you feel

about time and to assess your own time manage-

ment skills. Nursing requires that numerous activ-

ities be performed within what often seems to be

very brief periods. Remember that there are only

so many hours in the day. Knowing this can create

stress. No one works well “under pressure.” Learn

to delegate. Learn to say, “I would really like to

help you; can it wait until I finish this?” Learn to

say no. Most of all, learn how to make the most of

your day by working effectively and efficiently.

Finally, remember that 8 hours should be desig-

nated as sleep time and several more as personal

or leisure (“time off ”) time.

table 11-1

The Rhythm Model for Time Management

PRIORITIZE List tasks in order of importance.

Remember that some tasks must occur at specific times, whereas others can occur at any time.

Emergencies take precedence.

Identify events controlled by you and events controlled by others.

Use critical thinking skills to assign priorities.

QUESTION:

EFFECTIVENESS Did the task produce the desired outcome?

EFFICIENCY How can I accomplish the plan with the least expenditure of time?

Is there a way to break this down into simpler tasks?

EFFICACY Do I have the skill and ability to obtain the desired effect?

RECHECK Mentally and physically recheck an unfinished or delegated task.

SELF-RELIANCE Identify those tasks that are within your control and those that are not.

Use critical thinking skills and adaptability to revise priorities.

“Go with the flow.”

TREAT Treat yourself to a break when you can.

Treat yourself to time off.

Treat yourself to an educational experience: Commit yourself to excellence.

Treat others courteously and with respect.

Study Questions

1.Develop a personal time inventory. Identify your time wasters. How do you think you can eliminate

these activities?

2.Create your own patient care worksheet. How does this worksheet help you organize your clinical day?

3.Keep a log of your clinical day. Which activities took the most time? Why? Which activities took

the least time? What situations interfered with your work? What could you do to reduce the inter-

ference?

4.Identify a task that is done repeatedly in your clinical area. Think of a new, more efficient way to do

that task. How could you implement this new routine? How could you evaluate its efficiency?

5.Consider how many interruptions you had during the day. How did you handle them? How did

they interfere in your time management?