NR 446 Chapter 9 Time Management

NR 446 Chapter 9 Time Management Latest 2023 / 2024

Time Management: making optimal use of

available time

• Keys to optimizing time management: prioritize duties, managing and controlling crises, reducing

stress, and balancing work and personal time Leadership Roles in Time Management

• Is self-aware regarding personal blocks and barriers to efficient time management
• Recognizes how one’s own value system influences his or her use of time and the expectations of

followers

• Functions as a role model, supporter, and resource person to others in setting priorities for goal

attainment

• Assists followers in working cooperatively to maximize time use
• Prevents and/or filters interruptions that prevent effective time management
• Role models flexibility in working cooperatively with other people whose primary time management

style is different

• Presents a calm and reassuring demeanor during periods of high unit activity
• Prioritizes conflicting and overlapping requests for time
• Appropriately determines the quality of work needed in tasks to be completed

Management Functions in Time Management

• Appropriately prioritizes day-to-day planning to meet short-term and long-term unit goals
• Builds time for planning into the work schedule
• Analyzes how time is managed on the unit level by using job analysis and time-and-motion studies
• Eliminates environmental barriers to effective time management for workers
• Handles paperwork promptly and efficiently and maintains a neat work area
• Breaks down large tasks into smaller ones that can more easily be accomplished by unit members
• Utilizes appropriate technology to facilitate timely communication and documentation
• Discriminates between inadequate staffing and inefficient use of time when time resources are

inadequate to complete assigned tasks Three Basic Steps to Time Management

• Allow time for planning and establish priorities
• Complete the highest priority task whenever possible and finish one task before beginning another
• Reprioritize based on the remaining tasks and on new information that may have been received
• two mistakes common in planning: underestimating the importance of the daily plan, not allowing

adequate time for planning SMART Approach to Studying

• Set specific, clear goals to be accomplished
• Record your progress as measurable progress maintains your interest
• Identify the steps needed to accomplish your goals
• Be realistic about your time constraints and set goal that can be accomplished within these constraints
• Set a time frame and plan for this

The Time – Efficient Work Environment

• Gather all the supplies and equipment that will be needed before starting an activity. Breaking a job

down mentally into parts before beginning the activity may help the staff nurse identify what supplies and equipment will be needed to complete the activity.

• Group activities that are in the same location. If you have walked a long distance down a hallway,

attempt to do several things there before going back to the nurses’ station. If you are a home health nurse, group patient visits geographically when possible to minimize travel time and maximize time with patients.

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