How do you prioritize patient care when managing multiple tasks?
ABC's and Urgency of each task.
What do you think is the biggest time management challenge as a new nurse?
Delegation
How do you manage your time effectively during a busy shift?
- To-do list
- Setting goals throughout the day
- Requesting support when needed/ delegate
-Anticipate patient needs
What strategies help you stay organized with documentation and charting?
- Avoid backlog, document as you go
- Templates
How do you handle interruptions while staying on schedule?
- Assess, ABC's,
-Stay flexible
- Delegate less urgent tasks
How do you ensure that urgent tasks don't interfere with important but less urgent ones?
- Prioritize urgent task
- "time block" strategy
What habit could you implement/improve for better time management?
- improve on saying NO
How do you avoid procrastination when handling patient care responsibilities?
- Small manageable task
- Achievable deadlines
What is your most productive time of the day during your shift?
Early in the shift
Use this time to complete assessments and address any immediate patient needs.
How can you balance work, personal life, and self-care as a new nurse?
- Scheduling downtime, set boundaries.
How do you prepare for a new shift to ensure a smooth start?
- Review patient's charts, any new orders, check supplies...
Describe a situation when poor time management could affect your shift?
Poor charting habits.
What does delegation mean in nursing, and why it is important?
Assigning tasks to other team members... within their scope of practice.
How do you decide which tasks to delegate to assistive personnel?
V/S, ADL's, transporting patients.
Tasks that are routine and within their scope of practice.
How does teamwork help with time management?
Helps distribute the workload
Tasks get done promptly and efficiently
How do you handle distractions during your shift?
Maintaining clear focus on tasks.
How do you ensure that delegated tasks are completed safely and correctly?
- Provide clear instructions
- Supervision
3 examples of tasks you frequently delegate.
V/S, Turning & positioning, ADL's, etc.
How do you communicate effectively when delegating a task?
Be specific. What needs to be done, when needs to be done.
How do you handle multiple patient needs when short on time?
Prioritize
What strategies help you manage stress caused by time constraints?
Stay organized, set realistic goals, stay positive.
How do you make the most of your time during team huddles and rounds?
Active listening, take notes, ask questions.
How can you balance learning a new skill while managing patient care?
Seek opportunities to practice new skills during quieter moments or when delegating tasks to others.
What advice would you give about time management?
Stay organized, communicate with the team, ask for help.
Prioritize self-care.
What do you do if a team member refuses a task you delegated?
Ask questions: why can't take on the task?, busy?, unsure?.
Offer help or assign tasks to someone else.