Nursing

Blog excerpt: Time management and preceptorship

Nurse Leader Insider, September 28, 2017

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This is an excerpt from The Preceptor Program Builder

The three primary tasks affecting time management in healthcare include organization, prioritization, and delegation. It is especially challenging for preceptors to manage their time when given the added responsibilities of working with preceptees. Only by developing their skills in these three tasks can preceptors gain perspective and control over their time in any effective way when working with preceptees.

The following tips should help you to manage your time more effectively:

For example, schedule interruptions. Do not chart every event as it occurs. Set aside time once or twice during your duty hours to stop what you are doing and update your reports: 

  • Keep your work and practice settings clear and ready for action. Papers, tools and supplies, and items waiting for attention should not clutter the desk or work area but rather should be organized and easily accessible.
  • Do one thing at a time. Studies suggest that multitasking is not effective and can lead to increased errors. Complete one task before moving on to the next.
  • Determine what must be done versus what you would like to do. They are not always the same. Say “no” if you have too many duties to handle responsibly or safely. Preceptees try very hard to please preceptors, coworkers, managers, and educators. They may take on too many tasks or responsibilities if they do not know how—or when—to say “no” occasionally.

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