Journal Entry 4- Time Management a vital tool for professional development

This week’s clinical experience was mainly focused on exploring different ways on how to be more proficient in time management. Since this is an area I have struggled with in the past, I was very excited to learn from my preceptor the different techniques that she has utilized and how this has helped her achieve personal and professional goals. As clearly stated by Julie, to be an efficient leader, it is important to understand that they is a close relationship between time and stress management. When time is put to efficient use, stress is reduced and productivity is increased. She explained that as a result of her ability to effectively manage her time, she is able to multi-task/joggle the demands and responsibilities of been the facility administrator. .

To start of her day, my preceptor like most nurses plans and schedules activities in other to accomplish set goals. She has a year-planner, which depicts the major responsibilities for the coming year. It shows at a glance when the budget must be completed, when monthly staff meeting are to take place, when meriting sessions are to be attended, annual interdisciplinary teams reviews, etc. In addition to that, she keeps a monthly, weekly and daily calendar/planner which streamlines all activities to achieve major goals. A sample of her daily planner, reflects scheduled meetings (with block in times) an on-going to do list, that is flexible and allows sufficient time for unexpected emergencies and crises that may occur. Alongside her to do list, she prioritizes each daily activity first by importance and urgency second. She explained how she uses the 80/20 rule to assign importance to each task. From this principle, I learnt that 80% of the positive, satisfactory outcomes we get are as a result of 20% of time spent, so therefore it is important to pay particular attention to the very important tasks and not get involved in all the trivial projects that crops up within the day.

During the course of the day, I noticed that Julie set aside some specific task aside for the clinical managers to oversee. She explained that she tends to delegate minor task in other to give her more time to attend to organizational function and meetings. I also observed that her visiting time was strictly by appointment only, except when an urgent patient request arises . While rounding with the clinical supervisor, the meeting was very brief and straight to the point. I addition she sets aside her private time for personal reflection and relaxation.

From the learning experience, I can now understand, why Julie, despite her numerous daily responsibilities, she is still able to maintain productively and be stress free. I have learnt that, in other to be more proficient in my time management, I would need to adopt effective strategies such as planning/setting goals, eliminating time stealers such as procrastination and perfectionism.

6 clinical hours