You’re a nurse who’s always behind on deadlines. What can you do to get back on track?

2 Plan your day

Once you have your priorities clear, you can plan your day accordingly. Start by estimating how much time each task will take and when it is due. Then, create a realistic schedule that allocates enough time for each task, as well as breaks, meals, and emergencies. You can use a calendar, a planner, or an app to organize your schedule and set reminders. Try to stick to your plan as much as possible, but be flexible and adaptable if things change.

3 Delegate or outsource

Sometimes, you may have more tasks than you can handle by yourself. In that case, you can ask for help from your colleagues, your supervisor, or other resources. For example, you can delegate some of the administrative or non-clinical tasks to other staff members, such as receptionists, assistants, or volunteers. You can also outsource some of the tasks that are not within your scope of practice or expertise, such as research, education, or consultation. By delegating or outsourcing, you can free up some of your time and focus on your core competencies.

4 Eliminate distractions

Another reason why you may fall behind on your deadlines is that you get distracted by other things that are not related to your work. For example, you may check your phone, browse the internet, chat with your coworkers, or attend to personal matters during your work hours. These distractions can interrupt your flow, reduce your concentration, and waste your time. To avoid them, you can turn off your phone notifications, close unnecessary tabs or windows, limit your social interactions, and set boundaries for your personal issues.

5 Improve your efficiency

You can also get back on track by improving your efficiency and quality of work, allowing you to do more in less time and with fewer errors. To achieve this, consider using checklists, templates, or protocols to standardize your processes and reduce mistakes. Technology, such as electronic health records, automation, or telehealth, can be employed to streamline your workflow and save time. Evidence-based practices, such as clinical guidelines, best practices, or research findings, can inform your decisions and actions. Additionally, feedback, evaluation, or reflection can help identify your strengths and weaknesses and improve your skills and knowledge.

6 Reward yourself

Finally, you can get back on track by rewarding yourself for your achievements and progress. This can be a great motivator, helping to lift your spirits and reinforce positive habits. You can celebrate milestones, like completing a project or meeting a deadline, or treat yourself to something you enjoy, like a snack or movie. Acknowledge your efforts with a compliment or pat on the back. All of these rewards can help keep you motivated and driven to achieve your goals.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?