Learn how to cope with the demands of nursing and meet your deadlines without burning out. This article offers tips to help you prioritize, plan, monitor, set, and balance your tasks and energy.

The principles of the Eisenhower matrix, made famous by Stephen Covey, are truer than ever in todays noisy world. Urgency is often defined by those who shout the loudest, rather than what we actually need to do. Making time to do the important stuff that’s not urgent is where the magic happens.

Last updated on Apr 1, 2024

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You have multiple deadlines to meet. How do you manage your energy levels?

As a nurse, you face multiple deadlines every day. Whether it's completing your documentation, administering medications, or responding to emergencies, you need to manage your time and energy efficiently. But how do you do that without burning out or compromising your quality of care? Here are some tips to help you cope with the demands of your profession.

1 Prioritize your tasks

Not all deadlines are equally urgent or important. Some may have serious consequences if missed, while others may be more flexible or less critical. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, you need to prioritize your tasks according to their impact and urgency. You can use a matrix or a list to rank your tasks from high to low priority, and focus on the ones that require your immediate attention. You can also delegate or reschedule some of the lower priority tasks if possible, or ask for help from your colleagues or supervisors.

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Ian Hacon

Chairman and Non-Executive Director, Chief Executive in Leisure, Health and Wellbeing and Co-owner of an awesome American diner chain.
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The principles of the Eisenhower matrix, made famous by Stephen Covey, are truer than ever in todays noisy world. Urgency is often defined by those who shout the loudest, rather than what we actually need to do. Making time to do the important stuff that’s not urgent is where the magic happens.

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Leora Mofsowitz

Coach & Consultant; Community Wellbeing Lead
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Absolutely, prioritising tasks based on their urgency and importance is key to managing workload effectively. Using tools like trello or lists can provide clarity and help tackle high-priority tasks first. I find collaborating with others can alleviate overwhelm and ensure that crucial deadlines are met without sacrificing quality. It's all about finding the right balance and staying focused on what truly matters. I like to think about tasks as being on a timeline and not a deadline!

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2 Plan your breaks

Working non-stop may seem like the best way to meet your deadlines, but it can also drain your energy and affect your performance. Taking regular breaks can help you recharge your batteries, reduce stress, and improve your focus. You can plan your breaks around your shifts, your workload, and your personal needs. For example, you can take a 10-minute break every hour, or a longer break after completing a major task. During your breaks, you can do something that relaxes or energizes you, such as stretching, breathing, meditating, listening to music, or snacking.

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Leora Mofsowitz

Coach & Consultant; Community Wellbeing Lead
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Absolutely, taking breaks is essential for maintaining productivity and wellbeing. Unfortunately we still have a culture of rest being seeing as “non productive”. It's important to recognise that continuous work can lead to burnout and decreased performance. In my experience engaging in activities that relax or energise you during these breaks, such as stretching, meditating, or listening to music, can help boost productivity and overall mood. Breaks are not a luxury but a necessity for optimal performance.

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3 Monitor your energy levels

Your energy levels may fluctuate throughout the day, depending on your circadian rhythm, your mood, your health, and your environment. To manage your energy levels effectively, you need to monitor how you feel and adjust your activities accordingly. For example, you can tackle the most challenging or creative tasks when you feel alert and motivated, and save the more routine or easy tasks for when you feel tired or bored. You can also use strategies to boost your energy levels when needed, such as drinking water, getting some fresh air, or changing your posture.

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4 Set realistic goals

Meeting your deadlines can give you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, but it can also put pressure on you and cause anxiety. To avoid setting yourself up for failure or frustration, you need to set realistic goals that match your abilities and resources. You can use the SMART criteria to define your goals: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. You can also break down your goals into smaller and more manageable steps, and celebrate your progress along the way.

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5 Balance your work and life

Nursing is a demanding and rewarding career, but it can also take a toll on your personal and professional life. To maintain your energy levels and avoid burnout, you need to balance your work and life commitments. You can do this by setting boundaries, communicating your needs, and making time for yourself and your loved ones. You can also seek support from your peers, mentors, or counselors if you feel stressed or overwhelmed by your work. Remember that you are not alone, and that taking care of yourself is essential for taking care of others.

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6 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?

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You have multiple deadlines to meet. How do you manage your energy levels?

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1 Prioritize your tasks

2 Plan your breaks

3 Monitor your energy levels

4 Set realistic goals

5 Balance your work and life

6 Here’s what else to consider

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