A nurse is planning care for a group of clients and is working with one licensed practical nurse (LPN) and one assistive personnel (AP). Which of the following actions should the nurse take first to manage her time effectively?
A.
Schedule daily activities.
B.
Determine goals of the day.
C.
Delegate tasks to the AP.
D.
Develop an hourly time frame for tasks.
Answer: B. Determine goals of the day.
Explanation:
To manage time effectively, the nurse must first determine the goals of the day. By identifying the priorities and objectives for the shift, the nurse can ensure that the most critical tasks are addressed first. This step provides a clear direction for the day and helps in organizing and planning the workload.
Once the goals are established, the nurse can then proceed with scheduling activities, delegating tasks, and developing an hourly time frame for tasks, all of which contribute to effective time management. However, determining the goals of the day is the foundational step that guides all subsequent actions.