EDAPT – TIME MANAGEMENT & PRIORITIZATION
Let’s face facts, both time management and prioritization have been covered in previous courses, so why are
the topics now in a collaborative healthcare course? This module focuses on how nursing managers support
direct client care providers. As a leader, the nurse manager is responsible for setting goals and empowering
others to achieve those goals. As a manager, the nurse leader must be able to employ skills and optimally use
resources. Whether the nurse is in a leadership or management position, they must master both time and
prioritization to be effective.
A nurse manager is mentoring a new charge nurse on time management. Which instructions should the
nurse manager include to support a successful transition to the charge nurse role? Select all that apply.
The charge nurse's role is part direct care provider and part manager, overseeing the daily activities of a
nursing unit. A charge nurse's tasks include:
 prioritizing their day before doing tasks
 touching base with colleagues frequently
 reminding colleagues to inform the charge nurse of significant changes in their workload
 seeking opportunities to promote growth in others
The charge nurse should plan their day, but adhering to the plan does not allow for changes in priorities in a
busy nursing unit. Though the charge nurse can provide direct care, doing so should only be done in specific
circumstances (for example, when employees are significantly overworked due to declining patient status,
multiple patient admissions in a short time frame, etc.).
The basic principles of time management are simple and universal: take time to plan and prioritize, complete
tasks in order of priority (starting with the highest when possible), and reprioritize when new information is
received and/or tasks are completed.
Managing Time as a Leader
1. Take time to plan
1. Set aside time at the beginning of the day.
2. Involve colleagues if work is interconnected.
3. Schedule time to assess the plan and reprioritize during the day.
2. Start with the highest priority
1. Finish the high-priority task before starting the next, when possible.
2. Break complex tasks into smaller steps, prioritizing the order in which each must be completed.
3. Adjust the task list as priorities change during the shift.