Answer to Question 1
Answer: 3
Rationale: It is important to prioritize tasks to ensure that the most important tasks are performed first. This is an important skill for a nurse leader to develop. It is important to avoid socializing with others until the work is done. Social activities are distracters, and waste time. Micromanaging others is an example of a time waster. Nurse leaders should avoid excessive supervision and underdelegation. When something can be done by another effectively, and the task is a good match for the skill set of the staff member, then the task should be done by the staff member and not by the nurse leader. This will help maximize time. Time-analysis studies are a wonderful way for nurses to identify where time is being wasted. The nurse leader might be able to discover ways to use time more effectively.
Answer to Question 2
Answer: 1; 2; 3; 4; 5
Rationale:
I should plan how I will spend tomorrow this morning. It is important for nurse leaders to follow a course of action based on accomplishing a set of objectives. To maximize time, each day should be planned at the end of the previous work day and then reviewed at the beginning of the day to ensure that the most important tasks are performed first.
I will start each day with the task that is least important. Actually, it is important to start each day with the task that is most important. Nurse leaders need to be able to manage time well and prioritize.
I realize that my peak energy time is at 10 a.m., and I should take a walk through the hospital to get rid of some of the energy. It is important for nurse leaders to allow themselves a break during the day to think and plan. However, nurse managers should perform their most difficult tasks during peak energy times. The nurse manager should be aware of his or her own peak energy time.
Delegating tasks takes time, and should be avoided. Delegating tasks is an important skill. The nurse leader should delegate tasks that can or should be delegated to others. The nurse manager should attempt to eliminate any unnecessary work.
I should plan social activities into my day to get more done when I'm in the office. Participating in social activities each day can waste valuable time for the nurse manager. It is important to maximize the amount of work that can be accomplished each day with time-management skills.