Are you spending your time wisely? There’s a reason that phrase selectively uses the word “spending” -- time is money.
Time is a more precious resource than currency because you can never get it back. We all have a finite amount of time and what seems like an infinite amount of work beckoning us.
Nurses are well-educated and can do many functions within a team. When most of us see something that needs to get done, we jump right in and do it ourselves. However, with time as the scarcest resource, are we doing the most appropriate functions with our education and experience?
As a manager, a large part of my role is making sure the right team members are doing the right type of work that will benefit the patients and the organization the most. Sure, a nurse can file paperwork, input general data, take vital signs, and ambulate patients, but when it comes to the financials of the healthcare organization, those functions may be better suited for other team members.
Now, if the nurse is the only team member present at the time, and the task must be completed, it makes sense for the nurse to complete it. On the other hand, if the task is not urgent and there are other team members who have skills to complete the task, then perhaps delegating is in order.
While working, stop and think: "Is there another trained team member who could do this [better, even]?" Nurses should do what they’ve been trained to do -- practice at the highest level of their roles, because that is what organizations intend to pay nurses to do. The same is true for social workers, dieticians, chaplains, medical assistants, and every other member of the healthcare team.
When all members of the team are working to the fullest extent of their roles, the organization is more efficient and more profitable. And, let’s not forget -- the patient gets the best care possible.
Are you spending your time wisely at work? What portions of your role could be delegated to other skilled team members?
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