Time management is applicable to nursing because it allows for prioritization, predetermining outcomes, and performing based upon the most important interventions required. This chapter describes time management techniques and strategies to plan time effectively to enhance personal and professional productivity.

The author defines time management as a set of skills that help an individual use time in an effective and productive manner. It requires examination of what is most important, how time is currently being used, and an assessment of distractions that interfere with productivity. The Pareto principle emphasizes the need to shift from unfocused efforts that often take too much time away from achieving the desired results.

The first step in time management is to focus on outcomes and results, not the task. Long-term goals should be broken down into achievable steps. In order to accomplish this, it is recommended that an analysis be conducted of how time is used through the use of an activity log. This tool helps nurses record activities from, for example, the beginning to end of a shift while documenting their feelings. Upon review, the document will identify time used effectively and time that has been wasted.

When determining effective use of time, it is advisable to identify optimal outcomes and consider those resources which are currently available. First priorities should include life threatening or potentially life threatening situations. The second priority includes activities essential to safety. And the third priority includes activities essential to planning care.

Once priorities have been established, it is important to estimate how much time each activity will take. While estimating time, it is essential to ensure that the environment includes the necessary resources.