You’re used to managing chaos. Emergencies, unexpected changes in patient needs, and shifting priorities come with the territory. But here’s something you may not realize: one of the keys to better time management is clarifying what truly matters.
In the fast-paced world of healthcare, it’s easy to feel like every task is urgent. You’re constantly pulled between patient care, documentation, team communication, and the small details that can eat up your time. What often happens is that the most important tasks—the ones that truly make a difference in patient outcomes and your job satisfaction—get buried under everything else.
Here’s the truth: good time management isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters most. That starts with getting clear on your priorities, and here’s how you can start:
1. Define Your Non-Negotiables
Not every task is equally important. Think about your day-to-day: what tasks must get done no matter what? These might be critical patient assessments, medication administration, or even checking in with your team. Identify 2-3 tasks that are truly non-negotiable each day. Let these be the anchor points for your time.
2. Use Microblocks of Time
Healthcare shifts rarely go as planned. Between patient emergencies and last-minute changes, the day can feel unpredictable. Instead of fighting this reality, work with it. Break your tasks into smaller “micro blocks” of time. Even 5-10 minutes can be used productively—whether it’s catching up on charting, prepping for the next patient, or organizing supplies. Use these short bursts of time to knock out smaller tasks instead of waiting for a big chunk of time that may never come.
3. Say ‘No’ with Confidence
One of the hardest things for healthcare workers is setting boundaries. When a colleague asks for help, or your manager assigns an extra task, it’s tempting to say yes. But saying yes to everything often means saying no to your own priorities. Practice saying no when a task doesn’t align with your core responsibilities. This isn’t about being difficult—it’s about protecting your time so you can focus on what really matters.
4. Batch Similar Tasks Together
The constant back-and-forth between different types of tasks—like patient care, charting, and meetings—can cause mental fatigue and slow you down. Instead, try batching similar tasks together. For example, dedicate a block of time to complete all your charting at once instead of doing it between every patient. You’ll find that staying in one mode of thinking can help you get through your tasks more efficiently and with less stress.
5. Prioritize Breaks for Mental Clarity
It’s easy to skip breaks when you’re busy, but this can actually hurt your productivity. Taking short breaks helps reset your mind and can make you more effective when you return to work. Prioritize short, regular breaks to boost your mental clarity. Even five minutes to step away, take a deep breath, or hydrate can make a huge difference in your ability to stay focused and efficient.
By incorporating these small yet powerful shifts into your daily routine, you’ll start to see improvements in how you manage your time and energy. The goal isn’t to be perfect; it’s to be intentional. Time management is about using the time you *do* have more wisely—so you can provide better care to your patients and experience more peace during your shift.
PS: Ready to take control of your time and reduce stress? Sign up for my (FREE) masterclass on How to Manage Your Time. You’ll learn practical strategies to regain control of your day without burning out. Click here to register! (Zoom link will be shared upon registration.)
Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book a coaching session here.
P.P.S. Liked what you read? Join my email list, where I dive deeper into these concepts and teach you HOW to put them into practice in your everyday life. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@christineseager_) or Facebook (@seager.christine), where I share both teaching moments and real-life examples of this work in action.