How can you prioritize tasks in a busy hospital setting?

1 Assess your tasks

The first step to prioritize tasks is to assess them based on their urgency, importance, and complexity. Urgent tasks are those that require immediate attention or have a deadline. Important tasks are those that align with your goals, values, and standards. Complex tasks are those that involve multiple steps, skills, or stakeholders. You can use a matrix or a list to rank your tasks according to these criteria and decide which ones to do first, delegate, defer, or drop.

2 Plan your time

The second step to prioritize tasks is to plan your time realistically and flexibly. Realistically means that you estimate how much time each task will take and allocate enough time for it. Flexibly means that you anticipate possible interruptions, changes, or emergencies and leave some buffer time for them. You can use a calendar, a planner, or an app to schedule your tasks and block out time for them. You can also set reminders, deadlines, and milestones to keep track of your progress and adjust your plan as needed.

3 Communicate your priorities

The third step to prioritize tasks is to communicate your priorities clearly and respectfully to others. This includes your patients, families, colleagues, supervisors, and external partners. Communicating your priorities means that you inform them of your availability, expectations, and boundaries. You also listen to their needs, concerns, and feedback and negotiate or compromise when necessary. You can use email, phone, or face-to-face communication to convey your priorities and seek support or collaboration from others.

4 Delegate or outsource tasks

The fourth step to prioritize tasks is to delegate or outsource tasks that are not essential, urgent, or important for you to do. Delegating or outsourcing tasks means that you assign them to someone else who has the skills, time, or resources to do them. This can free up your time and energy for more critical or meaningful tasks. You can delegate or outsource tasks to your colleagues, assistants, volunteers, or external agencies. You can also provide guidance, feedback, and recognition to those who help you with your tasks.

5 Review and reflect on your tasks

The fifth step to prioritize tasks is to review and reflect on your tasks regularly and evaluate your performance and outcomes. Reviewing and reflecting on your tasks means that you check if you have completed them on time and according to your standards. You also identify what worked well and what didn't and learn from your successes and failures. You can use a journal, a checklist, or a feedback form to review and reflect on your tasks and celebrate your achievements or improve your areas of weakness.

6 Take care of yourself

The sixth and final step to prioritize tasks is to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Taking care of yourself means that you balance your work and personal life and engage in activities that nourish your body, mind, and soul. You also cope with stress, frustration, or burnout in healthy and constructive ways. You can take care of yourself by eating well, sleeping enough, exercising regularly, meditating, relaxing, socializing, or seeking professional help if needed.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?