Hi Roisin
These are my tips;
1) Use outlook for appoints and reminders
2) I have white boards on the wall in my office for different parts of life (business, research, projects, yes even my kids stuff) where I list what I need to do THIS WEEK and THIS MONTH, THIS YEAR. Rather sadly I get satisfaction from crossing off what I have achieved but need them in front of my face as a reminder.
3) I have monthly forward files in the drawer of my desk where I put hard copies of the arranged referrals forms, business stuff such as tax forms, train tickets etc
4) This is controversial but I love my blackberry as I can answer e-mails on the move and prevent a depressing back log - it saves me time. Obviously discipline is needed to make sure it doesn't become part of your anatomy and that the off button is used from time to time.
5) I block out time for admin and other supposedly urgent tasks, usually Fridays and my customers know that I am available that day and will respond to queries.
6) I went paperless 5 years ago and store everything electronically, again I have found it saves time - no filing.
7) I have a template for reports when doing case management and am strict about making sure I diary enough time to write the report as part of the appointment. If customers try and put loads of appointments in I charge them extra (always works).
8) When I worked in corporate life I used to block out time working from home to free up time with no distractions.
9) In corporate life I quickly developed assertiveness skills and had the attitude that someone's else's priority isn't necessarily mine and would then negotiate a time frame. I think as Nurses we often fall into the trap of saying yes to often and can constantly over deliver. This one is a little more tricky when running a business with customer expectations.
10) The 20/80 rule is important, does everything have to be done to a 100% standard? - obviously that is a judgement call dependent on the task.
Interesting thread this...
Karen
-----Original Message-----
From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Roisin Smyth
Sent: 13 June 2012 23:26
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [OCC-HEALTH] Time / office management - Help / advice
Hello Everyone,
I work in a very large and busy organisation - lots of paperwork, systems, processes, i's and t's to dot and cross, no admin support, you get the general gist, no different to most I imagine.
Before I drown in a sea of paperwork, outstanding filing etc, I wondered if you more experienced (or more organised!) members would mind sharing any of your own tips that you may have developed on practical strategies for keeping on top of workload, referrals, appointments. I'm trying to evolve my own way as best I can, but I'm looking to the experts for wisdom here.
A big problem I find is that I can set a plan in place, but need to re-prioritise so often and reschedule to respond to certain needs (such as reports of potentially work related illness/injury that need assessed asap) that I'm worried I'm going to miss something / fail to follow up on something important. Things tend to run at a fast pace.
It's a big question - I know people can study for degrees in office management, but I'm really just looking for some day to day practical advice, no matter how small.
Thanks so much in advance.
Roisin
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