Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Mentoring time management skills; preparing for deposition

2010; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Volume: 41; Issue: 10 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1097/01.numa.0000388302.64137.1a

1538-8670

Kathleen Murray,

Hospital Admissions and Outcomes

Q A nurse on my unit has poor time management skills. She's an excellent bedside practitioner, but she's killing my overtime budget. How should I remedy this situation? I would recommend that you shadow her closely to see specifically where the time management gaps exist and provide guidance to help her succeed in her new role. The following are some tips you can utilize to help your nurse succeed:Figure Establish with her the most important activities that need to be completed during her shift. Spend time evaluating her routine and see where she can combine certain tasks. Direct her to document "just in time" as she completes a task, rather than waiting until the end of the shift. Waiting to document at the end of the shift is one of the primary causes of nurses staying beyond their shift. Discuss potential diversions that would preclude her from completing her patient assignments, such as lengthy personal conversations with the staff throughout the day, personal Internet access (sending e-mails), and text messaging. Ensure that she schedules these activities during her break or lunch. Help her get organized by making sure she has all the supplies at hand before entering the patient's room. Complete an assessment of her delegation skills and how she utilizes resources. Under your mentorship and guidance, she'll eventually become more proficient at managing her time, delegating effectively, and mastering her critical-thinking skills. Q I've been called by an attorney to be deposed on a malpractice case. I'm very nervous. What should I expect? If this is your first time being deposed, it's normal to be nervous. Going through a deposition can be a stressful experience but by preparing for your deposition, you'll make the experience less traumatic. First, you need to understand that a deposition is a question-and-answer session and an investigation into what you know. Your representing attorney will help you prepare for the deposition by going over pertinent documents, possible questions, and your answers. During your session with the attorney representing you, the following key points will most likely be emphasized: Answer questions with confidence. Keep your answers succinct; try not to volunteer any additional information. Think and process the question before you answer. It's far better to take your time than to blurt out an answer you haven't thought through. Make sure you understand the question. If you don't, you can request clarification before you respond. If you don't know the answer, respond honestly and state "I don't know." Don't answer a question that asks you to state all facts. If documents are in the room and you need to refer to them, you can request to take a moment to review them before you answer. If you feel you need to speak to your attorney, don't be afraid to request your legal counsel's guidance. Don't come across argumentative or defensive. If you're tired, request a break. Remember that the deposing attorney isn't representing you. The next step will be the actual scheduled deposition, which may take place in an attorney's office or a secured hospital setting. The deposition may take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on your involvement in the case. Generally, the attorneys for both parties are present, in addition to a court reporter. You'll be sworn in and will be answering the questions under oath. In reality, a deposition is no different than testifying in court. The lawyer representing you will be able to object to some questions and, on some occasions, tell you not to answer. Your best strategy is to plan and prepare with your representing attorney, who will help you get through the deposition experience.