Managing Healthcare Resources

1. What did you actually learned from the unit.
I learned a lot this week and had a very difficult time with the budget cut assignment. I probably was over thinking it but it made me realize how important a budget is and how costly it can be if a few things are over budget. It was difficult to really decide what could be cut in the budget but with problem solving and critical thinking I was able to find a solution. I learned that developing a budget goes through a process similar to the nursing process (Assess what needs to be included in the budget, develop a plan, implement the plan, and evaluate the plan).

Regarding time management I learned that the three basic steps are: to allow time for planning to establish priorities, complete the highest priority task first and finish a task before starting another one, and reprioritizing based on the remaining tasks and on new information that may be received. It is important to know myself and understand how I waste time or tasks I do not like to do. Things that waste time are the inability to say no and inability to delegate.

Delegation has been a difficult skill for me to develop over this first year of my nursing career. However, I do realize it takes practice and I am getting better and more comfortable with delegation. I learned this week about things to focus on when delegating. It's important to give credit for those who deserve it, make sure it is the right person, right time, and for the right reason.

2. Discuss your feelings/experiences from the team activities? Did it change your opinion on the subject? If so, how? If not, why?

The discussion this week was HARD! It was interesting to see all the different areas we thought could use a budget cut. However, we all focused on the staffing issue and it was interesting to discuss with team members about the different solutions to the staffing problems. We also were able to come up with very interesting interview questions regarding budgeting for next week.

3. How you will utilize the information learned in your nursing practice.

First of all, these skills about budgeting and budget cuts are valuable. I really thought it was great that we were able to look at a budget and try to interpret it. I know that being a manager is something I should strive toward but having to go over this this week made me realize that there are certain things I do not look forward to. Time management is something every nurse has to learn to be good at. As I have had students work with me as well as train new nurses I realize that I have developed some great time management techniques for myself. I have found what works for me. However, there are days I need to give myself more time to plan everything out and prioritize to help the morning med pass run smoother. I also know the things I dislike doing and things that I procrastinate. I am trying to get those things done quicker and sooner so it doesn't effect my mood while at work every shift. I also am going to actively try and be a better delegator to my charge nurse as well as the CNAs I work with.

4. You personal feelings about the material covered.

I felt this week was extremely useful in my nursing practice. I really thought the information was valuable and very relevant to my career.