Time Management Tips: An Interview With The World's Most Productive Nurse Practitioner

Ever find yourself at work until all hours finishing your charting – or, even worse, taking charting home with you? Wondering how you might possibly get a handle on all of this stuff before you drown? You are most definitely not alone; time management challenges are super common (especially in primary care) for new grads, seasoned NPs, and almost everyone in a patient-facing position.

This week, we talk with Jessica Reeves, a Nurse Practitioner with a knack for time management (and author of Secrets From The World’s Most Productive Nurse Practitioner). We’ll cover:

✅ Where to start with time management
✅ The impact of the schedule on your time management – and what you can do about it
✅ The life-changing magic of dictation
✅ Using body language to manage the flow of the visit
✅ Setting limits (focused visit = focused note)

When it comes to clinical topics, things often get better over time and with experience. Time management is different; if you are struggling with time management now, you will likely continue to struggle unless you change your approach. With reflection, time, and practice, you can get your time back into your control and find the work-life harmony that works for you.

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Video Breakdown:
0:00 - Introduction
7:07 - Charting Tips
13:00 - Charting Templates
20:15 - Time Management Practice
22:45 - Time Management in the Visit
30:18 - How to redirect the patient
37:43 - Dictation
41:46 - Scheduling Challenges
53:15 - Advocacy
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Come follow along for even more tips and inspiration:

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Please note: This episode is intended only for medical providers and students learning to be medical providers.

While anyone is welcome to view and listen, for legal and safety reasons, we are unable to diagnose, treat, or answer medical questions for individuals through this channel. We always refer individuals back to their primary care providers for medical care.

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[EnidG]

I love your heart. I hated the “conveyor belt” feel when I worked in the PACU. I wanted to go into FNP to make a difference, but the amount of patients and time we have with them makes it feel the same way. I hate it, but I like how you said if you choose to stay longer and not to keep up with the goal of finishing your charts that day to help your patients. Thank you

[katherinem]

As a patient, I really love patient portals that allow me to write out the questions I want to address during a visit and/or intake forms that ask what the one-two main issues I want to discuss at my visit are. This really helps me organize my questions and preemptively sets up that expectation before I even see my provider/keeps the appointment time-bound while also preventing the visit from seeming like my main issues aren't addressed.

[kenishastarks]

Pre chart works for me ALL the time. I only pre chart when they are physically in clinic and been room by my MA

[bluefamily]

The NUMBER ONE time suck for me is the technology. I spend more time rebooting the computer, waiting for the server to come back on, logging in, verifying my identity..on the phone with IT Support....at least an hour and a half just this morning...drives me nuts!!!

[nursing]

So if a pt comes in with HTN, DM, Hyperlipidemia, lab review, COPD…..you only see them for 3 or 4 of those? I’m STILL struggling with this!My pt’s have so many conditions, and it’s much time charting! Help

[Ameejack]

Such a great informative video!! Love all the tips and will use them in clinical. My question is can you give me a couple examples of ways to say “what brings you in today” that will guide the conversation?

I’ve experienced in clinicals providers that are very stern about boundaries and time and others that will address every complaint that the patient brings up. It’s a tough spot to be in I can imagine as a provider.

[TheRNgrl]

My practice is different. Im in specialty, cardiology, and I have to have the physician see the patient after me, adding more time. I also have to add all orders, follow ups, and walk the patient out. We are expected to see 16 per day. Which doesn’t seem like a lot compared to primary care, I suppose. But I’m struggling!