PART 3 – PLACEMENT 1 – 2024 SEPT – Time Management and Prioritisation in Primary Care

NMC Reflective Account Form

Reflective account:

What was the nature of the CPD activity and/or practice-related feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?
During my GP placement (October 2024), I faced multiple time-sensitive tasks, requiring me to balance patient consultations, administrative duties, and vaccine preparation. These experiences tested my ability to prioritise workload efficiently while maintaining high standards of patient care.

What did you learn from the CPD activity and/or feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?
I learned that effective time management is crucial in primary care. Applying Covey’s Time Management Matrix (1989), I categorised tasks based on urgency and importance, ensuring that high-priority patient needs were addressed first. Additionally, I gained insight into delegation and workload structuring, as advised by my practice assessor.

How did you change or improve your practice as a result?
I implemented structured approaches to managing tasks, such as setting time allocations for each consultation and using checklists to track progress. This experience enhanced my ability to work under pressure while maintaining safe and patient-centred care. Moving forward, I plan to further develop these skills through time management workshops and structured clinical training.

How is this relevant to the Code?

• Practise effectively: Managing workload efficiently ensures timely patient care.
• Preserve safety: Prioritising tasks appropriately reduces errors and delays.
• Promote professionalism and trust: Demonstrating organisational skills enhances confidence in my professional capability.

This reflection highlights the importance of structured time management, prioritisation, and professional efficiency in nursing practice.

SOURCES USED:

The following documents contributed to the reflection:

1. Leadership and Supervision in Nursing – A Reflective Analysis.pdf
   • Time management strategies, including Covey’s Time Management Matrix.
   • Reflection on prioritisation in workload management.
   • the importance of delegation and structured workflows.
   • Feedback from practice assessors on workload efficiency.
2. PART 1 – PLACEMENT 1 – 2022 DEC – Final Interview – Student Reflection.pdf
   • Workload management during placement and how tasks were structured.
   • Reflection on how clinical prioritisation was developed over time.
3. PART 1 – PLACEMENT 1 – 2022 DEC – Reflection on meeting Professional Values.pdf
   • Experiences in handling multiple responsibilities and prioritising effectively.
   • The importance of structured delegation and efficiency in primary care settings.