Leanne Witt, CPhT CoxHealth

Objective Discuss potential strategies for improved time management in the pharmacy

Time Philosophies One of our most valuable resources and gifts we can give Time is money Time flies Time management is not about managing time it is about managing yourself

Time Management and Organizational Skills Personally Home life if proactive, we know what will happen when Professionally Pharmacy is not a predictable environment, we are often reactive in most instances Poor skills lead to Frustration Stress Feelings of failure

Don’t fall in the “I” factor trap “I don’t have the time” We all have 24 hours in our day Lean to rephrase “ I cannot take the time right now, I will be able to __________ “I am too busy” You choose how to spend your time, being busy does not mean you are productive The I phrases can make you your own worst enemy

More “I” factors “ I need to focus in order to” Multitask one minute, switch gears to concentrate on one subject with a sharp and open mind Do not procrastinate Keep your cool “ I am a perfectionist” Not everyone is perfect Learn to pick your battles

Where to start Recognize the need for improvement Make a list of your job duties Daily Weekly Monthly Organize workspace Makes sense to you Setting goals gives a positive direction SMART Goals Be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, timely

Where to Start Prioritize Use a simple system (i.e. A, B, C…) Try not to underestimate time needed Set deadlines for yourself help maintain focus Delegate Volunteer to file, or do other clerical tasks Practice self discipline Find the balance between personal and professional

My Journey Listed my duties Place orders, 340b compliance, code invoices, recall notices, back orders, payroll approval, meeting minutes, IDB… Organizing my space and duties Colored folders Outlook Calendar, flags and tasks Use custom order forms for specific areas Clinics, surgery and Chemo satellite pharmacies, ambulances, IV room, automation and vaults My deadlines Set a time line for daily orders to be turned in to be placed Clinic order time line My goals To concentrate on the work at hand, and remember what needs to be addressed next To be flexible

Suggestions Start small Find a system that works for you Ask for help when you need it Strive to maintain a good attitude Reward yourself Find your balance

Questions

THANK YOU

References Desselle, Shane P, David P. Zgarrick. (2009) Pharmacy Management, Essentials for All Practice Settings, Second Edition,