I Never Get Everything Done

One simple tool can change that forever

by Dr. R. James Steffen

“I never get everything done!” How many times do you say these words to yourself at the end of the day? Think you’re the only one who ever feels this way? Surprise! You’re not. In fact, over fifty percent of working people are estimated to think this at least once a week.

Some people try to solve the problem by writing a to-do list at the beginning of each day, dutifully checking off every task as it’s completed. If they think of something else that needs to be done, they add it to the list, a list that continues to grow throughout the day.

Hello. I'm Al Sorensen, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Interim HealthCare.

A new year has just begun. What better time is there to get organized? In this month’s feature article, Dr. R. James Steffen, an expert in making every minute count, discusses his system for getting more done every day. 

In a previous issue, a reader asked how she could help a client’s daughter who’s having trouble dealing with her father’s decline due to Alzheimer’s disease. See what your peers had to say about this difficult situation. This month, a reader wants to know how to stop thinking about a move from nursing to another field of endeavor. If you have any suggestions for her, please send them in.

I’d like to thank all of you who have responded to your peers’ dilemmas, as well as those of you who have suggested feature articles. If you have any input you’d like to share, please do. With your help, we can make our newsletter even better and more relevant in ‘07.

American Association of Managed Care Nurses

American Nurses Association

American Nurses Credentialing Center

Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association

Infusion Nurse Society

National Council of State Board of Nursing

National Health Information Center

National Institute of Nursing Research

National Institutes of Health

National League of Nursing

How do I keep from “jumping ship?”

I love my job. But sometimes, I wonder if I should apply for one of the many positions I’ve heard about that are outside the realm of nursing.

On one hand, I don’t want to miss out on a great opportunity. But on the other hand, I feel a responsibility to the nursing field. How do other healthcare professionals calm these kinds of desires that could result in “job hopping,” something I’d like to avoid?