What is a good action for a nurse to take to manage time effectively after receiving a change of shift report?

Creating a client to-do list for the day is a highly effective action for a nurse to take after receiving a change of shift report. This approach allows the nurse to prioritize tasks based on the information gathered during the report. By outlining specific responsibilities and noting critical tasks for each client, the nurse can better organize their workload and ensure that essential care needs are addressed timely.

Additionally, a to-do list helps in managing time by breaking down the workload into manageable parts, thereby reducing overwhelm and allowing the nurse to stay focused on patient care throughout the shift. This method also facilitates communication with other team members, as they can see what tasks have been prioritized and may assist with workload distribution as needed.

Other methods such as attending to the first client listed may not be efficient since prioritization should be based on patient needs and situations rather than just the order of the list. Going on break first does not align with immediate patient care needs, and reviewing all medications for the day is important but should complement an organized approach rather than be the primary action right after receiving shift report.