Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

What is the single best way for an NA to manage his or her time efficiently?

1. See the NA's favorite residents first

2. Let other care team members answer call lights so that the NA can finish assignments

3. Plan ahead by making a list of tasks to do

4. Save time by washing hands only after caring for residents who are obviously sick

The correct answer is: Plan ahead by making a list of tasks to do

Planning ahead by making a list of tasks to do is the most effective way for a nursing assistant (NA) to manage time efficiently. Creating a task list helps prioritize responsibilities, ensuring that urgent and important tasks are completed first. This organized approach minimizes the risk of forgetting important duties and enhances overall productivity. Additionally, having a clear plan can help in estimating how long each task will take, allowing for better scheduling of time throughout the shift. This strategy ensures that the NA can balance caring for residents while completing necessary documentation and other responsibilities effectively. While prioritizing favorite residents or relying on colleagues to answer call lights might seem practical, these approaches can lead to neglect of essential care duties or disrupt team dynamics. Furthermore, washing hands only after handling residents who are sick compromises infection control protocols, which is critical in healthcare settings for the safety of both residents and staff. Therefore, a planned approach stands out as the optimal method for managing time in a nursing assistant's role.