Handling High Patient Volumes: Time Management Tips for Medical Assistants

It’s early in the morning, you go to the hospital for your first shift, and what you see is a pile of patients waiting in line. Phones are ringing; others are asking for assistance. It’s too much, right?

Working as a medical assistant, especially in a public institution, requires a great deal of grit and patience. However, this is not an everyday struggle; there’s always a way to manage your day-to-day activities, even handling high patient volume. In this blog, we will explore some of the best time management tips for medical assistants in Nevada.

Start With a Morning Game Plan

Even a few minutes of planning your daily to-dos can make a difference. That is why, before starting your shift, you need to have a quick plan in place.

Take a look at the number of patients scheduled. Be on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary, such as the length of appointments or the arrival of new patients. After that, review your supplies. Does it have sufficient gloves, wipes, and forms? Prepare them ahead of time before it is too late.

Task Batching: A Smarter Way to Manage Your Day

Lumping similar tasks together is one of the best ways of making your day appear less rushed. This is termed as task batching. You do related jobs simultaneously instead of doing them one at a time. It saves you time and keeps your mind focused.

For example, when applying vitals to all patients, proceed to updating the chart. Batching tasks will reduce the instances of stopping and restarting them. It makes you avoid going back and forth. Moreover, it reduces errors as your brain does not shift between diverse types of activities.

Communicate With Your Team Constantly

Communication is essential, especially on busy days. If a patient is delayed for longer than expected, advise the front desk immediately. The front desk can call the next patient and request that they come at a later time.

Practicing this simple habit eliminates misunderstanding. As a professional medical assistant, you must never assume or conclude any situation, as it may cause problems later on. Even a simple text or short call will be a big help, not just for the patients, but also for the doctors.

It will save everyone’s time and make your day easier.

Use Small Breaks to Catch Up

You will not always be busy during your shift. There may be gaps when you need to wait, such as to finish an outpatient procedure in the bathroom or while your doctor is conducting a test on another patient.

Instead of standing still or scrolling your phone, use these moments to reset your flow. Restock gloves or wipes. Wipe down a surface. Scan a chart for missing details. Return a quick call or check messages. These small tasks only take a minute or two, but they make a big difference in your day.

Look After Yourself at Work

Time management also means knowing when to pause. You work better when your mind is clear and your body is well-rested. Take your break when it is time. Drink and eat something when you can. These small things make a big difference. When you feel balanced, you respond more quickly and stay calmer. Patients notice that, as does your team.

Conclusion

The healthcare industry will always be a challenging environment, but if this is your passion and your purpose aligns with this field, no matter how hard the day may be, it will always be worth it. 
If you are looking to pursue a career as a Medical Assistant, Northwest Career College offers a competitive Program in Las Vegas. Let us help you build your career and prepare you to be a confident and competent Medical Assistant in a busy healthcare setting!