"Eight or 10 hours in a day seems like a lot of time," says Donna Giannuzzi, chief patient care officer at Lee Memorial Health System. "But it really isn't." Giannuzzi oversees all patient care for the Fort Myers-based system, dividing her time among its three main locations: Lee Memorial Hospital, Cape Coral Hospital and HealthPark Medical Center. "In my busy schedule, I frequently have to look at what the priorities are because there is so very little time," she says.

Giannuzzi works at each facility at set times each week. "I have three offices, but only one computer at the main office," she says. A new BlackBerry is now saving her time. "It has made me more efficient in being able to respond to others, oftentimes via e-mail. Although you're wired all the time and that can be overwhelming, I do believe it's the real-time exchange of information that has helped a lot."

Having the ability to check e-mail on the road through her BlackBerry has "minimized my having to go into the e-mail system after-hours at home" she adds.

Giannuzzi always expects the unexpected. "There are times when something has to take a backseat if something else requires immediate attention," she says, "especially if it's an issue in health care and it needs to be addressed."

As when there aren't enough beds for her patients. "When there are more patients than resources, that becomes my immediate focus," she says.

When she's not problem solving, Giannuzzi is working on multiple reports and presentations. She sets timelines for herself, working on the most immediate deadline first. "There are times when you have to know that you can't take on additional projects," she says.

Giannuzzi works hard at attaining balance, both in work and in life. She golfs every weekend and tries to work out several times a week. Crucial to time management, she says, is the ability to prioritize, delegating work to the competent people around you. She adds you must also pay attention to your own well being, so you're healthy to serve the people you work for.

-Katie S. Betz