On any given day, we are bombarded with information. It’s a lot to process and virtually impossible to retain all of it. In fact, most research indicates people’s short-term memory capacity tops out at seven items. Anything beyond that runs the risk of being forgotten.
Now think about all the new information you’re provided during the first days of a locum tenens job. From being introduced to the permanent staff, to learning the facility’s software programs, to familiarizing yourself with the phone system and protocols for requesting consults, you’re presented with a lot of information in a short period of time. On top of that, it’s important to retain as much as possible so you can swiftly get into the full swing of caring for patients.
While you may not be able to expand your short-term memory past the average seven items, the following exercises are meant to help improve the chances of retaining information for better, faster recall.
Focus, focus, focus
Although there are circumstances for which multitasking is a time-saver, when it comes to trying to memorize a variety of details, multitasking is not recommended. Rather, the more you focus on what’s being said to you, the more likely the data will be encoded into your short-term memory.
Engage your senses
When you meet people for the first time, shake their hands, look them in the eye, and repeat their names out loud. You’re improving the odds of storing their names by simultaneously engaging your senses. In this example, you’re using touch, sight, and hearing. It seems our brains interpret data associated with sensory engagement as important and prioritize it into a stronger memory.
Categorize info
Improve your chances of remembering various bits of information by categorizing them into manageable compartments. Think of it this way: Our memories recognize a 10-digit phone number as one item, not 10 separate numerals.
Create associations
Trick yourself into remembering things by associating them with more familiar items, persons, or places. Or, if you want to get better at recalling people’s names, try relating something about their facial features with their names.
Repeat, and repeat often
When studying as a student, did you run through repetition drills, such as naming all the bones over and over again? Frequent repetition improves the chances of remembering. When learning a new name, for example, ask the person to repeat it. Then whenever you’re in a conversation with that person, be sure to say his or her name often.
Use mnemonic devices
If applicable, create a mnemonic device to help you retain information. There are a variety of systems, such as rhyming or shape association. Sample some mnemonic devices listed on Mindtools.com until you discover which one works best for you.
Take notes
Whether you go old-school with paper and pen or prefer digital note-taking, arrange your notes in a system that allows for quick references. One method is called mind mapping, which illustrates the relationships between various data.
Get quality sleep
A good night’s sleep helps the brain file away the day’s information for future use. However, it may take a few days to acclimate to your temporary living accommodations, which could interfere with a sound slumber. For suggestions on how to get quality sleep while on assignment, check out The Red Ribbon Blog post titled, “Sensible Advice for Getting Sound Sleep Away from Home.”
Play mind games
Don’t think of games, such as Words with Friends or Trivia Crack, as mindless time-wasters. Word and trivia games along with puzzles and math challenges, like Sudoku, are brain exercises, which, in turn, can help improve memory.
Finally, tap into any tools that will help you remember details. Add names, numbers, and phone extensions into your phone soon after your arrival. Also, identify one or two main points of contact to whom you can turn with questions until recalling the new information becomes so familiar it’s almost second nature.
