Who owns a PDA?

galenight, BSN, RN · Sep 5, 2003

I hope this response isn't too late, but just now noticed your post. I use a PDA in my practice. I work in a small rural ED. I mainly use it for drug reference, but I also have ACLS software on their, vent settings, ABG decoder (never could understand those damn things) and IV drip rates - adult and peds. I find it very useful and am planning on adding more software as finances allow. The aforementioned ones were all free. I am planning on getting encyclopeadic and Er quick reference titles. It's always in my pocket so I can immediately enter staff meetings into the calendar or extra days I've picked up. It's basically my brain.. I love it. Good luck on your article.. would love to read it when it is done. Let me know where to look. Feel free to email me if you have further questions.

nialloh, RN · Sep 5, 2003

I have a palm m500 that I use for med reference. In get more info then from the hospital comp, which is more pt info. It is also quicker then a drug book, not as much info, but normally as much as I need. As it is updated biweekly, it is also more up to date.

Rena RN 2003, RN · Sep 5, 2003

i couldn't function without my pda. i use it as my main drug reference source. the ED isn't exactly paced so that i have time to thumb through a book looking for rapid information.

TaraER-RN · Sep 5, 2003

Use mine every day...I have the Nursing Drug Book both IV and regular and use them every day!

Harleyhead · Sep 5, 2003

Where does one buy these PDA's and what do they cost?

please e mail if you like. Thanks

galenight, BSN, RN · Sep 6, 2003

Harleyhead,

You can buy a PDA at places like Best Buy, Staples, Radio Shack or online. They range in price from $99 to $700 depending on features and memory. Some are color, more expensive, others black and white which is adequate for my use. Software can be purchased as a disk, downloaded from the internet, free and fee based and ordered online as a memory stick. Let me know if you need any more information.

Melissa

kmk · Sep 6, 2003

Thank you,

galenight, nialloh, RenaRN2003, TaraER-RN and Harleyhead for your interest and response to my posting "PDA's in practice?". I have finished my article and it is currently being reviewed for publication. Will post date and location of article when available. Did you know it is estimated that 50% of physicians will be using a PDA by year 2005? and "Integrated (hospital information systems/internet and mobile communication) Mobile PDA's" will be a indespensible clinical tool, for all HCP's, just like the

stethescope!

Best Regards,

Kris Kessler

Rena RN 2003, RN · Sep 7, 2003

i'm not positive of the statistics in my ED but i've only seen 3 of our ER docs not using a pda. i, however, am only one of 2 nurses that use pda's. i do have several of my cohorts in crime constantly asking to borrow mine though. :chuckle

RNCENCCRNNREMTP · Sep 13, 2003

I used to use a Palm 515, now use a Palm Tungsten C. Use it for everything.

I will be co-hosting a web seminar on how an emergency nurse uses a PDA in their practice. October 1, 2003.

Go to http://www.pdacortex.com for FREE registration.

Lots of prizes being given away to registered participants (free software).

Andrew B

Dave ARNP · Sep 16, 2003

Couldn't live without it!

-David Adams, ARNP

LSURN · Sep 19, 2003

I started using a PDA at work about 3 years ago now I can't live without it! I have since turned on other RN's to the usefulness of having one in the ED. 90% of the MD's I work with use one but there are still some of my co-workers that look at me funny when I whip mine out. I currently use a Palm Tungsten 2.