what good resource book do you carry with you

Nurses New Nurse

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just wondered what is your choice of a good resource book to carry with you on the job....I have heard RN notes is a good one any others???????

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Specializes in Travel Nursing, ICU, tele, etc.

Get a PDA and load it with whatever software you want. It so saves on the back!!! A bit spendy at first, but hey, it's deductible.

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Specializes in nicu, transition.

It depends on what type of unit you'll be working on. I agree with deeDawntee though, a PDA is great. I had downloaded a program that had 4 nursing books (drug book, lab book, diseases and disorders, and a tabers) while a student and it was wonderful! Now I have downloaded just one book specially for my unit. Also, whatever unit you are on, they usually have reference books on hand for your use.

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Get a PDA and load it with whatever software you want. It so saves on the back!!! A bit spendy at first, but hey, it's deductible.

thanks for your responses.....a PDA will have to be on my wish list. ;) Today, I got the RNotes, it seems to fit my needs for now.....

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Specializes in LTC, home health, private care.

If you do plan on getting a PDA, might I suggest you go to Skyscape.com for the software? It all links together so everything can be easily cross referenced. My school requires that we get a PDA and books, which I thought was a pain at first. It has been really helpful, though. I have Mosby's Medical dictionary, RN notes, Lippincott's Drug Guide and about 5 other books, too. It has been wonderful.

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If you do plan on getting a PDA, might I suggest you go to Skyscape.com for the software? It all links together so everything can be easily cross referenced. My school requires that we get a PDA and books, which I thought was a pain at first. It has been really helpful, though. I have Mosby's Medical dictionary, RN notes, Lippincott's Drug Guide and about 5 other books, too. It has been wonderful.

seems PDA is the way to go....can you recommend a good brand, there are so many.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

I too recommend Skyscape for nursing references. They have given me nothing but superior service, and I'm not just saying that because I won a Palm T/X from them either. I use my Skyscape references all the time; I have a lot of them... They're easy to find on the handheld, easy to use, easy to update, and if you have a system failure (I've had a few of those too!) you can reinstall any of their products quickly and easily without any hassle. Plus, if you buy more than one reference at the same time you get a discount.

As for what platform to go with, that's personal. I started out with a Palm Zire 71 with integral digital camera, then switched to the bigger, faster, feature-packed T/X when I won it. It all depends what you're looking for. The T/X is Bluetooth and WiFi enabled and plays mp3 files, as well as being very user-friendly. So choose the one that will give you the features you want at a price you like. AACN offers a deal with software bundles.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

Nursing Spectrum Drug Handbook is a good purchase and they also have a website to download into your PDA (once you get one from your wish list). It has nice algorithms for emergencies. I have a PDA, but don't use it often because I always forget to charge it up. But, reading about this again makes me remember that it can be a load off of my back; literally.

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Specializes in NICU.

I have a pocket pharm book. It is very small and fits perfectly in my cargo pocket of my pants.. I don't know the brand b/c it is at work in my locker. But I use it very often.

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