Hello,

I am in my first FNP class, with first clinical... I am feeling very overwhelmed, any hints on organization of all the material, the upper and lower respiratory stuff fills a huge (HUGE) binder (it all doesn't actually fit). this is just the first month of class....

How is the best organization tricks, to be able to have the information readily accessible such as in clinical....or just plain studying. for class!!

help any suggestions or pointers or advice will be much appreciated!!!!!

thank you in advance!!!

I use several Skyscape programs in my iPhone for organizational purposes.

I use several Skyscape programs in my iPhone for organizational purposes.

Which skyscape apps best help you in your practice, which ones would you recommend?

I used Uphold and Grahams' Family Practice Guidelines during my clinical rotations. It is a pretty big soft-covered book that has most of the common diagnoses you would see in a FP setting. It then discusses what to assess for, what tests to order, treatment options, etc. I found it invaluable, and it really helped when I had to write papers because it also provides the original references where the info came from. The only downside is that the current edition is a few years old - I don't know if they came out with a new one yet.

I

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Ferris-Clinical-Advisor-2010/Fred-F-Ferri/e/9780323056090/?itm=5&USRI=ferris

My Current I use when I need more detailed info or don't really understand a condition. I also use Current to study instead of my texts, the info is presented in a more concise, to the point manner:

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Ferris-Clinical-Advisor-2010/Fred-F-Ferri/e/9780323056090/?itm=5&USRI=ferris

I also have a few pocket books I put in my lab coat by Tarascon, one is a drug book and the other is a primary care guide (kinda like the Ferri's):

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Tarascon-Pharmacopoeia-2010-Classic-Shirt-Pocket-Edition/Richard-J-Hamilton/e/9780763774394/?itm=3&USRI=tarascon

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Tarascon-Primary-Care-Pocketbook-3rd-Edition/Jospeh-Esherick/e/9780763765873/?itm=8&USRI=tarascon

I found it incredibly useful to create my own exam form. I built ROS and physical exam prompts into the form so I was less likely to skip things that I knew were important. I also created (the creating the form was part of the learning process for me) a few one page sheets to place at the bottom of my clipboard that contained prescribing information, etc.

Skyscape programs I use:

ABX Guide

Anticoagulation Advisor (I manage lots of coumadin)

Asthma

Drugs in Renal Failure (I do nephrology)

NP Children (I'm doing a peds CNS now)

OCM (Outlines in Clinical Medicine)

Pediatrics Recal

Rx Drugs

I'll be honest - I don't use many of the fancy calculators but I have several of those too.

I also have ePocrates and UpToDate (my practice pays the 500/year for me to have this - nice perk).