[hope2-B-RN]

Hi,
I have read probably every post on here about PDA's and I am still not sure what I need. I am a 42 year old student starting Nursing School in Jan. so I am not very savy in the electronics dept. I have a pc that runs windows xp- which operating systems on pda's would be compatible to be able to download from one to the other? I also could use a new cell phone, but is it wise to have just one device- Can someone tell me what the advantages and disadvantages would be? I also, have seen the downloadable PDA -medical programs are certain PDA's better in the regard of compatibililty(able to operate better med programs than others) And another question-sorry!! I read on here that one student records her lectures on her pda and listens to it while she is typing her notes on her pc then transfers the notes back to her pda for mobile studying- I believe that would be a perfect studying tool for me, do all pda's have the ability to record? and connect to my pc-windows xp? If any one out there could please help me decide which one would be right for me I would greatly appreciate it..I know I must sound completely ignorant but PLEASE HELP, I start school in 2 weeks and would like to armed with every advantage I can get!!! Thanks-

[catzy5]

Originally Posted by hope2-B-RN

Hi,
I have read probably every post on here about PDA's and I am still not sure what I need. I am a 42 year old student starting Nursing School in Jan. so I am not very savy in the electronics dept. I have a pc that runs windows xp- which operating systems on pda's would be compatible to be able to download from one to the other? I also could use a new cell phone, but is it wise to have just one device- Can someone tell me what the advantages and disadvantages would be? I also, have seen the downloadable PDA -medical programs are certain PDA's better in the regard of compatibililty(able to operate better med programs than others) And another question-sorry!! I read on here that one student records her lectures on her pda and listens to it while she is typing her notes on her pc then transfers the notes back to her pda for mobile studying- I believe that would be a perfect studying tool for me, do all pda's have the ability to record? and connect to my pc-windows xp? If any one out there could please help me decide which one would be right for me I would greatly appreciate it..I know I must sound completely ignorant but PLEASE HELP, I start school in 2 weeks and would like to armed with every advantage I can get!!! Thanks-

hi,
I am 39 starting NS in January as well. I can't give you any more info then what is on here, I am still searching too. However I did buy a tungston E2 I got it at overstock.com I bought a refurbished one, I have good like buying from there. I am also looking at what software. I have windows and it seems you can down load most software to either system (windows mac and even your phones). I have heard from others the combo phone "smart phone" are a bit slower, so I decided to keep it seperate. It would be nice to have it all in one but I can see some advantages too, like when your searching for something and your phone rings LOL. I am leaning toward two different softwares not sure yet which one to get.

PEPID RNSCC Student Nursing PDA Software & Online Interface

Skyscape: Nursing Constellation™: All-in-One Nursing Solution Special Mobile/Desktop Bundle: Mobile medical references for Pa...

[Idgy20004]

Hello,
I am 31 starting NS in January, and I just purchased an HP iPAQ on ebay for $70.00. I read through all of these PDA posts before making my purchase. Due to all of the positive comments it has recieved, I will be trying out the free trial of Constellation from Skyscape. Hope2-B-RN, if you go to the skyscape website and look at the constellation package, you will see that it asks you to choose your platform. The options are 1)Palm OS (you'll choose this if you go with something like the palm tungsten that Catzy5 purchased), or 2) Windows Mobile/Pocket PC/ Smartphone (you will choose this if you go with the Dell Axim or the HP iPAQ). If you go to nursing central it gives you similar options. I mention this because it sounds like you may be more comfortable with a windows mobile / pocket PC PDA because you are worried about it being compatible with your windows XP. I chose the HP iPAQ for that reason. It comes with microsoft word & excell, and I also like the idea of recording my lectures on it, typing them into my laptop, & transferring back to my PDA for study anytime, anywhere. When I recieve it, I will let you know how it is working out for me.

[fragino]

Actually most people who are not comfortable with computers seem to work best with the Palm OS. I'm not sure how much longer they will be around though because they sure messed up on their latest offering. Still they still exist and it is a good platform. It works with all Windows PCs and Skyscape offers both the Palm and Pocket PC version of all their software. I use the Pocket PC version now, but I tolerate it because I know how to work around many of the problems I've encountered with it. When my wife was going to nursing school I told her to use the Palm because she did not like to mess with computers. I had less problems loading it and she had no problems using it and was quite happy with it.

The programs that I used the most during clinicals are The Davis Drug Guide and Tabers. For studying I also bought the Saunders and Lippincott NCLEX study guide from Skyscape. I recommend buying from Skyscape because they give you the desktop version for free. If you buy from Unbound you will only have the desktop access for one year. If you want to keep using the desktop access you will have to basically pay for them all over again with a 20% discount. I ended up using the desktop version a lot more than I thought I would for writing up my reports and careplans.

The mikes on those PDAs aren't really very good for open rooms. Unless you are in front of the teacher and she doesn't move around you are better off with a dedicated recorder. In spite of all the electronic gizmoz out there I've found that the old fashioned tape recorder works best for me. I have a large one. I buy the 120 minute tapes with 60 on each side. It has a doubling feature which gives me a total of 240 minutes on each tape. The batteries also lasts for days and they are easy to replace. Just make sure you always have a set of batteries with you because you don't want to run out in the middle of lecture. I found it easier to fast forward and go back on it while listening and updating my lectures.

[catzy5]

I got my PDA today I love it, took me a few minutes to figure it all out, but I love the online feature! My husband had a PDA years ago I found it very complicated, we couldn't figure out how to synch it, of course I didn't really try. Took me seconds to figure this out, one button push. I typed everything into my contacts and calander and then added some photos and it synched to my PDa in seconds. I also just to try down loaded a free med book. very simple!!

I just ordered the memory card when I get that I will down load some software for school.

[newmale2nursing]

I recently got a Palm T/X. I haven't really messed with it much, but I think it will be fine.

You may want to double check with your program regarding the use of a combo PDA/phone or a smartphone. I know they are not allowed in mine because cell phone are not allowed on the floor during your clinicals. I would really suck to spend the money and then not be able to refer to it during clinicals.

[SwampCat]

Ha! I'm only 25 (not yet in nursing school) and I have absolutely, positively NO CLUE about this stuff! Do you actually need a PDA or can your desktop do the job if you're only going back and forth between class and home? Is it something you're going to use everyday in school and eventually on the job?

Another funny side note: when I saw the forum title "PDAs and Nursing" I was thinking "who's getting all huggy and kissy at work?!" thinking it was personal displays of affection. Yes, I'm very behind the times over here

[nurz2be]

A few MAJOR advantages to having a PDA are, as a student now, I can look up drug information from my pocket as opposed to going all the way back to the nurses station, digging out the Drug manual, flipping through the thousands of pages to find 1 drug. I open my PDA, hit Davis Drug Guide, type in the first few letters of the drug and POW there it is...All the info that is in the book without all the drama.
Another advantage is I have a Taber's and a Dorland's medical dictionary on mine. I actually have MANY programs from Skyscape.
It has Power Point, Excel, Word capabilities, so when I go home I scan my notes from the day and put them on my PDA and I have them with me all the time. When I am waiting in line somewhere I pull it out and read my notes. Our instructor uses Power Point slides and I get a copy of the notes everyday and upload to my PDA, which is SUPER simple.
I also take patient notes on it, without personal info, and can go later to the chart and makes notes as opposed to my classmates who must chart immediately after so that they do not confuse their patients.

There are MANY Pros and a few Cons to having one. The MAIN thing is to back it up, or Sync it, EVERY DAY! That way if something goes screwy you don't lose any vital info.

If you are computer-challenged a PDA with the OS format is the most user friendly. Tungsten makes great ones that are as easy as using your home computer. The newer version E2, E5 have internet capabilities. I have a Tungsten E and I don't find the need for the internet. I have so many programs, and an extra memory card, that using the internet can wait until I get home.
Is having one absolutely necessary, no. But it TRULY makes things A LOT more efficient.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL

[RN28MD]

I did not have a PDA while on nursing school. After I graduated and started my new job as a graduate nurse my hubby bough me one as a graduation gift. OMG it is so worth it. Why didn't I get it before. It make life easier. As a new nurse you are on the run like a chicken with it's head cut off! You don't have time to find a drug book that most of the time is hard to find cause someone is using it. I loved my Palm but now is dead after 4yrs and need a new one. ANy suggestions?

[WitchyRN]

I had a T/X but it got lost. I just bought a Tungsten E2 to use primarily at work. I have a BB Curve, which I love, but I'm always paranoid that I'll lose it at work or drop in it in a pile of blood or goo.

I went with the E2 because my phone has wifi and all the bells and whistles. I just need something for work that I can put some drug guides on, medical dictionaries, and can use to keep track of when I'm on call etc. Also, I'll be starting an online Rn-BSN program later this year, so I can use it to keep track of deadlines etc.