[angelgreg]

okay all i just got accepted into the nursing program and am going to be starting this aug. I read all of the comments on PDA's. I have a couple questions.... 1. does anyone know if SC4 allows PDA/phone combo? 2. What is a really good one to get that runs with ease and has quick access? I am really new to this whole PDA thing and really have no idea what to even ask the sales person when i go to purchase it. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks in advance!!!

[leggendario]

Originally Posted by angelgreg

okay all i just got accepted into the nursing program and am going to be starting this aug. I read all of the comments on PDA's. I have a couple questions.... 1. does anyone know if SC4 allows PDA/phone combo? 2. What is a really good one to get that runs with ease and has quick access? I am really new to this whole PDA thing and really have no idea what to even ask the sales person when i go to purchase it. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks in advance!!!

If you are on a GSM network an ideal choice would be the new Palm Centro or the Treo 680.Both devices are running on Palm OS. There are thousands of Applications that are available for the Palm OS. Most of the reference that you will be using can be purchased from Skyscape. Palm OS devices are easy to use and easy to maintain. You don't need all the complicated task like most windows mobile devices can provide. It is much better to have Smartphone rather than going on a standalone PDA device like the Tx. The Palm Tungsten Tx is a good device as it has a built-in wifi and a huge screen, but data entry is tedious because you need to use the onscreen keyboard or the graffiti hand writing recognition software.

If you are on Sprint or Verizon you can get the Treo 755p, it has 3G and it is the top of the line Palm OS smartphone. Remember that GSM Palm OS devices does not support 3G and you only limited on the EDGE network, which has slower download speeds compare to the EVDO of the CDMA networks.

If you want Windows Mobile you can get the Treo 750 (GSM) or the 700wx (CDMA), both devices is running on Windows Mobile and like Palm OS there are thousands of application that you can use in your clinicals. References from skyscape is also available for Windows Mobile and you will not going to encounter any problems of getting the software that you will be needed in your studies. There are lots of other devices out there like black berry, HTC TyTnII and many more Windows Mobile devices, but Palm has a better way of cuztomizing the way their phone works, so users can get the most out of their devices.

[angelgreg]

thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with me. I took the plunge and ordered the treo 750p from verizon. Thanks again-

oh- do you have any suggestions for programs that i should get for my first year? Or even my first semester?

Thanks-

[leggendario]

skyscape has wide selection of programs that can be useful for nursing students.. Try to visit their site and see their catalog of great nrusing references. Ofcourse you will need some utilities like medcalc (http://med-ia.ch/medcalc/tele.html) decoder(ABG)http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/palm/2151. There are thousands of freeware apps that can be useful to you. Also try to google.. palm freewares and you will get huge number of results. I remember the number one indispensible tool that I have is Tabers Medical Dictionary.

[C. Taylor, RN]

I have a Palm Centro smartphone with service through AT&T/Cingular. I've used a smartphone pretty much the last two years while I was in nursing school - I just graduated this May.

I have the following on mine:
Labs 360 (from Skyscape)
Mosby's PDA Medical Dictionary
ICD-9 (came free from Skyscape with an order)
Archimedes 360 (all kinds of calculations - came free from Skyscape w/order)
Nursing Drug Handguide 2009 (from Skyscape)

and I'm picking up IV Medications 2009 when it's released in a couple of months.

I use these whenever I need to know what a drug does or if I can't remember values, drugs, terms, etc (hey I'm a new nurse here lol). Their software also comes with updates on drugs/recalls/various medical information through MedAlert which is free under the "stat" section.

Hope that helps!

[leggendario]

Yes there are plenty of software package that run's on Palm and it is a great tool of nurses having information right out of their pockets. The Centro just like the Treo's are great complement and tools for nurses who are constantly needing the information that is critical for quick decision making.

[patoyia]

What if you don't want to get a smartphone, which pda would be best? I have a major problem with losing/damaging my cell phones so it prob wouldn't be a great idea for me to have a 2 in 1. However, maybe it would make me more aware of not losing it b/c the smartphone is so expensive...but i doubt it

[WitchyRN]

Originally Posted by patoyia

What if you don't want to get a smartphone, which pda would be best? I have a major problem with losing/damaging my cell phones so it prob wouldn't be a great idea for me to have a 2 in 1. However, maybe it would make me more aware of not losing it b/c the smartphone is so expensive...but i doubt it

I just bought a new PDA(Tungsten E2) from Ebay..I have a Blackberry Curve for private use and it has wifi, email, a camera, all the toys. I wanted something for work that I could keep my drug guides and nursing programs on, keep track of my schedule etc.

I also can be rough on my things so I didn't want to carry my precious Blackberry with me at work...plus, I don't want to run into any problems with the camera..I would never compromise patient privacy in that manner, but the PTB have been stern about people carrying personal cell phones lately.

I also paid $50 less than I would have if I got it at a store and it's new and factory sealed.