[scgal]

Does anyone use a PDA or a BlackBerry for quick reference in nursing school? Any other techie gadgets that are really helpful?

[dolcebellaluna]

I've got a Palm Tungsten E2 and I can say that it is useful, but it depends on your style. Mine's got this lovely program called Epocrates and I've been using it to help me study for Pharmacology. I'm sure it'll b useful when I'm actually out on the floor too. I also use it for scheduling/time management purposes and have a program on it for flashcards and course information/grades/assignments. You've got my vote as yes. Hope this helps.

[Megsd]

I was required to have epocrates on a PDA for school and it was very helpful for looking up medications on the go. And always having a calculator on me was nice -- once in the ER we got a burn patient and I helped the doctor calculate the parkland formula for fluids to treat the patient.

[MeghanRN]

I'm going to be different here..

We were required to have a PDA. So I got one. They told us we would use it constantly, it would be invaluable, etc.

We rarely used it, in clinical or in class. In fact, our class was the first one they piloted the mandatory PDA's on - and they did not make good use of them.

After graduation, I never used mine..it sits in a drawer..it was more of a pain to me then anything else ...

With all that being said - I am not a big fan of carrying gadgets around. I would rather look up meds on the computer. Thats just me, so that could be why I dont use it as much as I should have.

I do think they are a good idea if you would use it daily, and would continue to use it.

[Aprilhere]

I was the only one in my group that had a PDA. It took me less than 1/3 of the time to look up my meds. I love it. BUT- if you decide to buy one...don't get caught up in the technology hype. Decide what you need on it...what features..and get that. Everyone tried to get me to buy a high end PDA, pocket PC etc... I went with a basic Palm Pilot that had enough space to download the drug guide. It was also great for keeping schedules straight.

[MB37]

I know one person who has one in my program, and she mostly uses it for scheduling. We don't pass meds until next semester though. At our hospital, you can look up any drug in the computer in about 15 seconds, and when you're in the Pyxis you can hit a button and information will print out immediately on any drug you're not familiar with. So, it's certainly not necessary - but depending on your school and clinical aite does things, it might come in handy. I was going to get one, but I've also never seen a nurse use one in my hospital. I've decided now to wait and see until next semester, and save the money unless I think it really will make a difference.