Do you use your pda/smartphone at work?

Aly529 · Apr 18, 2011

I was like... HUH? Why feel weird?
Frankly, in this day and age, IMHO it is considered almost de rigueur to have a pocket device with answers at your fingertips at the bedside. Sure, the device can have multiple purposes (eg. a stethoscope can be used for safe cracking too); but at the bedside, it's usage is understood to be for professional reasons. That is, you're pulling out the Blackberry to obtain clinical knowledge, and presumably not to gossip text or violate HIPAA by taking photos of the patient. So it should not be a problem at all.

That's exactly how I would feel but didn't want to to be perceived otherwise, such as texting, photos, etc...Anything inappropriate. Some mentioned devices are not really allowed but still used and I'd probably still try to use mine but wishing facilities start encouraging the use of them and trusting people do the right thing I guess.

That impression is still there with some that if you're on your phone you're not doing anything productive. It happened to me in my last line of work where I was looking up something for a customer that was not available through other means and I was questioned on why I was on my phone. :rolleyes: It could be easily misconstrued is all I'm saying. I'd feel better knowing there was a policy that allows the use since that would be the device easiest to use.

Wanted to see if anyone was using theirs, mainly to get an idea if it would be allowed during clinicals and such. (I think ahead...lol ..too far ahead sometimes)

BluegrassRN · Apr 18, 2011

I used my BlackBerry to look up a drug and my clinical instructor lost it on me.... user beware.

I suppose it depends upon the school. I have several friends in either BSN or MSN programs right now, and they are required to have either an iPhone or a Droid (I think...I can't remember exactly what noniPhone device it was). They are expected to have certain apps downloaded and available, including their drug and lab reference manuals.

RNforLongTime · Apr 18, 2011

I have my iPhone 4 on me at ALL times...since my employer is lax in providing updated drug reference manuals, IV drug manuals. I MUST have info at my fingertips and my iPhone allows me to do that. I know better than to gossip text or do ANYTHING that would violate HIPAA...I may be dumb but I'm not stupid...lol

Hootnhollern · Apr 18, 2011

When I use my iPhone as a drug reference at work, I always place it down on the med cart or the counter just as I would if I were looking at a drug guide. I feel as though most people watching would know that I am referencing vs. texting. Of course, everyone has their own perceptions.

SNB1014, RN · Apr 18, 2011

im in an RN program and it was a requirement to get along with pharmacology & med surg books!

so that should help you:-)

highlandlass1592, BSN, RN · Apr 18, 2011

I use my iPhone all the time for work issues. Don't know the answer to something, I pull it out in front of the patient and explain I am looking it up. I've never had a patient not be impressed that I care enough to ensure they are getting the best information impossible. (many have made just such comments)

Many of our docs do the same thing. I think professionalism is the key, it all hinges on how you handle it.

Aly529 · Apr 18, 2011

im in an RN program and it was a requirement to get along with pharmacology & med surg books!

Oh wow. See lugging books around is what I was trying to avoid. It's so "old school".

I guess every place is different.

I'll see when I get there.

Thanks everyone.

blondy2061h, MSN, RN · Apr 18, 2011

I frequently use my iPhone at work as a reference. The calculator app ends up being one of the most used.