Protecting your PDA from theft

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in Neurology, Cardiology.

Hi~

I have a PDA for school and I just love it...I'm just scared to use it at clinicals...it would be so easy for someone to slip into their pockets either accidentally or on purpose. Or, I could misplace it, and then be done with clinicals. It currently is not marked with any indentifying information...trying to decide how to do this. Its an IPAQ 3115.

Just wondering...anyone else out there who has a PDA but is reluctant to use it at work or on clinical rotations? If not, what do you do to protect it from being stolen?

~D

Specializes in er, pediatric er.

I have a PDA I use in clinical and at work. I have it in a pretty good size carrier which I stick down into my scrub pants pocket, which is on the side of my leg. I do have it programmed where a screen comes up when it comes on that has my name, phone number, and email address. I also have it password protected, where if someon were to steal it, they aren't going to be able to use it!

I have a PDA I use in clinical and at work. I have it in a pretty good size carrier which I stick down into my scrub pants pocket, which is on the side of my leg. I do have it programmed where a screen comes up when it comes on that has my name, phone number, and email address. I also have it password protected, where if someon were to steal it, they aren't going to be able to use it!

I'm pretty certain a hard reset would allow it to be used. However, any personal or confidential data would be eliminated (along with any other info that wasn't on the unit when it was delivered from the manufacturer)

Specializes in Emergency.

Look in to this and there are others but the names escape me at this time. While not a garantee it doenst hurt. There are also a couple companies that sell insurance for such devices but the cost seems kind of high to me- like one could buy a new PDA every 3 years or so on what the insurance cost. Also if your PDA is a PDA/cell combination it might be worth getting the insurance from your cell provider if offered.

www.stuffbak.com

rj

I'm a newbie and I will starting my pre-req's in May. So forgive but what is a PDA and what do u it for?

thanks

Specializes in Neurology, Cardiology.
I'm a newbie and I will starting my pre-req's in May. So forgive but what is a PDA and what do u it for?

thanks

A PDA is a Personal Data Assistant or Personal Digital Assistant or something like that...basically its a pocket pc where you can store your medical dictionary, drug guide, and lab tests book as well as anything else you find handy. I have an assessment tool, clinical skills tool and a nursing diagnostics tool as well. Plus I can create a word or excel document, or get on the web...all of which I have done--but very infrequently. I carry it around as if it were my wallet...and I probably have about $700 into it between the cost of the PDA and the programs loaded into it.

Hope this helps...

:-)

Thanks futurenurse, that is a great little system for nursing. cool

I want to be able to apply to the nursing program until 07' but I can still learn stuff along the way>(smile)

from the twin cities

Specializes in ER.

My PDA goes from my pocket to my hand and back to my pocket. I never put it down. Same with my stethescope, neck to ears to neck. It is a shame we have to work this way, but that is the way of the world. I can't let fear of theft stop me from having equipment I need to do my job. Just a risk you have to take if you want the technology.

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Always engrave valuables. If you decide to get one, keep up with it and engrave it!

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