How useful are iphone applications in Nursing School?

LikeSweetSoulMusic · Apr 9, 2009

I do not have an iPhone, but I do use an iPod Touch. Basically it is just missing 24/7 internet access, but many hospitals are wireless now, so I often have access that way.

The nursing programs are still being rolled out on the iPhone and I look forward to them when they are a little bit more established. Right now, I use the free Epocrates RX instead of always carrying around my drug book. I don't want to invest any more money now, but if I was just starting, I would certainly look into the iPhone version on Davis' Drug guide. It does look like it takes a lot of memory though, so an 8GB phone/touch won't cut it - especially if you want to use it as an iPod, PDA, etc as well.

Also, there are some great small developer programs - like essential Emergency Spanish, BMI calculator, OB Wheel, etc that are helpful, but not neccesary.

If you are on a Mac, I LOVE how iCal (calendar) syncs so easily, as does my phonebook. It is sooooo nice!

(PS. all my husband wants when I finally graduate in December is an iPhone ... after all he's put up with, I almost think he deserves it ... if only the plan costs weren't so crazy high)

Lena202 · Apr 9, 2009

Steph in de,

Thank you so much for the info, but I have a question.

Davis's Drug Guide takes up 7.27 MB of iPhone space. The largest application, which is a medical dictionary, takes up only 65 MB of handheld memory. So why are you saying that 8 GB is not enough?

8GB = 8192MB why won't it be enough???

LikeSweetSoulMusic · Apr 9, 2009

No, you are right - I just have a lot of other stuff on my Touch. For example, we download our lectures in my program as videos, so that takes up a bunch of memory. After each semester, I then disable those lectures from syncing to my Touch, but still keep them in iTunes.

I also have a lot of music, but if you don't, then there is no need to worry. (Our other main iPod is an 80G classic, so I was spoiled with being able to always keep everything accessible.) I guess in the big scheme of things, an 8G iPhone should be enough for school apps - if you don't expect your usage to change. I am not sure what the cost difference is, but I would probably go with the 16G to keep your options open. Besides, you want room to add some fun time-wasting games, too!

Also, one last thing, please make sure you research if you decide to buy any subscriptions and/or bundles. I remember reading that one set only gave you a year, so when your time was up you no longer had access to anything unless you renewed. :madface: Poof. With another, however, have you access to update within the year, but whatever you had downloaded up to that point stayed with your phone without having to repurchase. :specs: When I started seeing that, I decided to wait a little longer until I could get confirmation of which programs to buy.

Please let me know how the nursing apps are if you do decide to purchase some. I would LOVE to have a Nsg Dx reference available on my Touch.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Apr 9, 2009

Don't forget to check out the mobile computing forum found under the general tab above

elkpark · Apr 9, 2009

In the nursing programs in which I've taught (ADN and BSN) students were not allowed to bring their cell phones to clinical, and would get in trouble if caught with them, and that is a v. popular rule for nursing schools -- something to keep in mind before you spend a lot of $$ on a phone or phone program/app to use in clinical ...

Lena202 · Apr 9, 2009

Steph in de,

I got the 8GB iPhone just last night, it took my husband and me 30 minutes to decide b/w 8GB and 16GB... I wish I read your post sooner. But I know I won't have many songs or any movies on it, so I think it should be okay.

I am leaning toward getting the Nursing Central appl from Unbound Medicine, the main reason is exactly what you said, I will be able to use whatever info I already have even if I don't renew the subscription.

Silverdragon, thank you very much, I wll definitely read on some more info there!

Elkpark, well I though about that also. But the thing is that iTouch and iPhone look exactly the same. So if I disable the phone option while I am in clinicals (put it in airplane mode) I shouldn't get in any trouble. I hope... :icon_roll

newlpn_chic · Apr 9, 2009

I also have the Iphone 16 gb and I was also looking into the applications for the Iphone as well... "Elkpark" I can understand why they wouldnt want cellphones (because of the interference with some machines) but with the dual purposes they carry ie., Palm Treo, Blackberry's and the IPhone, I dont see why they wouldnt be allowed if you turn off the voice and just use the wifi its the same as using a standard PDA. Hopefully policies have and or will the technology.. just my 2 cents

elkpark · Apr 9, 2009

Elkpark, well I though about that also. But the thing is that iTouch and iPhone look exactly the same. So if I disable the phone option while I am in clinicals (put it in airplane mode) I shouldn't get in any trouble. I hope... :icon_roll

I also have the Iphone 16 gb and I was also looking into the applications for the Iphone as well... "Elkpark" I can understand why they wouldnt want cellphones (because of the interference with some machines) but with the dual purposes they carry ie., Palm Treo, Blackberry's and the IPhone, I dont see why they wouldnt be allowed if you turn off the voice and just use the wifi its the same as using a standard PDA. Hopefully policies have and or will the technology.. just my 2 cents

You may want to check specifically with your instructors and school policy on this. In the schools in which I have taught, it wouldn't fly -- having the phone with you is not allowed, period. I'm not trying to be argumentative, just save you some possible grief. Don't assume your school will be reasonable, about this issue or anything else.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Apr 9, 2009

Agree, check with your school to what is acceptable. They may not allow phones even if the camera is turned off. May only want PDA's to be used. Better to know before spending money