PDA software???

RedSox33RN · Dec 7, 2004

I know that there has to be several previous posts about this but I can't seem to find them so sorry for the repeat ? for those who have seen this before. I was wondering for those who are finishing 1st semester (or farther) what specific PDA software was helpful. I've seen the post about the Taber's and Davis Drug Guide but I'm also curious about Nursing Diagnosis or Nursing Care Plan. Where either of these type programs helpful and, if so, which ones? I start in January ADN program and would like to put some of these on my Christmas Wish List :) Also, any particular types of rolling backpacks? Loved the other post about things important to have in nursing school, lots of great advice. Thanks everyone!!!

I use both Tabers and Davis, and in terms of Nursing Dx software, I just got a "generic" one, because the book we use, Ackley's, is not available (that I could find) for PDA. Maybe someone can give you specific info on a certain program for that.

I had ordered a rolling backpack from eBags, but as it turned out, it was backordered, so I cancelled it. I never carry my books to class, so I don't need one anyway. Only once have I ever brought my Fundamentals book to class, and it was the biggest waste of carrying an extra 15 lbs on my back, that I said "forget it!" and never did again. All of our notes are posted on Blackboard in PPT format, so we print them out and follow the lecture with them.

Our instructor brings her books, so if she needs to tell us a pg number a table or something we need to know is on, she can.

I say before you invest big $$ in a rolling backpack, truly make sure you need it. I'm glad I saved myself the $75! :)

AdobeRN · Dec 8, 2004

Any type of rolling backpack works. I purchased mine at Marshalls about 4 years ago for about $20, it is still in great shape. I don't carry all of my textbooks with me, I only bring what I need for the particular lecture on that day. Our program gives us a calander so we know exactly what is going on in lecture on a daily basis. Most of the time I leave my books in the back of my car, they are so heavy to be lugging around all of the time. For the PDA, I would be curious as to what is out there to download. One of my instructors has one and it is very handy. I have asked "Santa" for one :)

CarVsTree · Dec 8, 2004

PDA software for nursing diagnoses is disappointing at best. I have two that I got at Skyscape. One is Diagnoses & Interventions, the other is Nursing Diagnoses. I don't find either one to even come close to Ackley's book on Nursing Diagnosis. They're good in a pinch, but IMO not worth the money.

As for the rolling backpack, go to the luggage section in Wal-mart. They have some pretty big RBC's at reasonable prices. When in doubt, try Wal-mart.

Good luck!

rosendalemj · Dec 10, 2004

PDA software for nursing diagnoses is disappointing at best. I have two that I got at Skyscape. One is Diagnoses & Interventions, the other is Nursing Diagnoses.

ditto that

1 Leg Lance · Dec 10, 2004

another software title to look at on skyscape is Nurses Quick Check Diseases...make sure it is the one with 450~ item (another has less), great for school & after. Has patho/assessment/nursing care plan stuff and more...

I am still in school and use it daily and I extern in the ICU and we use it at work.

Of course the skyscape trial set-up sucks since you can't see much but give it a look, it has saved me tons of time and you look cool when you know what labs/proced to expect :)

enjoy,

1 leg lance

aruray · Dec 12, 2004

PDA software for nursing diagnoses is disappointing at best. I have two that I got at Skyscape. One is Diagnoses & Interventions, the other is Nursing Diagnoses. I don't find either one to even come close to Ackley's book on Nursing Diagnosis. They're good in a pinch, but IMO not worth the money.

really? i kinda like doenges' RNDx&Int but then i havnt seen ackley's.. oh well.. already wrote my last care plan EVER! so no need to bother for me.

a must have for an RN student thats just starting is a rndx app, a drug guide, taber's and a labs and dx test app. all of which can be bought from skyscape

youngRNstudent · Dec 12, 2004

What I found helped me in nursing school was:

1. Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses (if you buy any software, this is a must have) It saves you SO much time flipping pages and pages in your drug book. Just type in the name of the drug and everything is right there. It's nice too b/c if you are used to the Davis's format in the book version, the PDA version is set up identically (Indications, actions, pharmacokinetics, s/e, implementation, nursing assessment, patient teaching etc)

2. Nursing Procedures (by skyscape). VERY handy. Every kind of procedure/treatment a nurse (or MD) can do is in there. Step by step on how to do the procedure, what equipment you need etc.

3. Nursing Quick Disease Check (skyscape). Tons of info on the patho of the disease your patient has.

Hope those help! Congrats on your decision to get a PDA they are SOOOO time saving! :)

NewEnglandRN, RN · Dec 13, 2004

I have to agree with Davis' Drug Guide for your PDA... it's a must have!

Also, I would not buy a rolling backpack, unless you HAVE to bring books to class. I have only used my FON testbook once in class. SAve the money...

ART · Mar 9, 2006

Thanks YRNS,

The info. you put is quite informative would try and get that for my IPAQ , looks like this is what Iam looking for.I have this Ipaq and Iam a new RN... wanting to know what software I need and what will be useful for me on the floor at MedSurg unit as a new nurse where I will start my new job pretty sooooooooon.

Cowboys_RN, BSN · Mar 10, 2006

I stopped using my rolling backpack after the 3rd week when I realized it wasn't necessary to bring all those books to school. I'm halfway through my second semester and there's only been one or two times in lab that I needed a book. I just borrowed it from someone else.