PDA/Smartphones Software for nurses.

Some smartphones have fixed internal memory. Some have micro-SD slots for additional storage. Both the PalmOS and Blackberry OS are compatible with ePocrates (more of an MD program, but pretty useful). The Palm Pre currently does not support ePocrates (sad day). ePocrates has all of those things except the nursing specific stuff...it's more of an MD program. But you can infer the nursing stuff from the diagnoses.

Smart phones work without constant internet access, but most of the time you will have internet access either via WiFi or through 3G/EVDO cellular internet. The programs typically get downloaded onto your home computer and then installed onto the phone that way.

Honestly, your best bet is to go to your sprint store and tell them what you need and go from there.

Moved to the mobile computing forum

I have an ATT Tilt [more like a small laptop than a phone] with both ePocrates and SkyScape. Each of them have their strengths and weaknesses. For nursing functions, I would have to say SkyScape wins but when I want more depth of information, I turn to ePocrates. Neither of them have IV compatibilies in an easy to use format and both could use help in the patient teaching areas. I would stay away from Pepid, not because it isn't good but because it is really intended for advanced practice nurses or doctors . . . and it is outrageously expensive.

I can only speak for the pda/smart phones I've used recently but this is my opinion so far:


First, the phone:
I had sprint. The palm-pre is what I feel was most 'user friendly' and (from what I've seen) Epocrates, skyscape and unbound all have platforms that are supported on it. No matter what phone you buy it is usually an expense but WELL worth it for the convenience, knowledge and professional ability you will have after. Just make sure the phone is one you will find helpful for the next two years if you stick with sprint. Because this is a tool for work, you can save your receipt and use it as a tax write-off. DO NOT SETTLE for something you feel is 'just acceptable.'

I recently switched to TMobile from sprint. Everyone has providers they prefer so I'm not going to share details of that choice- what works for one is detestable to another and golden to someone else, but I'm VERY happy with my G1 phone. The only drawback is this: Epocrates and Skyscape will not be releasing the support platform for tmobile apps (ANDROID) until "next month." (I dont know about Epocrates but I do believe the skyscape developers will come through by december. This means that currently your choice for software is Unbound (the 1 yr Nursing Central subscription will meet all the things that you wanted included.) I LOVE it. I work as a CN in LTC and it more than exceeds my expectations- I am much more efficient thanks to my little brain in my phone.
Your other option is just to use the free version of Epocrates drug guide online....but that is only the drug guide.
As for the phone, well, I think it's better than the palm-pre, and I love that it still has the querty keyboard. It makes it larger than the i-phone (ATT) but I can text and write easily without the fat finger mistakes of typing incorrect letters. I like it that it has a sim card / and memory card. If I purchase a new phone later I dont have to reprogram ALL my information.
Prior to my G1. I tried a blackberry 8100. Nice phone but I really like the touch screen and simplicity of the G1 or I-phones. The blackberry has a computer type set-up where your selections are word choices with a roller ball. Some people prefer this- it wasnt for me- I found the blackberry setup so confusing (yes even after using the setup dvd and user guide) that I wanted to toss it in my garbage disposal after driving over it with my car....
BUT I'm not very computer savvy, and I know many nurses who just love their BB and didnt care for touch screens. I was able to return mine to tmobile and they just laughed with me and helped me get my G1 back. Like the Iphone and the palm pre, all the above nursing applications carry the BB platform.

Now the Application downloads:

I don't think any of the apps are bad choices.

Epocrates- the free drug guide works just as well as the others. You can purchase additional programs with each type of resource you prefer. (Individually or as a package)

Skyscape- They have a larger selection in my opinion, a good customer service. They issued a refund within a day when I switched phones and my new platform was not supported by the software. I had purchased it two wks prior and I had the Nursing Constellation. It has all the resources that you requested above and then some..... easy to use and although more expensive than epocrates, you do get more information.

Unbound- I have the Nursing central ap now. It is also simple to get set up. Wonderful customer service- they speak fluent english which to me is a bonus. Skyscape subscription has a few more resources, but I'm not lacking for any information I need with UB either.

It's all personal preference, but hope that helps give you a place to start.