Are PDA's Really Necessary?

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Specializes in Taking one day at a time....

Although they arent required at my school (Thank GOD, because everything else is expensive enough as it is!), I was wondering what everyone thinks of them. It seems that everyone I talk to in school either has one or is getting one. I do really think it would be helpful, particularly in the clinical setting when you are draw a blank and think "HMM Whats that again?!"...But on the other hand, I really dont feel like buying one... unless I knew for sure that it would make a difference in my education. I already have all the necessary textbooks, and I carry index cards around with me that have lab values on them. I dont really have the money for a PDA since im a poor college student :uhoh21:... but, if someone were to tell me "It will make all the difference!" then I would find a way to buy one... Ive been going back & forth...:rolleyes:

Just wondering what everyones opinion is. Thanks.

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My school requires us to have a PDA. It was pretty expensive ($500) but I think it's worth it. The PDA is especially handy at clinical when I have to look up a drug, lab values or a word I don't understand.

two thumbs up!

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

My husband is getting me one for Xmas, per request by me! :wink2:

The PDA with a 2 year subscription to the PEPID RN Student Clinical Companion software totals about $450. I know it will be of great help to me, so I guess it's justifiable.

Even if you can't get one right away, you could always put aside a tiny bit of money every week and save up for it. Also, try eBay...they have nice refurbished PDA's for really good prices!!

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Specializes in neurology, cardiology, ED.

I wouldn't call it completely necessary, but very convenient. You can have your entire drug guide, med-surg book, and whatever else you want in your pocket during clinical. That said, I probably wouldn't have bought one just for NS, but I already had one, and I definitely use it.

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Specializes in Med Surg/Tele/ER.

While they are nice.....no they are not necessary. I graduated top of my class without a PDA.

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As many have said they are convenient but not necessary. I didn't get my PDA until the last 2 semesters of nursing school b/c I didn't have $700 to buy one. But it beats packing books any day if you are allowed to use it in the hospital you are doing your clinicals in. Hope this helps.

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...school b/c I didn't have $700 to buy one.

Yikes!!! $700??!?!!

We are issued one during our first semester of school - they lump it in with the tuition fee. It's $300, and being that I'm a bargain shopper, I'm almost certain I could have found one for a few bucks cheaper but whatever ... I guess I'm getting one.

I'm actually excited about it - cant wait to see what it all has on it. I'll keep you informed on how much I actually use it though, lol.

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Yikes!!! $700??!?!!

We are issued one during our first semester of school - they lump it in with the tuition fee. It's $300, and being that I'm a bargain shopper, I'm almost certain I could have found one for a few bucks cheaper but whatever ... I guess I'm getting one.

I'm actually excited about it - cant wait to see what it all has on it. I'll keep you informed on how much I actually use it though, lol.

I'm guessing they're including a lot of software for $700. I found a new (not refurbished) Palm TX for $263...but some of the nursing packages are just as much...if not more than that.

Peace,

CuriousMe

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I don't think it's necessary. But in the hospital i'm doing my clinicals at there is a drug book on the computer system and all the lab values are on a different computer system for any of us to access. So i don't think i would use it enough to get my money's worth out of it.

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necessary? I dont think so!

i am almost done with my nursing school and i am ok without it.

it help maybe....if you dont have money, dont force your self to buy something that you can afford it yet. PDA is only a luxurious item, like Corvette compared to Toyota corolla!

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No...having a PDA is not necessary. Although it probably would save your back (I carry my drug book, lab book, textbook, clinical companion, and nursing diagnosis book to clinicals each day).

It really depends on your learning style and budget...if you are really good at learning new technology and enjoy studying with a computer it would probably be a really good investment (unless your like me and have already spent a small fortune on the books!). I plan on getting a PDA with the latest software once I graduate to use on the floor. You know what learning style works best for you...if you really don't know whether you want a pda or not try out a friends. Just remember that having a pda will not make the difference between you passing a failing nursing school....will just make clinicals slightly easier :)

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... anytime you find yourself asking if it's necessary - it's probably not ;)

However, some schools do require the PDA and implement it into their program - this is often lumped into the tuition as the previous posters have suggested...

I'm starting a program that requires the use of a PDA (at least for an informatics course) and now it might be necessary for me to have a computer to upload/download data from the required PDA.. (sigh)

best of luck,

v/r

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