AZ ADN - PDA Advice

mattsmom64 · Jun 4, 2006

Hi,

I used a pda last semester. The three programs I used the most were Davis's Drug Guide (a definite must have), a Daignostic Lab Reference, and Tabers. Once you get your pda you can download trial software from skyscape.com and unboundmedicine.com and see which suite you like best. I have a link to a 20% off coupon from unboundmedicine making their suite the better deal, however, I like the interface on skyscape much better so I went with them. With skyscape you can share information between programs and bookmark items. It is really helpful when you are writing care plans and for having the info readily available while at clinical.....

As for purchasing a pda, I got mine on Ebay. It's a Dell Axim X30, which ran for around 350.00. I bought it brand new (still in shrink wrap) for 100.00! You can check out Ebay, just be sure to look into the seller's feedback as well as looking at their shipping charges (some sellers charge 50.00 to ship a 2lb package!) If you wanted to buy one at at retail store, I sometimes see Frye's Electronics advertise some good deals.....Good luck!

mattsmom64 · Jun 4, 2006

Also, although I went with skyscape, I didn't purchase the Constellation package. It has Davis's Drug Guide and a decent Lab reference, but the other two programs werent worth the money. I don't think we will ever have to use the ICD-9 prgram, and you can download archimedes (great program btw) for free...I downloaded a bunch of trial software, tried them out, and then bought them individually. Skyscape will give you 20% off if you buy 3 or more programs. I just downloaded the new Davis Diagnostic Tests with Nursing Implications prgram and it is awesome!

Also, if you go with the Z22 it probably has 20mb of memory. My Axim does too. I ended up buying a memory card (around $20-$30) and store all of my programs on it and it works great!

MsBruiser · Jun 4, 2006

Just the advice I was looking for! Thank you...

MsBruiser · Jun 4, 2006

Which diagnostic lab reference did you use?

mattsmom64 · Jun 4, 2006

I used the lab reference that came with the constellation trial version. You will be suprised to find out that some of the trial versions give you access to most of the info you will need. I haven't purchased a lab reference yet, but I am going to purchase the new Davis Lab reference. Some of the programs come with desktop companions. If you visit skyscape you can download the trial version for your desktop so you can try them out.....

boomerfriend · Jun 5, 2006

Just my two cents....I purchased Tabers (a must have) and Epocrates. It has lab references, symptoms, diagnoses, nursing implications and more. It has so much stuff I don't think I've tapped it all. I have the HP iPAQ and like it. I also have my programs stored on a memory card because at first I was having trouble with my PDA and had to reset it several times....losing everything that was stored in it. Now it's not a worry (and the trouble I was having has been resolved). I was thinking about getting another memory card and just storing some music on it. :idea:

MsBruiser · Jun 5, 2006

Where did you buy Epocrates? Is that "Epocrates Essentials"? What did you pay?

Calzonan RN · Jun 5, 2006

I have the Dell Axim x50 and LOVE it. It really comes in handy during clinicals, rather than carry a big book around, and I can look up meds quicker than people that bring their med books. I did order the Constellation package, because at the time it came with a desktop version as well which has enabled me to cut and paste meds for my care plans. I don't have Tabers yet, but I would highly recommend that as well. I did buy another memory card, some of the programs were just taking up too much memory, and I think I got Epocrates for free. There's a link listed on the PDA page for Epocrates. Also, I got Diaganosaurus for free as well.

Keli

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Jun 5, 2006

I bought the Skyscape RN Constellation package and absolutely love it. RN Notes is included in that as has some great conversion tables and other good tools.

Also got Tabers Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary... just awesome... Lippencott's Manual of Nursing Procedures, Mosby's PDQ, and Ident-A-Drug....which I find very helpful working in HH, where our elderly patients all too often have pills of various kinds accidently mixed in their bottles or medminders... and you need to know what is what.You just look up the number printed on the tablet or capsule and voila! You know just what it is.. don't even need a picture.

There's still one more I'd really like to get.. and will. Well, one of these TWO, anyway, after I decide on which is best. Either iFacts Drug Interaction Facts or the Medical Letter's Adverse Drug Interactions Tool.

Again, in my line of work, where my patients are prescribed literal DOZENS of drugs at a time :angryfire I like to see if their symptoms are drug/meds related. I have often found that they are. They (and I) then at least feel somewhat reassured knowing that it is not one more NEW condition they will have to contend with yet again.

So yeh... have at it.. and I hope you enjoy your PDA as much as I am mine..can't even inmagine being without one out there in the "field" anymore.

And with the purchase of SD cards (which you can often find far cheaper on eBay or Amazon) your memory capacity for new downloads is virtually unlimited. :)

hoppermom3 · Jun 5, 2006

I have PepidRN and really like it. I have an older Palm pilot and use it constantly.

boomerfriend · Jun 6, 2006

I purchased Epocrates Essentials for $149.99. I tried PepidRN and found it cumbersome and difficult to use. I tried the free version first and decided on the Epocrates.

Hint: if they offer a free trial...do it. You get to mess around with it and if you don't like it...no money lost.