Best PDA/Smartphone for BSN Students

lawrence01 · Mar 21, 2008

I think a nursing student can live with out it, honestly.

Also, something to consider is if her classmates will be having one as well. I think it would be a waste of time if her classmates, and even her professors will not be having one as well. If they do, I think it would be nice if she gets the same device or maybe slightly newer model as most have and same OS as well so that they can share with each other and no problems with compatibilities, etc... This also answers the question of buying locally because most of her colleagues will be buying and using only on what is available locally.

The new craze for local students now are the new small notebooks. They are a lot smaller than the usual notebook but does all the usual stuff and I think with wireless LAN or something to be able to use the internet as well. This is a big hit in PH because even though it's smaller than the usual notebook, it's more affordable.

I think it would be wise if you ask your children on what is being used by most on their campus as well and take it from there.

*We also have a forum specific for PDAs for nursing, check it out: https://allnurses.com/forums/f234/

bottomless_appetite · Mar 21, 2008

Can you offer advise for student nurses (3rd year) on best Smartphone/PDA and software package(s)? Also, what SIM (Globe, Smart) for Philippines is available for these devices based on the following:
1. I have 4 student BSN candidates in my family beginning their 3rd year.
2. I wish to give them each a SmartPhone/PDA combo this June
3. What is the best value (Palm, Blackberry, ..specific models please)
4. What is the best OS (Windows/Palm) for Nursing students
5. What software package is best suited, and can I purchase a 4 user license instead of 4 separate software packages?
6. Is there a "student discount" on ANY portion of the above that you are aware of?
7. Should I purchase here in the Philippines or order in the USA and bring over here...how will I address the SIM problem if USA purchased?
Thanks so much for your responses
HOSS

I agree with Lawrence, I dont think 3rd year nursing students need PDA's, but im not saying that you dont need to give them PDA's. I think what they need are BOOKS which would be very helpful for them in the classroom and in the clinical. Invest in Books, let your students read them. Medical-Surgical Nursing Books, Pharmacology Books, Maternity and Pediatric Books. I suggest you give them Books on Nursing Care Plans because i am sure they need them soooo much especially that making NCP's will be a constant activity in the third year level. Encourage them to read more books because 3rd year is the Busiest year for nursing students..

redranger · Mar 21, 2008

7. Should I purchase here in the Philippines or order in the USA and bring over here...how will I address the SIM problem if USA purchased?
Thanks so much for your responses
HOSS

I find cell phones in PI to be more advanced than in USA. I also find them cheaper.

You can bring a cellfone in from USA (with SIMS Card) and have it unlocked in PI, Very inexpensive to have phones unlocked in PI.

If you bring cellfone in from USA, just make sure it is tri band (worldband) and able to be used in PI.

Hoss · Mar 21, 2008

I appreciate your comments regarding 3rd year SN "Needs", but I am of the mindset that PDA's are a fact of life in the USA, Canada and Australia as everyday necessities for nurses. With that in mind, I want them to have as much confidence and ability with this technology starting as early as possible.

In addition, the psychological aspect of these devices are quite phenominal in getting students to really dig down into nitty gritty stuff. Young people simply LOVE a tech device like a PDA and will study them for hours on end as opposed to a very static and numbing book. I have invested heavily in books for them, and they do indeed study hard, but I really think a PDA with good software packages will intrigue a young student for hours on end. Books are a MUST, but a PDA is equally important AND exciting as an adjunct aid in their studies.

With that all said, what I need is for nurses who HAVE PDA's to advise me of their LIKES and DISLIKES of the current models available. I need input on Palm vs Blackberry, etc...Windows vs. Palm OS, and the "Must have" Nursing software packages that appeal to experienced users. Also, if you bought your PDA here in the Philippines, where did you buy and what costs have you incurred?

Your continued response to this is greatly appreciated...many thanks!!

HOSS

leggendario · Mar 22, 2008

Just to make sure that the smartphone that you will be bringing is unlocked so it can work here. In my own opinion even Palm has the oldest technology out there I think it is still the best for nursing student. It is very easy to use a to configure. A Treo 680 is a nice smartphone for the nursing student. It has the best PIM software and thousands of free apps that you can install on it. Also there are lots of commercial software like nursing references that you can buy and install on the Treo. Just take a look at skyscape.com.

wishiwereanurse, BSN, RN · Mar 22, 2008

Couldve been great if I had a PDA/SMartphone when I was a nursing student, and you are right mr. Hoss about the psychological aspect, technology can make learning way cooler than hitting the books. But when we were at the clinical area, or even in the classroom, we couldnt take out our 'gadgets' because they are viewed as 'distractions' and they can be collected by instructors. Back then I had a not-so-smart nokia 6600, but my friends are amazed because I have normal values of v/s, lab, drugs I frequently encounter and practice questions in my phone.