Do I NEED a PDA? Anyone get through school just fine w/o one?

manna, BSN, RN · May 11, 2004

I don't necessarily think you'd HAVE to get one, unless your school requires it - it's probably just more the fact that they're handy. For example, using the drug guides and other programs in the PDA as opposed to lugging around several thick, heavy books.

Truly_Blessed · May 11, 2004

I don't use one that's for sure. I feel it would only make things more complicated for me. I don't feel it's a neccesity. Everyone before all of these new gadgets came out made it through college just fine. I've done fine all year without these things and I'm sure I'll be ok w/o them the rest of the time I am in school:)

klone, MSN, RN · May 11, 2004

For example, using the drug guides and other programs in the PDA as opposed to lugging around several thick, heavy books.

Okay, I haven't started clinicals yet, so maybe you can explain this to me. What do you mean by "lugging around several thick, heavy books"? People don't actually have to bring these to class or clinicals, do they? I thought they were for reading assigned chapters at home, and for reference. Do you actually have to carry them around with you?

mitchsmom · May 11, 2004

I don't see any of my classmates in my program using laptops or PDA's in and around class, but I haven't started clinicals yet. Maybe everyone will suddenly whip them out, guess I'll see. :)

studentnurse74, LPN, LVN · May 11, 2004

I have a little pocket calendar that I scribble on and carry around! :chuckle

I've seen the clipboards for nurses with "cheat sheets", and also the little pocket sized nursing reference books. Is it that much more convenient to get a palm? (Especially for someone like me, who probably couldn't figure out how to work it?)

jenrninmi, MSN, RN · May 11, 2004

Okay, I haven't started clinicals yet, so maybe you can explain this to me. What do you mean by "lugging around several thick, heavy books"? People don't actually have to bring these to class or clinicals, do they? I thought they were for reading assigned chapters at home, and for reference. Do you actually have to carry them around with you?

Yes, you'll need your books for clinical rotations, at least we do. Actually for my med/surg rotation I'm currently on the instructor has the books there already so none of us need to carry them around. I just bring my clipboard, paper and a pen.

FutureNurse2005 · May 11, 2004

we arent allowed "toys" for classes and clinicals. find out if you can have them before you buy!

RNKITTY04 · May 11, 2004

Whats a PDA? :chuckle Never used one, dont see me using one at this point.

MishlB · May 11, 2004

Personally I think it's a waste of money. I see many nurses using it as a calculator, when my little 4.99 machine does just fine. I never carried big books around. There is so much software that can be purchased, and I guess if you like gadgets and have the money to blow, go for it. I think you can survive without it...really.

wonderbee, BSN, RN · May 12, 2004

I love my PDA. For clinical, I found it a helpful time saver and organizer. I have the Tungsten E.

Tony35NYC · May 12, 2004

If you can afford a PDA its a neat tool to have, but they don't permit us to use PDAs or calculators in our clinicals. They require that we have the Davis drug book handy to look up all our meds and that we hand work all our med math. I keep that and a tiny pocket med-surg guide and the drug book in my labcoat pockets all the time. They're much cheaper than buying a PDA and work just as well.