PDA necessary?

Nurses New Nurse

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Hi....I am kinda new at this posting thing. I will be taking the NCLEX in the next couple months and will be working soon after that. I want to buy a new cell phone. I was wondering if I should get a phone that has the capability for me to put programs and drug references on it. Would it be helpful? Does anyone really use them? Are we allowed to use them at work? Any feedback would be appreciated!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Pediatrics, Geriatrics.

I have a PDA, not a smart phone which is a phone with PDA capabilities. While it is not necessary, it is extremely handy. I look up drugs, normal lab values, and diseases/disorders on the fly without lugging around alot of heavy (and expensive) books. Since it stores easily in my pocket, I do not have to worry about theft (instead of having to have those very heavy, expensive nursing books lying around the nursing station waiting for anyone to come by and take them). I love my PDA and would recommend one to anyone who is technologically savvy.

Now, as far as a cell phone with PDA capabilities (smart phones), I do not know how great they perform. I have heard someone mention before that they are great PDAs, but the phone reception is not high quality. Maybe someone else can help you out in this arena.

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Thanks so much for your reply! Would you mind telling me what brand of PDA u have?

Thanks!

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I'm considering getting the Treo 700P. From my limited research I've seen more relevant software applications for the Palm OS than Windows mobile OS, but I am trying to see if that is the experience from other nurses who are already practicing.

Thanks!

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I will also begin working within the next couple of weeks. What are the recommended PDA programs. There are several drug programs available. Is there one that is a favorite?

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Specializes in Critical Care, Pediatrics, Geriatrics.
Thanks so much for your reply! Would you mind telling me what brand of PDA u have?

Thanks!

I have a Tungsten T5 with PalmOne OS...I also have a Macintosh computer so it is the most compatable...it is also very compatable with Windows and very user friendly.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Pediatrics, Geriatrics.
I will also begin working within the next couple of weeks. What are the recommended PDA programs. There are several drug programs available. Is there one that is a favorite?

Epocrates seems to be a fav among my friends/instructors/co-workers...I think you can get a free version at http://www.epocrates.com

I bought a nursing bundle from http://www.lww.com that has a complete taber's med dictionary, davis drug guide, a disease and disorder's manual, a lab manual, and an NCLEX review book. I loved it!

If you check out the PDA forum you will find a wealth of info about PDAs, software, and websites where you can download free-ware.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I have had several PDA's over the past 10 years...I did have a Visor, Palm iiiE and Palm Tungsten E and was very happy with all of them. I currently have (just bought it) a Treo 700p. It is very nice. I was very nervous because I had not read any good reviews. However, have had it for a few days now and have not reset it, the battery life is fine and it syncs easily. I like it.

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Thank you all for the feedback! This may sound dumb but are we even allowed to use smartphones in a hospital setting or only PDA's?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I'm an advanced practice nurse and must be reachable by phone when in the hospital. I have had no problems with my cell phone and now smartphone. Nowadays, the phones are digital and don't interfere with machinery as did the earlier cell phones. Here is an article which cites research done at Mayo Clinic which debunks the issue of cell phones in hospitals:

http://www.cellphones.ca/tag/Hospitals

Here is another article which cites safety and communication reasons for use of cell phones in hospitals:

http://www.livescience.com/technology/060127_cell_phones.html

And yet another article that states with the new technology, cell phones ARE safe in hospitals:

http://www.wctv6.com/home/headlines/4412616.html

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Specializes in Critical Care, Pediatrics, Geriatrics.

my hospital has never discouraged the use of PDAs or Smartphones, however, you can't use your cell phone...including personal calls on your smartphone...but the PDA functions can be used whenever you need.

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