Did you buy a PDA for your 1st year?

mona b RN, BSN, RN · Jan 3, 2006

I love my PDA. I have a Tungsten C which is pricey. DH bought it for me, otherwise I probably wouldn't have gotten this model. I used my PDA frequently at clinicals; it is so handy for drugs, etc.

As far as books go, I am done with carrying or sitting a 10+ lb book on my lap.

I even have a nclex review on my PDA. :specs:

Good Luck

Race Mom, ASN, RN · Jan 3, 2006

My dh bought me a HP 2755 Ipaq! I'm still waiting for FedEx to show up with it, so I don't have a clue still on how they work!!:roll

Why don't you have to have your books?

I'm thrilled to have it, but I need to spend some time going through the PDA thread so I have some sort of clue on how to use it, and what to download.

Woogy

mona b RN, BSN, RN · Jan 3, 2006

Why don't you have to have your books?

I still have to have some books but I have many books on my PDA. For example, I have a care planning book that is pretty substantial in size so I decided to buy the PDA version so now I don't even need the book anymore. It really condenses the amount of stuff that you would need to carry around.

A good place to search for PDA programs is http://www.skyscape.com

Have fun:specs:

youknowho · Jan 3, 2006

I did not buy a PDA, but a few friends did. After the first week or two, no one had theirs around. People were worried they would leave it somewhere and it would walk away. Also, they realized that looking up the med in the med book is just as easy as the PDA (and much less expensive). It really is up to you though but my advice would be to wait and see who uses it really and ask them if its helpful.

mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 3, 2006

I already had one before I started NS and yes, I used it all the time my 1st year of school.

My NS is now requiring all students entering the program to purchase a PDA, it will be a Palm of some type. All the "little books" will be downloaded upon receiving the PDA (you purchase from the bookstore). The hardcopy of the "little books" will be optional as they are already on your PDA. I think they are giving them Tabers, a drug book, a lab book and some other usefull stuff like calculators. We are also able to start using the computer system at school via the PDA, so our homework, assignments, tests, etc...will all be downloaded to our PDA when we sync with the school for those of us who already have PDA's.

In my class we probably have 20 of us who have PDA's and they don't "walk off" like people think they do. You keep it in your pocket or attached to you in some fashion. We've had more hardcopy books walk off than PDA's.

suzi_h · Jan 3, 2006

I did not buy a PDA, but a few friends did. After the first week or two, no one had theirs around. People were worried they would leave it somewhere and it would walk away. Also, they realized that looking up the med in the med book is just as easy as the PDA (and much less expensive). It really is up to you though but my advice would be to wait and see who uses it really and ask them if its helpful.

See, that's what I was thinking. How hard could it be to look in the book. I think I am going to wait b/c I enjoy flipping through my Taber's. I always go back and look at stuff I flipped pass. However, it would probably much easier to carry a PDA then a drug guide in clinicals. I am glad to see I am not the only one with this thinking! Thanks for the imput.

Suzi

mariedoreen · Jan 3, 2006

You'll be just fine if you don't buy a PDA. All the info you need is available in books, and there's usually a drug manual on the unit. I've had a PDA from day one (Tungsten C as well) and everyone I know who has one has loved theirs and uses them often. I find that it's more convenient, a lot faster, and less confusing than flipping through the reference books. But had I not bought one I know I'd be fine too. If money's an issue don't worry about not getting one, but talk with those that have them and find out what programs and features etc.. they like and why. Make notes about all this and maybe plan to get one when you start working as an RN if nothing else.

Boston-RN, RN · Jan 3, 2006

I have a very modestly priced one Tungsten E2 $150 brand new and approx 150-200 in software) and I love it... I use it all during clinicals and it's been great. My instructor says she uses hers all the time as well. I think it boils down to your preference. I like having things at my fingertips and not having to carry books w/ me to clinical.

boomerfriend · Jan 9, 2006

Thank you for addressing this subject. I love my PDA except for the fact that it keeps losing my data. The newer models won't do that. So, I'm in the market for a new one. I love the idea of being able to access the internet from it and have resources at my fingertips (without the aid of a book). I've used one for three years for my calendar....I know, it sounds like an expensive way to go but I inherited from my husband. Now that it is not working I feel lost without it. Can't wait to get one ordered. I'm looking at the HP iPAQ rx1955 at Costco. Anyone out there have an HP?

Race Mom, ASN, RN · Jan 10, 2006

I bought the HP 2755 at the HP website, refurbished for $360. I have no idea how to use it yet, but it sure looks cool! :rotfl:

Woogy

RNin2007 · Jan 10, 2006

I have a 4 yr. old compaq (HP) ipaq dinosaur of a pocket pc. It still works awesome (just a bit bigger than the newer models). My programs run fine on it...and I like it MUCH better than digging through a book...you can look up drugs way faster, and not to mention, like others have said, it is easier to carry. I always bring it to clinicals...I even have programs to look up disease processes, nursing interventions, etc. etc...

Funny thing is, i've had it for 4 years, and I am JUST NOW USING IT! :rotfl: I shoulda waited, heh.

~J