Gettin a PDA for Christmas? What do I do with it?

[oneofHIs]

I think I'm getting a PDA for Christmas from my husband. I'm starting my second semester and so many people have them. I don't know what to do with it or what I need to have on it. I'm not even sure I know how to use it? Any suggestions?

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

When you get it, there's a tutorial disk that comes with it. I think it's great for carrying all your nursing reference materials. There are a lot of helpful programs that nurses can use.

You'll find so much more information about using a PDA in the PDA forum:

https://allnurses.com/forums/f234/

[paulwalkman]

PDAs are great. I used one throughout school. One of the main decisions to make, aside from what software to purchase, is whether to use Palm's version or Window's Mobile. Window's mobile is integrated into your phone. It will eat up the battery quicker but you only have to carry one thing. Palm has virtually the same programs, just a different OS (operating system). Using a Palm means that your phone will be seperate (with the exception of a few phones) so the Palm batterries may last longer but you most likely will not have your phone with you or it will be an extra item to carry. Both Palm and Windows mobile have options to connect to wireless internet which may comein handy at the hospital.

-Paul

[socalpca]

My ADN program gave us a PDA loaded with Pepid RN, SN on it. It was great, and I still use the program to this day on every shift. My co-workers are always asking me for drug references on it and it's WAAAY faster than looking it up in Mosby's or some other book. I highly recommend it. Plus I have conversions, drug/IV compatibilities and lots of other stuff.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I have the Davis Drug Guide, Taber's Dictionary, Diabetic information, Labs and Diagnostic Procedures and Diseases and Nursing Interventions in mine. And, I carry it in my fanny pack along with my vibrating cell phone. Worth the investment, I believe!