Our program requires all nursing students to have a Hand-Held Device for clinicals. They specified that iPhones could be used but...can you really see on those very well? I love my phone for texting/twitter/facebook and of course allnurses...but..I don't think I could read a reference book very well on my phone!
Any tablet suggestions? I was thinking of an iPad mini. If I'm gonna spend the money, I might as well spend it on a system I know how to operate.
I would go no higher than $300, I bought a Samsung Galaxy Tab 3, 10.1 for that price and it works fantastically. I never use it while I am at clinical though(never have time to, lol!). Maybe on break or afterwards, but never in-between. It is good for lectures though and if you find a blue tooth keyboard, it's smaller than a laptop.
My program also requires the purchase of a hand-held device. I have used an ipod touch for several semesters and have found that it does the job. It is the size of a phone so it fits into my scrub pocket, and I also use it during class to record lectures. My program does not cover the cost or the replacement of the device, or the cost of the required downloads.
Our program issued ipod touches for awhile. Now it's whatever handheld device that supports the software. Apple is the predominant choice with iphones being the main device in use. Whatever you choose a holster is a must. You never ever want to set it down because it will walk away. Ideally you want both the device and holster to fit properly under any PPE (contact isolation anyone?). Tablets while easier to read, will be harder to find a holster for as well as fit under PPE without catching on things or feeling bulky.
Specializes in Cath/EP lab, CCU, Cardiac stepdown.
Personally I use my Samsung galaxy s3 and I don't have any problem seeing my drug book on it. The Samsung phones are a bit bigger than the iPhone which to me is a plus.
I use the programs skyscape and epocrates and both work well. In the past I have seen students try to bring an ipad to clinical but it turns out they weren't supposed to so they had to put it away. Also you can try to ask your school if they provide rental palm pilots for students with financial hardships. I've know some people who couldn't afford smart phones so the school lends them a Palm pilot that they have to return at the end of the semester
I am currently in a nursing program. While we are not required to have iphones, it is encouraged. Clinical work is easier when you have one. You can look up meds and conditions easliy. Remember it should have internet if you need to use it at the hospital not just have wi-fi and it should fit easliy in your pocket. You can't leave things in their break room and expect it to still be there later. Upgrade your current phone or check ebay for a used iphone. Most sites work best on apple products and can be easily viewed. I wear reading glasses and have no problem.
Beautiful Mind RN
206 Posts
I would go no higher than $300, I bought a Samsung Galaxy Tab 3, 10.1 for that price and it works fantastically. I never use it while I am at clinical though(never have time to, lol!). Maybe on break or afterwards, but never in-between. It is good for lectures though and if you find a blue tooth keyboard, it's smaller than a laptop.