IPad Mini for clinicals?

[polycalca]

Is there any use of an IPad Mini during clinicals? I'm just curious if this type of device is even allowed on the floor or do people use their phones to look up information, etc?

I know usage of electronics vary from program to program and clinical locations, but I'd just like to gauge what others are doing.

Thanks.

[polycalca]

2 hours ago, bitter_betsy said:

@polycalca - don't buy anything specific outside of your program because most likely you will have to turn assignments in, in a very specific format. I used my mini to actually write on my documentation that I had to turn in. We were required to handwrite, scan and submit. Because mine was handwritten, I was allowed to turn it in - but I still had to get approval because although technically handwritten, it wasn't written and then scanned (insert eyeroll). And as for other things, after you get your first position, you will determine what works best for you.

Thanks!

[CommunityRNBSN, BSN, RN]

The problem, as I see it, is that if you are standing in the hall or sitting at the nurses station, looking things up on a phone or iPad, nobody can tell that’s what you’re doing— it looks for all the world like you’re texting or playing games. Patients, families, and instructors HATE it because you look like you’re zoned out! Even though you know you’re doing your work. At my clinical site, there were computers on the floor that we could use. We would sit there to look things up. Sometimes there weren’t enough for you to have one the very second you needed it, but overall it worked fine.

[DeeAngel]

If you set an iPad down in a hospital, expect it to be stolen. Visitors will steal anything and everything not locked up.

[polycalca]

1 hour ago, DeeAngel said:

If you set an iPad down in a hospital, expect it to be stolen. Visitors will steal anything and everything not locked up.

You're not kidding. I've seen people walk out with like a stack of disposable drinking cups because they were in the room. ?

I'm pretty sure I'm going to just get an iPad for class only. Paper pad for clinicals.

[polycalca]

21 hours ago, CommunityRNBSN said:

The problem, as I see it, is that if you are standing in the hall or sitting at the nurses station, looking things up on a phone or iPad, nobody can tell that’s what you’re doing— it looks for all the world like you’re texting or playing games. Patients, families, and instructors HATE it because you look like you’re zoned out! Even though you know you’re doing your work. At my clinical site, there were computers on the floor that we could use. We would sit there to look things up. Sometimes there weren’t enough for you to have one the very second you needed it, but overall it worked fine.

Noted! Thanks!

[BONBON, BSN, RN]

I don't think I would every personally bring an iPad onto the floor due to a few reasons. First HIPAA, second it may be more distracting than helpful, your nurse may not approve whether they're vocal about it or not, and lastly you should have access to electronic charting on your clinical site (if not then you may just be learning as your nurse charts.) What I did was I brought my phone with, and during lunch/dinner I would make a few notes on my phone about my clinical (on medications, hands on skills I learned/performed, any dx that I wanted to look up, etc.) I didn't bother to look anything up until I got home. I wanted to take in and learn as much as I could during my clinical, not be distracted by any device.

Many hospitals are weary about students and HIPAA violations so if you ultimately decide to bring a device and plan on using it on the floor for ie. notes, make sure you get approval from your instructor and the nurse BEFORE taking it out/starting your shift! Even with a cellphone, if you need to take notes ON the floor then let your nurse know. That way it doesn't look like you're slacking off/violating HIPAA. (To be on the safe side ?)

[YouCanCallMeFrank, RN]

While each facility I've had rotations with allows their staff to use their personal electronics outside patient care areas, students are required to follow the rules set forth by their instructor or preceptor. That being said, when I began my first clinical rotation, I purchased a nursing clipboard to organize my notes and patient info. I quickly realized how cumbersome it actually was, and ditched the clipboard in favor of a report template and schedule I kept folded in my pocket (for reference, I tried both a full-size and foldable clipboard).

An ipad mini may seem small enough now, but I guarantee it will just get in your way or you'll end up forgetting it in a patient's room. Not to mention all the germs it's bound to attract. And of course, there's always the concern that if stethoscopes and bandage scissors are always being "misplaced," it's less of an "if" and more of a "when" before your ipad suffers a similar fate.

My advice would be to utilize the resources available to you. For example, use the unit computers to research any questions you may have or ask your peers; you'd be surprised how quickly two students can figure things out when working together. Also, if you're working in a facility that still utilizes paper charts or if you aren't yet permitted to access the unit computers, invest in a pocket drug guide and make sure to note any questions you have so you can research them on your own time. It's likely that you'll have to research your patient the day before your clinical anyway, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to research your patient's diagnoses and medications prior to the beginning of your shift.

Clinical time is finite, and goes by quicker than you can imagine! Time on the unit is better spent providing hands-on patient care and observing and/or participating in complex procedures.

[polycalca]

Thank you everybody for your advice. I think for now, I'm going to stick w/ a small 4x6 or 2x4 notepad in my pocket. I'll see how that goes from there. A notepad is worth a dollar or two and if I lost it, I wouldn't feel awful. I could always replace it with paper towels. ?

Thanks!

[Leader25, ASN, BSN, RN]

Definitely NO....

You can not disinfect properly,has privacy issues,someone will be watching you and looking over your shoulder,do not do it.Paper and pen is the way to go and approved unit computers and apps only.