PDA necessary?

Trauma Columnist · Jan 19, 2007

Yes, asoldierswife05 - that makes total sense - no personal calls at work.

marmol101 · Jan 30, 2007

Now, since the PDA subject came up, where can I buy PDA software (ie, drug guide, Med Surg Companion, Medical Dictionary etc.) for a good price.

Does anybody know? pls help!!!!

Thank you, :cool:

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Jan 30, 2007

Now, since the PDA subject came up, where can I buy PDA software (ie, drug guide, Med Surg Companion, Medical Dictionary etc.) for a good price.
Does anybody know? pls help!!!!
Thank you,

If you're running a Palm, palmgear.com has some great resources. Another site I recommend is skyscape.com. Skyscape has a large selection of clinical software for several operating systems at competitive prices, and offers a volume discount. You can also purchase PDA software from AACN (aacn.org) at reduced prices if you're a member.

Hoozdo, ADN · Jan 30, 2007

I have a Tungsten T5 with PalmOne OS..

I bought this one for my graduation present to myself. I love it and use it almost daily. My most used programs are IV compatibility and the calculator function to do I&Os with.

BmtTXLVN · Jan 30, 2007

Now, since the PDA subject came up, where can I buy PDA software (ie, drug guide, Med Surg Companion, Medical Dictionary etc.) for a good price.

http://www.skyscape.com I us alot of thier products

catlover13 · Jan 30, 2007

Just a note - my nursing program banned the use of PDA's and other electronic devices that had integrated camera capabilites.

The reasoning was the potential HIPPA violations that could happen if charts, patients, or any other sensitive material was photographed.

Lynn

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Feb 2, 2007

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!

Around graduation time I was on here looking for feedback on what kind of PDA to get, how much they were really used on the floor, etc etc. I was going to get one for a grad gift, if I wanted it, just had to choose type. Decided to wait until I was actually working on my unit, and see what the needs were. And you know what? The needs were non-existent!

That's right, all the research into what to get, which programs and features, and I never ever need one. Have never seen any of my co-workers use them either, ever. When there's a drug I'm unfamiliar with I can look it up in a minute in a drugbook in the medroom. Actually, that's kinda rare nowadays, since so many of the drugs become consistently used. Policies or questions can be answered very quickly by asking a charge nurse or flipping into a book. That's rare, too.

Anyway, what I'm getting at is that while many nurses absolutely love their PDAs and can't imagine not using them because they are so handy, maybe you should wait until you are working as a nurse and see what YOU will need. Personally, I saved a few hundred bucks I spent on other stuff

blueiwahine · Feb 6, 2007

I love my PDA...and sure I would love it more, if I actually knew how to get to all the info in it...I keep it with me daily...but do go somedays without using it. I have the Palm Tungsten C with the keyboard.

mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 7, 2007

Before you spend a bunch of $$$ on software - check with your IT department where you work. We have access to software that is free which includes a drug book, labs, tests, diseases, alternative meds, drug interactions, IV meds, etc....and it's all free. Works with Palm as well as PocketPC software. IT was great, they told me how to get it, gave me the passwords and everything. Save me tons of $$$$$. We also have WiFi there - so you can access all kinds of info via the net on your device as well. I love it.