PDA

[travel50]

Can anyone tell me what a PDA is? I should know, but I live in a very rural area and work in a nursing home....we are always the last to get any new technology on both counts.

I also need to know what this costs, where to get one, and how commonly they are used in nursing schools.

Thanks in advance

[PharmaRN]

Hi there. A PDA is a "Personal Digital Assistant," like a kind of mini calendar/planner/computer all rolled into one. Within the last 10 years, they have become a useful tool for nurses and doctors to organize their information, and, more importantly, clinical applications and programs can be downloaded directly to the devices, so you can have access to tons of different resources at all times.

If your school or program doesn't require that you get a specific PDA, I recommend the Palm Tungsten E2. It is a couple of years old now, but it is perfectly functional, with a bright color screen and a slot for a memory card (called an SD, or "Secure Digital" card) that will hold all the applications you'll ever need. You should be able to find one used on eBay or Amazon.com for $125 or less.

Hope that helps. Best wishes.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Okay, I'm an idiot - I was thinking patent ductus areteriosis - duh!

Love my PDA - I have a Verizon Blackberry Curve 8330 -- have had it a little over a week now and love it.

Have extensive experience with Palm PDAs too.