pda use in nursing

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I have a pda and use it frequently at work. I get ALOT of comment about being a gadget queen or techie nurse. It's funny because whenever anyone has a drug question they always come to me and ask for help. wanted to know if anyone else has been using their handheld for drug calculations and such. I highly recommend it.

thanks

kim

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just bought one a couple weeks ago ... so far am just trialing the different medical programs out there to see which one i want to put the money into. any suggestions from you about what you use most would be helpful.

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Specializes in Paed Ortho, PICU, CTICU, Paeds Retrieval.

I too use my PDA for work. The best drug resource I've used is 'epocrates' which has a free download for the basic set up. It has a comprehensive list of drugs, costs, interactions, ped and adult dosages, contraindications etc. Whats more, it can be synchronised for the formularies in your geographical area. Alot of my colleagues use something similar, but I've not found anything to beat this. I have heard rumours of a trial pda system being used for patient assessments, although I cannot remember where. The user simply 'beams' the info into a central system where info is stored. Who knows, maybe this is the future of nurse documentation.

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just bought one a couple weeks ago ... so far am just trialing the different medical programs out there to see which one i want to put the money into. any suggestions from you about what you use most would be helpful.

Epocrates Drug program is good. I also have Archimedes (calculations program-free download), BONES 1.0, CDC data (free download), Diagnosaurus (free download), Eponyms (free doenload), Pocket EKG, NBC Agents (free download). :)

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is there a free ABG analyzer anywhere? That seems to be one of the things that I just can't seem to make stick

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Specializes in Hospice and Palliative Care, Family NP.
is there a free ABG analyzer anywhere? That seems to be one of the things that I just can't seem to make stick[/quote

Check this site out. http://www.rnpalm.com/abg_decoder_download.htm

It's a free decoder. I use it and love it. THere are other free downloads on this site. I have the Coma Scale download and use it a great deal. I wish I could find the Braden Scale for my Palm. Has anyone seen that anywhere?

How do you like you Palm Susi? I wonder how I got along without mine! LOL

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just bought one a couple weeks ago ... so far am just trialing the different medical programs out there to see which one i want to put the money into. any suggestions from you about what you use most would be helpful.

i have 'er tool box' from medical wizards. skyscape also has alot of great programs you might want to check it out. easy to use. great for calculating peds dosages and ones that you need in a jam.

happy hunting.

read an article about dr's using pda's and upon entering the hospital can sync it to the facility and get patient lists and see real time telemetry

pretty cool if this catches on.

kim

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CANRN: so far I love it. Haven't had opportunity to use it much on the job yet... but have been throwing "remembered" questions at it, and think it will be well used. Thanks for the ABG ... it is just what I needed. I added several others from that site, too. Some of these look like they'll be great to use with my students

I bought the Tungsten E ... so I'm loving that I can carry vacation pictures on it, all my MP3 music for my workouts, my calendar, my contacts list, etc.

KIM: thanks for the suggestions. I've been looking at both of those sites, at this point for my "purchased" program I think I'm leaning towards epocrates, but haven't fully decided yet. Might just wait with the freeware and see what more I really need.

sue

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I have been carrying a Pocket PC around for years as a paramedic - we have lots of pockets in our uniform :) . I am new to the nursing world and to wearing scrubs. Do you carry your PDA on you all the time or do you leave it at your work area. I am afraid that I would drop it in my pocket?

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Hey there,

Does anyone know of any nursing procedure and medical dictionary downloads that are free? I was also curious about the epocrates subscription. From what I understand a one year subscription to Epocrates is $139.00..and after that it is set up to automatically delete itself from your PDA, is that correct? I'd rather pay the money for the PDA and then get free downloads. It is a great investment, but I am trying to be as frugal as can be! Thanks in advance to anyone who can offer me some knowledge. I am very new to PDA's.

Mia

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Specializes in Emergency Room.

Sarah--- My PDA is in my pocket at work at all times and during the rest of my life (what's left of it) it's in my purse or nearby.

Nurse2B--- You can get the free version of epocrates and it will last a while. I had problems after about 1.5 years of it and purchased Mosby nursing drug book for my PDA and don't like it nearly as well. I've heard others say they have used epocrates free version indefinitely. Give it a whirl.As for free medical dictionary or a nursing procedures thingy dream on. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but any company worth using such as Tabers is gonna want some money. I do have Tabers and use it all the time. It's worth the money. I think I paid around $50.00 for it. It doesn't expire so don't worry about that.

Like a previous poster I am the go to girl.. even the docs will ask me in the med room to look something up instead of dragging out a book. I am proud to be a gadget junkie!

Melissa

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Thanks Melissa. I appreciate the info...it was worth a shot to ask. I am always trying to save money. Tabers will be worth it since it is for keeps.

Mia

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