PDA's-Are They Worth It?

Nurses New Nurse

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I am seriously considering buying a PDA-but I don't really know if it will be that useful or not; the Hospital where I am going to be working is fully computerized, but I also volunteer, and plan to to parish nursing-So, please, opinions on PDAs

Thanks!

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I love having my PDA available. It is my security blanket. I guess it all depends on the programs you need and get. I for one have the washington manual, drug handbook, fast facts, kathy white ICU book, ACLS program any many other medical programs therefore I dont have to carry heavy books around. My PDA is also a celphone and a MP3 player so i carry it everywhere. There are so many programs that you can buy nowadays, i think it is worth it. Plus with so many models out there i consider them very affordable. pls let me know if you need info on the one that i have.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

yes they are very much "worth it"!

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Specializes in Neuro, Critical Care.
I love having my PDA available. It is my security blanket. I guess it all depends on the programs you need and get. I for one have the washington manual, drug handbook, fast facts, kathy white ICU book, ACLS program any many other medical programs therefore I dont have to carry heavy books around. My PDA is also a celphone and a MP3 player so i carry it everywhere. There are so many programs that you can buy nowadays, i think it is worth it. Plus with so many models out there i consider them very affordable. pls let me know if you need info on the one that i have.

which model do you have? I have been looking for one that is also a cell phone but the only ones i can find that are also phones dont seem to have that much memory! Yours sounds great though, you have all those programs? did you have to pay for the programs or did they all come together? sorry im new at this.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.
which model do you have? I have been looking for one that is also a cell phone but the only ones i can find that are also phones dont seem to have that much memory! Yours sounds great though, you have all those programs? did you have to pay for the programs or did they all come together? sorry im new at this.

I know this question was not directed at me, but I thought I would jump right in. :p I have the Treo 650. Here is the link so you can check it out yourself. http://web.palmone.com/products/smartphones/treo650/index.jhtml;jsessionid=OSC51HMVM4SVKCQFGJDCFFAKAUZEOIV0 I get service through Verizon Wireless. I love my smartphone. I get most of my programs from Skyscape and various other sites that I usually come across in the threads right here at allnurses~ :chuckle Do a site search for "palm pilot" or "palm pilot programs" and see what you get. Many programs can be obtained for free, others are paid, but they are all valuable.

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Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.
I know this question was not directed at me, but I thought I would jump right in. :p I have the Treo 650. Here is the link so you can check it out yourself. http://web.palmone.com/products/smartphones/treo650/index.jhtml;jsessionid=OSC51HMVM4SVKCQFGJDCFFAKAUZEOIV0 I get service through Verizon Wireless. I love my smartphone. I get most of my programs from Skyscape and various other sites that I usually come across in the threads right here at allnurses~ :chuckle Do a site search for "palm pilot" or "palm pilot programs" and see what you get. Many programs can be obtained for free, others are paid, but they are all valuable.

I second that motion. I love my smartphone and make the most of it everywhere (not only school/work). From video to camera to internet etc....

As to is it worth it? To me it is worth it very much (every expensive penny), BUT it depends how much you are going to use it (if at all). Some people feel that they are "outdated" in technology therefore avoid gadgets like these and miss out on lots it has to offer.

Hope this helps.

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Thanks for the input, I also guess that I should of put "if you like yours, please tell me what one you have, and what to look for in a PDA"......

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Are they worth it...YOU BETCHA!! I have a Sony Clie and never leave home without it. I have had it for about two years. It is truly a lifesaver. I have a drug guide, diagnostic program, lab guide, and several other programs which have proven themselves to be very useful during clinicals. I am in my last two semesters and consider it to have been my best purchase in nursing school next to my shoes. :) :p

Jenny

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Specializes in Neuro, Critical Care.
I know this question was not directed at me, but I thought I would jump right in. :p I have the Treo 650. Here is the link so you can check it out yourself. http://web.palmone.com/products/smartphones/treo650/index.jhtml;jsessionid=OSC51HMVM4SVKCQFGJDCFFAKAUZEOIV0 I get service through Verizon Wireless. I love my smartphone. I get most of my programs from Skyscape and various other sites that I usually come across in the threads right here at allnurses~ :chuckle Do a site search for "palm pilot" or "palm pilot programs" and see what you get. Many programs can be obtained for free, others are paid, but they are all valuable.

thanks! I checked out the link and I saw that it is available for verizon wireless service;) thats what I already have. I also saw that it has 23MB memory, do you find that that is enough memory? The ones I was looking at at BEst Buy and such had up to 1GB and most 512MB....just curious...although those arent phones and dont have cameras..

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Specializes in ICU/CCU/MICU/SICU/CTICU.

I love mine, havent had it long, but it was worth every penny I spent for it. I have a Tungsten T5. I dont have many programs on it yet because I like to play with one before I put another one on it. I have Pepid RN Critical Care Suite which is great.

One thing about a palm, spend the extra money to get a hard case for it. Mine came with a little flip cover that felt like cardboard. Didnt like the lack of protection. I think my aluminum case cost about 30 bucks, but it has been dropped and banged around and has no scratches on it, and my palm never was hurt.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.
thanks! I checked out the link and I saw that it is available for verizon wireless service;) thats what I already have. I also saw that it has 23MB memory, do you find that that is enough memory? The ones I was looking at at BEst Buy and such had up to 1GB and most 512MB....just curious...although those arent phones and dont have cameras..

I have a 1 gig memory card I purchased off of eBay. I got the card for a little over $40 with shipping included. I don't think the installed memory would be enough because I carry so many references on it, plus a movie (currently Coach Carter) some videos/pics and and mp3s. You can get a 512 or 256 memory card for a very reasonable price also, especially if you don't plan on putting a lot of extra stuff on it. Before I got the Treo I had a Clie SJ-22 with 16 MB installed memory (a classic!) with 128 mb card and it held my Tabers, 5 MCC, HHM reader with care plan book, Merck Manual, about 10 skyscape progs, my children's pictures, zLauncher, etc. and I still had memory to spare. If you have any questions about the Treo, Clie, programs or anything, PM me. I would love to help if I can.

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Definitely worth it, IMO.

I bought myself a Tungsten5 as a graduation present in May and I love it!

I started work in June and most of the nurses think it's great too.

I find it much quicker when I need to know what a particular med is.

I have two drug guides, a skills program, typical labs, med math, eponyms and Taber's Dictionary on mine.

Don't leave home without it ;)

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