PDA's for Aussie nurses?

It's really not necessary for the way we nurse in Australia. I really wanted one too, in my third year, but I didn't end up getting one because I realised it wasn't going to be that helpful. What would you use it for? MIMS? There are books around all hospitals and you can jump online and check it. UpToDate? Not that useful in the ward, although good for assignments - but then you'd be using your laptop or desktop computer. Handover? It's usually a printed sheet provided by the employer. Pt notes? Confidentiality issues.

Get one if you really want it or if you have had a totally different experience from me and can see a thousand uses, but I personally would rather spend the dough on ... maybe some really supportive shoes that actually look decent. That'd be more useful, I think.

Hi Tina

PDAs aren't all that common in Queensland Health (yet) as they are still in the trial stage; a lot of questions about handhelds being connected to the network need answering. That's for QH purchased ones; personal ones can't be connected.

MIMs and a bunch of other health databases are available through every PC and there's always one around.

My 0.2 cents: Probably not worth it in Queensland.

David

I was seriously considering one at the beginning of the year. But I am so good at losing things it would probably only last a month. Plus now medication administration has gone online where I am; so when I want to give medication I also have immediate access to databases.

My concern is that at the end of the year, I should be (gotta pass the last exams first LOL) a new grad RN.

I have learnt how little I know and am worried about having patients come in not knowing what their diagnosis means and not knowing what to look out for and what interventions they need.

I figure that I can have the pda as backup to check about different conditions ect if needed. I also have a joey pouch that the pda would fit into, so that should help to stop it from getting lost.

Oh and I already have a great pair of nursing shoes that are really comfortable and look good too

I have been using a PDA for the past 5 years, however I work for a nursing agency so it is helpful to have current information at hand particularly during patient education. I started off with a PALM however have moved over to the micorsoft platform. There are plenty of resources for PDAs which you can buy from the internet (mobipocket, medscape etc). If you want an easy platform to start with I would suggest the Palm however to ensure you have a machine that it multipurpose I would suggest using a smartphone or a PDA with a phone. These allow you to turn off the phone component when you are at work but still use the computer.

Goodluck.

My concern is that at the end of the year, I should be (gotta pass the last exams first LOL) a new grad RN.

I have learnt how little I know and am worried about having patients come in not knowing what their diagnosis means and not knowing what to look out for and what interventions they need.

I figure that I can have the pda as backup to check about different conditions ect if needed. I also have a joey pouch that the pda would fit into, so that should help to stop it from getting lost.

Oh and I already have a great pair of nursing shoes that are really comfortable and look good too

Tina, just remember that as a new grad ppl will not expect you to know everything. I'm finding that. Ask heaps of questions, nobody minds unless they have an attitude, and there are very few of those (doesn't matter which job you are in that will happen). I can see how the PDA will be useful though...small, easy to carry etc etc. The things are just so expensive!

I am thinking the same thing, paticularly if there is something that I want/need to know about a pt's condition or assessment etc it would come in handy. I like you am really feeling like there is so much I don't know yet.