PDA's for nurses

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I'm wondering if anyone has a PDA or if it is taboo for a nursing student to carry one. I think it would be really helpful during clinical rotations to have all that information at your finger tips. Does anyone use one or have your instructors suggested getting one?

Just curious.

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Specializes in Peds.

Ive been carrying a used Sony Clie Palm PDA I bought used off of eBay very cheap for the past two years during nursing clinicals. It is an indispensable tool. My school doesn't recommend or encourage PDAs (due to their lack of exposure to technology), but teachers who have seen what mine can do find it helpful. Skyscape is the premier software, can be a little pricey but worth every cent (they have been running 20% discounts). I recommend using Palm over Windows handheld, search for used units on eBay. You don't need bells and whistles, mine cost $18 (Sony Clie). Purchase a good drug guide from Skyscape (Davis for Nurses) then I recommend Ferri Clinical Advisor (Its Skyscape MD software, but it provides Disease Dx, Tx, and labs in great detail). Good Luck!

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I love love love my PDA. My Pharm teacher recommened getting one at the beginning of my first level last August. I use it so much. I don't only use it on the floor but while doing my homework too. I don't have to lug around my drug guide or my Tabers Med dictionary.

I got mine on the Palm website. It is called a Tungsten by Palm. They can be pricey but I waited until black Friday last year and got it for half price.

It is so handy. Not only can you purchase some of your books from Skyscape but there are also free downloads available..like med dose calculations and converters. I can't use those in class of course but it helps me to check my work on the floor and at home.

I can honestly say I use mine everyday!!

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Thanks for the info. I think I'm going to invest in one. I'm sure over the next couple years I'll be happy I did.

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