Planners: Digital vs. Paper

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I start my nursing program this fall and I'm wondering which planner people prefer when it comes to keeping assignments, tests, etc., together. I'm a tech girl who uses Google calendar and iCal for my personal life, but I was wondering if a tangible paper planner (like an Erin Condren or whatever) would be better for classes. Which kind of planner do you like to use?

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I use a paper planner in my every day life, but a smaller 5"x7" one. Starting nursing school in the fall, and I hope to still use my paper planner, but I'm starting to wonder if I'll want something larger. Or god forbid, digital. I'm only 30, but I feel like I'm 80 with technology!

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Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

I use a paper planner. I've always preferred a small paper planner (5x7 or 5x8) though because it is easy to carry with me and I never have to worry about running out of battery or not having electronic access when I need to write something down or look something up. I've found it adequate for nursing school, but it really depends on how you like to organize yourself.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Paper.

I use an 8.5 x 11" one, same size as notebook paper. It is even three-hole punched to go in a binder. Can't live without it. And there is SOLID neuroscience that writing down things by hand on paper cements that information in your brain in a way that highlighting and even typing does not.

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Specializes in Med-Tele; ED; ICU.

Digital, all the way.

Google docs, Google Keep, Google Drive, and Google Calendar - along with your preferred apps on your phone, computer, and/or tablet.

I agree with meanmaryjean about writing... so scan those suckers in and you have ready access.

You say you're a techie so go tech... it offers some efficiencies just not possible w/ paper. If you weren't a techie, I'd say don't start now.

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I'm a paper girl all the way.

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Specializes in Mental Health.

istudiez istudiez istudiez istudiez istudiez istudiez... :) If you are in school and haven't download istudiez yet, your life is more complicated than it needs to be.

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

Digital -- you can scan in just about anything and keep it on your phone, laptop or iPad. The digital reminders will alarm when it's time to leave for class, and share appointments, notes, etc. with worthy classmates.

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I personally love paper, have used the little Moleskine planners without fail for 10 years. They have a smallish thicker day by day planner that breaks things down by the day. It is much easier for a phone to get lost, stolen, or just not turn on...paper planners are more reliable.

Also very satisfying to cross tasks/deadlines out with a pen...can't really do that on a phone. Though it all comes down to personal preference.

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Specializes in Oncology.

If you are already a tech person you might prefer to keep it that way. I am a paper person, but that is just how I like to operate. If you want to try paper there are a few things to consider: what layout style do you like, do you want to track assignments, are you also going to keep your social things in it, and will you actually use it? Me? I like monthly and weekly views and I need it to be appointment based (weekly view has times listed).

Some students LOVED the Erin Condren calendars. I was too cheap to spend that type of money on a planner that didn't do everything that I wanted it to do. I did like the Uncalendar while I was in school. It has all sorts of customizable sections, so you can make it into what ever you want. But again, if you are already into technological scheduling you have to ask yourself if you are really going to use a paper calendar.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I'm a paper person. I got a big spiral bound weekly + monthly planner from Walmart for like $5 during their back to school sale. It gives me enough room to write all the details I want in my daily schedule while also having the monthly calendar for me to write important dates (tests/due dates/etc) in so I can plan my month. If you want to try a paper planner, I'd suggest getting something cheap like that rather than dumping $30 into an Erin Condren planner that might not even work out for you.

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Oh my, those Erin Condren planners are so pretty!!!! I wish I could justify the cost, but I really can't. Sigh.

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