Smartphone VS. PDA for NS

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So, I hear all of this buzz about needing a PDA for NS.

Is this an antiquated necessity for NS, which could be replaced with a smartphone? Aren't PDAs like car phones, in that they have been replaced by smartphones?

What are some apps for smartphones that are handy for nursing students?

I have an Android phone on Verizon, if that helps anyone.

Cheers!

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Specializes in OB/women's Health, Pharm.

Email the school and ask about their policies. some clinical sites are banning them because 1) they are source of infection; 2) their is too much potential of HIPPAA violations from photos, etc. 3) they BAN texting while at work or in clinical.

The thinking behind the texting ban is this: they expect your full attention to be on what you are doing while on the job, and don't want to see staff be interrupted or distraced by personal business when on the job. They also frown on you making or receiving cell calls while at work.

Probably hard for young folks to imagine, but there was a time (maybe 10-15 years ago) when nurses would get into trouble for receiving a personal call while at work except in a dire emergency. In 25 years on the floor, I received two personal calls, both when an immediate family member (brother & mother) had died or were close to death.

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Specializes in ER.

I have drug calculations, mini nurse lite, med dictionary, lab values, ipharmacy, and it's a couple of nursing apps that I paid for that are great. Just search medical apps. Goodluck. My pharm teacher said, "That this would be really good on the floor." So i guess it depends on school policies. Good Luck!

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At my university, we are encouraged to have PDAs for clinicals. We are able to use our smartphone but I elected not to because I know the battery life won't last for a 12 hour vshift. I purchased an itouch for $150 and loaded some programs through an app called skyscape. I have archimedes 360, davis's drug guide, diseases and disorders, English & Spanish phrases (I live in a bordertown), Heath assessment, ICD-9-CM, Nurse's lab tests, Nursing diagnosis handbook, outlines in clinincal medicine, RxDrugs, Saunders Q&A review, and Taber's dictionary. This is to help us with our care plans and answer any questions that may arise. Those programs I have are required but you could probably just get by with whatever apps you feel may be appropriate.

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Specializes in LTAC, ICU, ER, Informatics.

I chose to go with a 3rd generation iPod Touch so I wouldn't be carrying anything with a camera, so no appearance of HIPAA violation. I got the Unbound NursingCentral app which is great. Only problem is I found my clinical instructors prefer us to text them when we need them, so I've ended up having to carry my smartphone too! :/

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