Using an iPad on the floor

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I am a new LPN that will be starting my first nursing job next week. I'm starting this thread to hopefully get some feedback on people's opinions and experience with iPads on the floor. I have used mine extensively in nursing school and as an agency CNA. I have ADD, and my iPad really helps me stay focused and organized. If it doesn't make it into my iPad - it's probably not getting done, lol. I'm hopelessly lost without it. I'm concerned, though. I see iPads a lot on students, but not really with anyone else. I'm worried about: damage, infection control, the facility giving me a hard time due to HIPPA concerns, theft. Any tips on how other nurses use their iPads on the floor, the apps they use, how they keep it clean and safe - would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

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Specializes in geriatrics, IV, Nurse management.

I've never seen them used on the floor with the exception of breaks. Is it possible for you to make a list and follow that when on the floor? My only concern is how management would view the use of the tablet as free time/play time, as well as peers.

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I could use a list to some extent, but I use the iPad for so much more than that. I have all my drug and reference books on it, interaction checkers (which are priceless for checking new med orders), 3D anatomy models that patients with trachs use for identifying location and severity of pain. I'm also a diabetic, and I have my reminders set on that for checking my blood sugar and taking my shots. My boyfriend jokes that it's literally my brain, lol. It's a wifi only model, and no wifi at the facility I'll be working, so I doubt anyone would have much argument about me trying to use it for "playtime"...

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Specializes in Gerontology.

You can play games on an iPadcwithout being connected to Wifi, so there could be people thinking you are playing games. The ability to take pictures might also be a concern. Also , what will,you do for,pts in isolation?

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Specializes in geriatrics, IV, Nurse management.

Not only management, but also the patients I find. Does the floor have access to computers or drug reference books? You may have to use the Ipad on break or set timers to go off when you're near a locker. My other concern is an Ipad is rather big, and if you leave it on the med cart, or outside an ISO room etc, it has the potential to be taken - especially when they're so high in demand. I have nursing apps on my BB Playbook, but I'm limited to what I can use it at work for.

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Could you get an iPod Touch, and use that instead? It's a little more discreet. Plus you can transfer all the iPad data onto the iPod Touch.

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I use mine to listen to music softly while I pass meds. But I don't think that's the kind of 'use' you meant.

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Not only management, but also the patients I find. Does the floor have access to computers or drug reference books? You may have to use the Ipad on break or set timers to go off when you're near a locker. My other concern is an Ipad is rather big, and if you leave it on the med cart, or outside an ISO room etc, it has the potential to be taken - especially when they're so high in demand. I have nursing apps on my BB Playbook, but I'm limited to what I can use it at work for.

I agree, it's rather big. What are your guys' solution to that? Hmm, maybe a custom made backpack or clipboard that fits the iPad?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Personal IPads are inappropriate in patient care settings unless you are on break or have personal downtime. You might give management and supervisory staff the impression that you are playing games or browsing the internet while on the clock.

In addition, do not forget HIPAA, which is the white elephant in the room. I'm assured that management would not be too happy if they discovered you were typing personal patient information into your IPad.

Obtain an old-fashioned legal pad or paper notebook and take notes to remain organized. Technology has a place in healthcare, but sometimes we need to return to our more humble roots. Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Operating Room.

I would never see it at my current hospital-they're a bunch of technophobes around here.:rolleyes: Seriously, we still paper chart.

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Make your notes on your census. Been doing it for the last 12 years and have never forgotten to do anything.

In my hospital anything left outside an isolation room that looks valuable will and has been stolen. We've retrieved pulse/02 monitors from local pawn shops!

Drug info is easily available on the units. No need to hightech it all over the place.

Am I the only one that remembers this debate a few years back over the use of Palm-Pilots?

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We can't use them (or anything like them) as it's against policy at our facility. Too much potential for non-work related usage. Also as TheCommuter stated, using your personal Ipad for anything patient related is flirting with a HIPAA violation. I make any notes on my census sheet and shred that at the end of each shift. I might consider keeping it in my locker in case I had to look something up during a break but I definitely wouldn't carry it on the floor with me.

Personally I can't imagine having to carry something so cumbersome. As it is, you never seem to have enough hands. :)

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