What equipment and Medical Software (PDA) should I have for the NICU?

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Specializes in NICU, Mother-Baby, Peds.

I start in the NICU a week from Monday. I do not need scissors or stethoscope (each bed has their own). Is there any equipment/gadget/tool I should have or buy? Also, would you recommend getting a Nursing Drug guide for my Blackberry or PDA (I have both)? If so, which one? I keep seeing the Davis one mentioned on the Mobile Nursing board.

Any other tips or suggestions are greatly appreciated!

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One of the most widely used NICU drug books is the Neofax (www.neofax.com). A Neofax can easily disappear if left on a unit (similar to stethoscopes that grow legs, etc) and I like having mine on the PDA even at a small cost.

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Specializes in NICU, Mother-Baby, Peds.

Thanks for the info. I want to buy what will be the best for the NICU.

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

There are several free Palm-based tools that I use, including drip calculators and ABG interpreters. Just search Palm.com for free downloads.

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Specializes in NICU.

I agree with having a neofax available, that's a must.

Easy-to-access flip cards are also nice. We were given handy reference cards in orientation that I still refer to sometimes. I think the STABLE program has something similar, although I'm not sure what they look like and what kind of info is on them.

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Specializes in NICU.

I do carry my own scissors because the ones at our bedsides stink, IMO. :)

I also carry a Palm with the Neofax and other RN software on it. LOVE it! Well, until someone reaches into my pocket to grab it. Had to do a little 'tsk tsk' on that one! Double check with your NM first, though, some units don't allow anything that even resembles a cell phone. I had to get special permission to carry my Palm, and could not carry my Blackberry.

I hope your first day goes fantastically!!!! :up:

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Specializes in NICU, Mother-Baby, Peds.

Thank you all for the info. I have just emailed the Clinical Education Coor (she's in charge of my Internship) to verify if I can carry my Dell Pocket PC PDA and/or my Blackberry. If so, then I will definitely download Neofax.

Which other nursing software, calculators, etc should I get? Can you give me specific names or websites?

Once again, thanks for all the help. I'll be on the floor a week from Wednesday!

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