What is on your Palm?

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Specializes in Psych, ER, OB, M/S, teaching, FNP.

I just got one (Palm Pilot) and am wondering what the most beneficial programs everyone has. Right now I am an FNP doing urgent care and women's health (to include prenatal care) one day a week and working in an ER another day.

So am interested in what programs are beneficial and are used on a regular basis?

Thanks!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Well, I just so happen to have my Palm right here:

1. ePocrates Pro - costs about $100 a year but worth every penny.

2 Renal Failure prescribing program from Skyscape - for renal failure pts and those with CRI

3. ER Suite 6.0 - from Skyscape - has everything you would ever need to know for ER APNs or MLPs

4. Rapid Rescue Spanish - from Skyscape - for those of us who work where we seldom have Spanish-speaking patients. Provides a head to toe assessment of simple phrases to assist the provider who does not speak Spanish.

5. Provider notes - from Skyscape - gives ICD-9 codes and what you need to chart in order to get full reimbursement. Again, something that is needed by mid-levels so that are billing is adequate.

6. Dope Wars game - don't remember who I got this gem from. Yes, its in poor taste but I still like it when I have a free moment....

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Specializes in General.

epocrates is my fail safe, it can be expensive, but it is the best clinical tool I have, I call it my brain literally, many times in clinical I referred to it and my preceptor was like you rock some times if you do a google search you can find a discount, I do have skyscape programs and of course the games to take your mind off I am a fan of tetris and pop the buublesalso UPTODATE.com has a great program if you can prove you are a student they give 50% if you can prove you are a student

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

One thing to mention about ePocrates and/or any other prescribing program. Always, always check two references when prescribing any medication! It is vitally important especially with anyone that might have ANY renal impairment as that affects many of the medications dosages.

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I have been using Epocrates form the very beginning. I now have/use Epocrates Essentials Deluxe; the dictionary is lame but in the near future I think the ICD9 part of the program will come in useful.Over the years my use has remained pretty steadfast, although nowadays when I use it I am usually backing up what I think I want to do as in treatment options. Sometimes though the first line treatment suggestions seem to be pretty drastic. Point to note; the one thing a handheld can't help you with is the local phenonimum of bugs / resistance.

Few extras:

  1. As mentioned the renal patients and borderline renal patients should be treated with due regard...
  2. Don't let a computer cloud your judgement.
  3. The grocery bag medication patient: Yes there will be interactions and warnings... How is your patient?

Thanks to this chain I will be doing some more investigating into possible additions....

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Specializes in ACNP-BC.

I have Epocrates Essentials (Dx, Sx, Rx, Labs) plus I also put on a medical dictionary from skyscrape. I wish I could find something with practice EKGs on it too!

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I have Epocrates Essentials (Dx, Sx, Rx, Labs) plus I also put on a medical dictionary from skyscrape. I wish I could find something with practice EKGs on it too!

I would be happy with a computer program on EKG, I have one for simple strips but something for 12 lead would be great!!!

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Specializes in Psych, ER, OB, M/S, teaching, FNP.

Thanks much guys.

I never thoguht about the Spanish part of it. Being in NW Montana we don't have many Spanish speaking folks but we have had recently migrant farm workers that present and the communication can be tough.

As far as Epocrates...I have what must be the basic one, with the drugs, so I am reading there is essential, pro and delux? I will have to get online and investigate the differences. I like the idea of a program that helps with ICD9 codes.

UpToDate, my hosp has that on every computer and I really like it. I will look up the ER one too, that sure sounds helpful.

THX again!

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Specializes in NP Business Coach, Mentor, Business Ed..

I also have Epocrates Essentials. I use it more than anything else. It's worth every cent ($249.00)

Barbara

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Specializes in Acute rehab/geriatrics/cardiac rehab.

Epocrates...basic symptom, diagnoses, drugs, etc. It is worth having.....

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I use Epocrates Pro. Discounts are available through certain professional organizations~so be sure to check with your organizations to see if you qualify for a discount. I use it all the time to check for RX in pregnancy, lactating moms, and even renal impairment! I am lost when I forget it at home!

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