What software should you have on your laptop for nursing program?

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I was wondering and hoping that some current or past students of nursing program could give some insight/advice on what type of software we should have on our laptops for blocks 1-4.

Any information would be helpful and appreciated.

Thanks. :)

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Also...what PDA is everyone using? Palm? Ipod? Blackberry?

Software?...Skyscape, Epocrates?

Thanks

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Many people in my class are carrying laptops, and that in itself is a great help, because most of the books in the book box can be downloaded to your pc, but you don't need any special software to download the books - Evolve has their own pdf-like format, and the software to access the books is included free.

As far as pda's, almost no one in my class has one, I did break down and buy an Ipod touch because it's nice to have for drug books - it's light in my pocket and faster than a book, and I really like the apps that have nclex practice questions, although they are a little spendy @ $29.99 for about a thousand questions. I dunno if I could justify spending the $200~ish that the "nursing suites" like skyscape or lexi-complete cost as a student, since you really aren't "Dr. House" in block one of nursing school, you just need to be able to quickly look up nursing data about the ( pretty common )drugs you're passing out Medicaid/medicare isn't paying for crazy-just-invented unobtainium-drugs, they pay for beta blockers, stool softeners and insulin.

Epochrates is nice, skyscape has a free version that's pretty good, and my hard copy of Taber's had a code inside the cover for the online version free.

The biggest problem with many ipod nursing apps is they have tons of info, but finding what you need quickly can take some learning, and as a new student, I'm already buried.

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rzyzzy,

Thank you soooo much for the info I really appreciate that. Ok so I'm all set on the laptop.

Now the PDA stuff is driving me nuts. I certainly plan on getting one, question is which one? Most I have spoken to about this have said either a "Palm TX" or an "iPod Touch". Which iPod touch do you have (8gb, 32gb, 64gb)?

I'm leaning towards the ipod Touch because the Palm TX only has 128mb (that's right 128mb) and that doesn't seem like a lot considering the Skyscape software will take up 73mb of that right off the bat if I decide to go with that. I wanted to just use my Blackberry but some I have spoken to said during clinicals the instructors won't allow phones...period! So, PDA's are only other option and the way to go (any thoughts on that? What have you heard or experienced?).

Now as far as software what do you have on your touch?

I like the fact that the Skyscape software package has Taber's and Davis's Drug guide in it...any thoughts?

Again thanks for taking the time to reply and thank you :).

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I chose the 8gig touch because it's relatively cheap ($170~ish @ Costco), and there's about a billion apps for it, and like you've noticed - many clinical sites don't want phones or cameras on the floor. Our student handbook says that phones, cameras and even pda's could be prohibited by the clinical site, or the clinical instructor, so even a touch isn't a sure thing - in my case I went to the instructor before we began and showed her my ipod and the apps loaded on it, making sure to let her know there was no camera, no phone, and no games loaded on it - then I showed her how fast I could pull up drug info, medical abbreviations, and nursing notes, and I think she may be buying one before too long. :)

Unfortunately, you've got to assume that your clinical instructor has had at least one student lay up in a corner and chat or text, or play games on their phone instead of doing nursing stuff at clinicals. So you're probably climbing uphill with any portable device. Just like your patients, you have to explain the purpose and the value before you can do anything.

As you've seen, ipod apps aren't really very big, so no need to go crazy with the size. Lexi complete is 200mb, I believe the whole skyscape suite is under 100mb, and the nclex practice test software is usually under 5mb. If all you're using it for is nursing-stuff, you really can't fill even an 8-gig ipod up. If you want to play games, music, or movies, the ipod touch isn't the best solution anyway - the ipod classic can hold 100+ gigs and has a better interface for music, and a psp will do better for games and movies. I'm a techie, so there was a strong temptation to buy the biggest touch out there, but the idea of possibly losing or breaking a $400~ish Itouch was a little too much risk for me.

As far as the blackberry and palm, they're neat machines and I couldn't say a bad word about them - you can get good nursing apps for both if that's what you choose.

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rzyzzy,

Again...BIG thank you!

I hear what your saying loud and clear. My intention with my PDA will be all nursing apps...I have no need nor time for games and music, etc. I have an ipod for my tunes and my game playing days were over years ago...lol.

My first inclination was to go with a 64gb, but think your right on track...an 8gb is plenty enough storage for the application I will be utilizing this touch for.

Wish I could forego the added expense of a PDA and just use my Blackberry (which I love) but as I have heard and you have confirmed that isn't an option. I like the Palm as well, but the storage space is the issue there. So the ipod 8gb Touch it is.

Really appreciate your time and advice...thanks! I may have to pick your brain in the future.

:D

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Microsoft Office, all you need. Don't bother wasting the money on a pda, I bought one, only used it to study for the nclex and havent touched it since.

Do however get a jump drive to keep careplans on; alot of the careplan components will become repetitious.

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Tele/Acute Rehab.

Microsoft Office

iTouch...if you can afford it...Epocrates (awesome for meds, interaction checker, diseases)

CARE PLAN CONSTRUCTOR INFO.doc

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Microsoft Office

iTouch...if you can afford it...Epocrates (awesome for meds, interaction checker, diseases)

Thank you for your response...appreciate you taking the time.

From what I have heard and now seen here, the iPod Touch is the way to go so I will definitely be investing in one for sure.

It's almost a 50/50 split on the software apps though...between Epocrates and Skyscape. Perhaps I'll get both...lol.

I saw the doc you attached...THANKS! I am sure I will be using that for sure. :)

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Tele/Acute Rehab.

I haven't used Skyscape at all, so I can't comment on it. Is it free? I only use the free Epocrates applications.

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Tele/Acute Rehab.

I also use an application called MedCalc Medical Calculator for iPhone.

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Thank you for your response...appreciate you taking the time.

From what I have heard and now seen here, the iPod Touch is the way to go so I will definitely be investing in one for sure.

It's almost a 50/50 split on the software apps though...between Epocrates and Skyscape. Perhaps I'll get both...lol.

I saw the doc you attached...THANKS! I am sure I will be using that for sure. :)

LOL, definitely you do not need both (paid) apps - get the free versions before spending any money, and check out their websites for other free goodies.

Also, be sure to go to amazon and look at the printed version of the book you want. My hard copy of tabers had a code for a free ipod version and a free pc version included. It looks like the davis guide is the same way, if you get the right version. The pda version costs the same amount as the book if you just go to skyscape and buy it.

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