Do nurses really use PDA's at work?!


Question:

Do nurses really use PDA's at work?

I'm a nursing student, and my professors have said that it's benificial to get a PDA, and pretty soon they may even require it. So i bought one because i love gadgets, but now i'm thinking i may have wasted my money. I have done one clinical rotation in a geriatric setting, and didn't need it at all. Next semester i'm doing adult health, and psychiatric clinicals. Do nurses really use this in their practice? Or should I try selling it on ebay and getting some of my money back!?


Answers:

I am a nurse practitioner and have used a PDA since they were first available. I carry all my favorite resources to assist with patient care. As a staff nurse you could download your favorite medication guide to check important medication information PRIOR to administering them to patients, refer to medication conversion formulas, check drug/drug interactions, etc. Merck manuals, Epocrates drug information systems, whole medical/surgical textbooks, important guidelines, policy & procedures, PDR, other favorite nursing references can now be downloaded to your PDA. Many nurses carry cellular phones and hospital directories can be easily downloaded to save your steps/provide convenience. I also use my PDA to jot pt notes, set alarms and reminders for procedures, return calls, other important appointments I need to keep. PDA have calendars, calculators, and a variety of useful tools nurses can use to make their daily jobs easier and information at their fingertips.

When I perform H&Ps during my consults, I look up medications pts are on right on the spot. Epocrates has internet access as well as pictures of actual medications to match up to the ones patients bring with them to the hospital without their proper containers. I also look up the most current information on specific medical diagnoses to check for S&S and other important medical information.

Today medical professionals are innodated (sp?) with information and we need all the help we can to keep information organized and readily available. I recommend re-thinking how you can use your PDA to work for you and make your everday job easier. PDAs can easily be customized for you ... so be creative and give it a try. I never leave home without mine!!!!

KK




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