What is the most recommended PDA for a nurse?

Question

I am a nurse planning to purchase a PDA to aid me in my profession. I would like it to be compatible with various softwares designed to aid nurses at work (drug guide, nursing diagnoses, etc..). I also would like it to work efficiently and be hassle-free, since most nurses really hate to be wasting time resetting it over and over. And lastly, I hope it has a generous memory to put mp3 files for me to listen to during breaks. I have been wrecking my head browsing over the internet for advice, but I think a nurse or someone in the medical profession can give me the best advice. thanks in advance!

... oh, and it has to be the latest model available, if that's possible... :)

Answer 1

My father is a doctor and I have some expertise in this area (see my blog at http://mlearning.edublogs.org). You should look for a PDA that does not have a slideout keyboard, and a minimum number of hard-key buttons. Minimising moving parts like this reduces the number of crevices that can potentially become contaminated with infectious substances, if you're using the device in the course of your work, and also simplifies cleaning of the device.

I'd recommend a Windows Mobile device, since Palm is rumoured to be currently undergoing corporate transition and software for its OS may be discontinued if PalmOS is not supported in future. Also, most of the medical PDA software out there is supported by the Windows Mobile operating system.

With those considerations, I would normally have recommended a Dell Axim x51v . The Dell x50v and x51v PDAs have the best screen (480x640px gorgeousness!) and processor speed (624 MHz) I've yet experienced in a PDA. While they don't have a massive amount of internal memory, they accept both SD and CompactFlash cards, and that means you could for example, add a 4GB CF card for your medical applications and records, as well as a 4GB SD card for your music - that would be 8GB in total, plus the 128MB on-board storage - a massive amount of memory for a PDA. I believe there are even larger memory cards in both formats available, if you're willing to put up the dollars. :)

The only reason I might not fully endorse the x51v is that Dell won't be making any more PDAs after the x51v; however, it will continue to support its existing models.

Answer 2

Bless your middle! You are simply seeking to be the quality nurse you'll be able to be making use of cutting-edge technological know-how! I were a RN (ground &cost) for over 22 years in lots of towns and specialties. I have purchased an digital stethoscope so I would pay attention middle sounds bigger, a 'Venascope' so I would installed IVs and draw blood bigger, and a PDA so I would have the entire details at my fingertips. I will keep the stethoscope for whilst my listening to begins to head. I have attempted to promote the venascope with out luck. I concentrate to my audio books on my PDA. Every health facility I have labored at had one million drug books correct to hand, a well laptop approach, different reference books and skilled 'reference nurses', calculators, and something your middle needs to be the quality nurse you'll be able to be, EXCEPT the want. That is as much as you. Experience the whole thing you wish to be well at, train your abilities, and do not be afraid. Read approximately a drug earlier than you provide it, if you do not are aware of it! Check the health facility coverage on a process if you're no longer aware of what your position is! You do not see the green intern turning down an possibility to get in there and doing whatever new! Hands on is how one can be taught and continue. A PDA is well to concentrate and preserve up with the most recent quality dealers! GOOD LUCK! Nursing is the bomb!