Getting Started

Install the PDA software onto your computer

When you receive your PDA and your nursing required software from Skyscape. Review the package information.

With your PDA in hand, read the instructions from the following list:

  • Look over the table of contents in the Palm Support User Guide: for the TX handheld. Scan chapters 1, 2, 3 and 5 for information necessary to install and sync your PDA with your computer.
  • Make sure you charge your PDA for at least 3 hours as indicated in Chapter 1.
  • Install the PDA software onto your computer according to Chapter 1.
  • Sync your PDA.

Sync and Install the Required Nursing Software

Use the CCN tutorial on installing Skyscape software on the Palm TX to ready your PDA for nursing applications. This is a large file and may take a minute to download.

Identify Skyscape Software

Review the following Captivate file to become familiar with your Skyscape nursing software. Make sure you have the sound on your computer turned on so you can hear the voice over. You can follow along with your PDA or you can listen to these short Captivate files first and then replay them and follow along with your PDA. 

Activity 1: Skyscape Nursing Software

Remember, you have the following Skyscape Nursing Software. You can click on the links below to learn more about each one.

Title on PDA

Full Title and Link for More Information About the Software

Archimedes

Archimedes Medical Calculator - free from Skyscape with this bundle
http://www.skyscape.com/estore/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductId=227

DrugGuide

Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses 
http://www.skyscape.com/estore/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductId=219

ICD-9-CM

ICD-9-CM Coding Reference
http://www.skyscape.com/estore/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductId=940

MedAlert

MedAlert PDA OptIn
http://www.skyscape.com/secure/MedAlertsPreference.aspx

MedStream

MedStream 360
http://www.skyscape.com/estore/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductId=924

MosbyLab8

Mosby’s Diagnostic and Laboratory Text Reference
http://www.skyscape.com/estore/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductId=1940

RnDisease

Diseases and Disorders: A Nursing Therapeutic Manual
http://www.skyscape.com/estore/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductId=2000

RnDxInt

Nurse’s Pocket Guide: Diagnoses, Prioritized Interventions, and Rationales
http://www.skyscape.com/estore/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductId=1878

Tabers20

Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary 
http://www.skyscape.com/estore/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductId=1215

 

Review Functions of Nursing Software

Now go to the second Captivate file to review the various functions of the nursing software loaded on your PDA.

Activity 2: Functions of the Nursing Software

Next, go to the third Captivate file to use your PDA to look up specific information that you would need in the clinical area when caring for a patient.

Activity 3: Looking up Patient Information

Required Tutorials in Preparation for Clinical Courses

Now that you have your software installed, go to the next section to practice looking up answers to a variety of situations that you might find on the clinical unit. Remember, when you get to the clinical unit, you will be expected to know where items are on your PDA software and to be able to use your PDA effectively.  

Next: Finding Answers