Cell phone for Rotation? Which one do you have?

[studying4ck]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Which cell phone should I get for Rotations? I was thinking of getting one with a stylus pen so I can take notes while walking around and not worry about carrying papers or notebook around. I don't know much about cell phones so that's why I'm asking here. I just don't want it to be too big, I want it to be around 4.5-5 inch.

Please, tell me which cell phone you own?

 

[GimpGenius]

Just get something that can handle a couple of references (UpToDate, Epocrates/Lexicomp/MPR, maybe some of the scoring/calculator apps that you can get as you roll through your clerkships). You're most likely going to have a rounding list anyway, so your notes can go there. Or (if you want to get into good habits) you can grab some stickers, throw 'em in a notebook, and make notes on what procedures/HPI/etc. you did.

So... yeah. Any post-2010 smartphone will work.

 

[Ismet]

I'm all for saving trees but what you're proposing doesn't sound feasible (taking notes on a small screen). It's pretty unprofessional to have your phone out during rounds, even if you're looking stuff up. There are still plenty of attendings who aren't familiar with all the things that phones/tablets can do and may assume you're fooling around instead of paying attention. Also might give off the wrong message to patients and family members (i.e. "why is my personal information on that kid's phone?")

You also have to be very protective of patient information. I can access the EMR from my phone/tablet but it's an established secure connection that requires me to log in and it times out quickly. If someone gets a hold of my phone there's really no way they can access that information. You have to be careful with unprotected stuff like pictures and notes. This also goes for whatever papers and notebooks you carry around. You lose those things, you could get in big trouble depending on where they end up.

 

[GoldenFish]

You're putting way too much thought into this - just use whatever you have now. Most important functions would be checking your email and checking the time so you know when to get to lecture or get home.

And please, please, please don't be "that guy" with your phone or tablet out during rounds. If the attending is there, put it away, period.

 

[Psai]

Just bring a piece of paper and a pen
It's much more important to look like you're paying attention than to actually be paying attention. If you're goofing off by drawing pictures, it probably looks better than if you're looking up drug dosages on lexicomp