In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, technology has become an indispensable tool for medical professionals. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) play a crucial role in patient care, and they can greatly benefit from using mobile apps to streamline their work, stay informed, and enhance their overall efficiency.
According to a recent survey, over 80% of LPNs use mobile apps in their work. These apps help them to stay up-to-date on the latest medical developments, access essential resources, and improve communication with their colleagues.
In this article, we'll explore seven lifesaving apps that every LPN should consider incorporating into their daily practice. These apps are designed to help LPNs provide the best possible care to their patients, while also making their jobs easier and more efficient.
Table of Contents
1. Epocrates
How It Works:
Epocrates is a trusted app for healthcare professionals that provides quick and easy access to comprehensive drug information, including dosing guidelines, potential interactions, and safety precautions.
Why It's Recommended:
Epocrates can help LPNs to administer medications accurately and safely, reducing the risk of adverse events and improving patient outcomes.
Cost:
Free for basic drug and pill information; $16.99/month or $174.99/year for premium features, including disease information, treatment guidelines, and ICD-10 codes.
Availability:
iOS and Android
2. Nursing Central
How It Works:
Nursing Central is a comprehensive mobile app that serves as an all-in-one nursing reference tool. It includes essential resources such as Davis's Drug Guide, Taber's Medical Dictionary, and more.
Why It's Recommended:
Nursing Central is a treasure trove of knowledge that LPNs can carry in their pockets, making it easy to look up medical terms, understand complex diagnoses, and access critical drug information—all in one place.
Cost:
Free for students and new graduates; $19.99/month or $199.99/year for licensed professionals
Availability:
iOS and Android
3. MedScape
How It Works:
MedScape is an app that offers a wide range of medical information, including medical news, research updates, and clinical guidelines.
Why It's Recommended:
MedScape can help LPNs to stay informed about the latest medical developments, emerging trends, treatment protocols, and evidence-based practices.
Cost:
Free
Availability:
iOS and Android
4. NurseGrid
How It Works:
NurseGrid is a scheduling and communication app designed specifically for nurses. It allows LPNs to manage their work schedules, swap shifts with ease, and stay connected with their peers, all from their smartphones.
Why It's Recommended:
NurseGrid can help LPNs to simplify their work lives and improve communication with their colleagues.
Cost:
Free for basic scheduling and communication features; $349/month for premium features, including shift publishing, open shift filling, and swap approvals.
Availability:
iOS and Android
5. Calculate by QxMD
How It Works:
Calculate by QxMD is an app that offers a plethora of medical calculators, making it an indispensable tool for LPNs.
Why It's Recommended:
Calculate by QxMD can help LPNs to perform accurate calculations efficiently and reduce the risk of errors.
Cost:
Free
Availability:
iOS and Android
6. Pill Identifier and Drug List
How It Works:
The Pill Identifier and Drug List app assists LPNs in identifying pills and medications based on their characteristics, such as shape, color, or markings.
Why It's Recommended:
The Pill Identifier and Drug List app can help LPNs to avoid medication errors and enhance patient safety.
Cost:
Free
Availability:
iOS and Android
7. Nursing Care Plans
How It Works:
The Nursing Care Plans app provides a comprehensive collection of care plans for various medical conditions. LPNs can access pre-designed care plans, adapt them to their patients' needs, and efficiently organize and document care.
Why It's Recommended:
The Nursing Care Plans app can help LPNs to save time and improve the quality of care they provide to their patients.
Cost:
Free for basic features; $19.99/month or $199.99/year for premium features
Availability:
iOS and Android
Conclusion
Technology is revolutionizing healthcare, and LPNs can harness the power of mobile apps to enhance their practice, improve patient care, and stay at the forefront of their profession. These seven lifesaving apps—Epocrates, Nursing Central, MedScape, NurseGrid, Calculate by QxMD, Pill Identifier and Drug List, and Nursing Care Plans—offer LPNs the tools they need to excel in their roles.
