HERE ARE SOME valuable apps nurses should consider downloading to their smart phones, tablets, and other handheld electronic devices. Compatible with Apple and Android devices, these apps are free to download; however, some in-app purchases may be required.

Nursing Drug Handbook

Google Play:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wolterskluwerhealth.lww.ndh

iTunes:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nursing-drug-handbook/id522356406

This app provides nurses with details on over 3,500 generic and trade name drugs, including 49 new drugs approved by the FDA in the past year. With an emphasis on medication administration safety, it informs nurses about adverse reactions, drug-drug interactions, contraindications and precautions, nursing considerations, patient teaching guidelines, and more.

CDC Vaccine Schedules

Google Play:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.cdc.ncird.vaccineschedule

iTunes:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cdc-vaccine-schedules/id875273858

This app provides nurses with easy access to the immunization schedules recommended for children, adolescents, and adults by the CDC. The app features catch-up schedules for children and hyperlinked vaccine information so nurses can quickly share resources with patients and families.

Lippincott Nursing Advisor

Google Play:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lww.lna.mobile.android

iTunes:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lippincott-nursing-advisor/id684901040

Lippincott's Nursing Advisor answers questions related to diseases and disorders, signs and symptoms, diagnostic studies, treatments, and more. Users can also add custom treatment notes, such as their organization's protocols.

Calculate by QxMD

Google Play:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.qxmd.calculate&hl=en

iTunes:https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/calculate-by-qxmd/id361811483

This medical calculator features more than 200 unique calculators and decision support tools. It includes SI and conventional units, as well as PubMed references.