Long gone are the days when nurses had to lug around reference books. There are now a number of apps that allow you to stay ahead of the game without all the extra weight. Whether you want to identify a pill or quickly look up a medical term, these apps will make being a nursing student much easier. The following are just five astounding apps every nursing student needs to try.

Davis Mobile NCLEX-RN Med-Surg
This app makes it easy to study for the NCLEX no matter where you are. With over 1,000 questions you can build your own exams to quiz yourself on the areas that you’re having trouble with. This app will help prepare you for over 60% of the exam and can even help you identify areas that need more studying. At a cost of only $4.99, it’s a great investment in your future.

Pill Identifier by Drugs.com
Search a database of over 14,000 images to help identify a medication. You can search the database based on imprint, drug name, color, and shape. This is a wonderful app for nursing students that are working with patients and is one you’re sure to use time and time again after earning your degree. Best of all, it’s only $0.99.

Eponyms
Need to quickly look up the meaning of an eponym? Then this app is a must. With over 1,700 eponyms, you’ll be able to quickly get a short description of most eponyms. There’s even a learning mode that will help you memorize the information. At zero cost, you can’t afford to pass on this app.

Nursing Essentials
Access the critical information you’ll need in your nursing career on this app. The advice available on this app is carried by over 1 million first responders nationwide. In other words, it’s information you can count on now and throughout your nursing career. The app is filled with detailed content, illustrations, and additional features that make the $5.99 price well worth it.

Nursing Central
Nursing Central is one of the best apps for nursing students. Loaded with information, it’s hard to believe that it’s free. With access to over 60,000 dictionary terms, 5,000 drugs, and the latest disease information, this is an app that no nursing student should be without. Do note that you may have to pay to access the Nursing Central website, but the app is free to download.

Nursing school can be stressful, but there are a number of apps that will make the experience a bit easier. Whether you need information on medications or medical terms, these apps will help make your nursing school experience more enjoyable.

This is a guest post from Jasper Gainforth. Not sure you want to be a nurse? Look for jobs in health information technology and put your love of technology to work for you. Who knows? Maybe one day you’ll design your own medical app.