6 Best Watches for Nurses: Your Go To Buyer’s Guide for the Medical Professional

If you’re a nurse, you already know you use your watch. . . a lot. If you’re looking for a gift for the nurse in your life, a watch is a great idea. There’s a lot of medical watches out there, but we’re here to save you some time and show you the best watches for nurses out today.

Whether you’re looking for a digital watch, a smartwatch, or just a good old fashioned watch with a second hand, we have you covered.

For nurses, watches are not just for telling time. It is an important tool to help them keep track of their duties as a nurse. The element of time is very important to their job because it is vital in carrying out their daily tasks.

Nurses keep track of their patients’ vitals. They record these to evaluate the health status of their patients further. It also helps to determine some irregularities in the patients’ health. Patients also take medicine. Nurses have to give it to them at the right time periods to ensure patients’ recovery. They also need to record treatments, assessments, and tests.

If you are a nurse or plan to buy a gift for a nurse you know, check out the list of watches we have gathered below. These are what we recommend to be the best watches for you.

1. Best Digital Watch for Nurses

Armitron Sport Women’s 45/7012 Digital Chronograph Watch

If you like simple and classy, this watch is for you. It is small, but not too small that it will be hard to read. This watch will only cost you less than $25.

Key Features:

• Has a digital display
• Has a resin band
• Water resistant up to 330 ft. (100m)
• 27 mm case
• Acrylic dial window
• Features chronograph, dual time zone, and backlight

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvqmaIQRhXw

 

The case of this round-faced watch is made of resin. It is 27 mm in diameter and 11 mm thick. It displays the seconds, minutes, and hours, as well as the date. This watch has an acrylic dial window. This material will not easily show scratches. The inexpensive plastic will hard and durable enough.

The band is made out of resin and is 14 mm thick. The watch would not look awkward on a person with smaller wrists. The bezel is made out of stainless steel. It does not have added functions because it is stationary.

The movement of the watch is quartz. This means that the vibrations are measured in a piece of quartz, and it is powered by a battery. The watch has a clasp buckle to keep the watch secured around your wrist.

The watch only weighs 2.40 ounces so it will not feel very heavy when you wear it. It is water-resistant for up to 330 ft. so you can use this when you go swimming or even snorkeling. It is not recommended that you use this for diving, though.

It also has a stopwatch, timer, and alarm options if you need them. The dual time zone allows you to set it with one more time zone, which will be perfect for when you travel. You can also set it to military time if that is what you prefer. The watch also lights up in case you need more illumination when it is too dark to see the watch face.

Pros:

• Simple and classy design
• Basic functionalities
• Comes in 10 different colors
• Small but readable
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Color may fade
• Can’t be used for diving

2. Best Waterproof Digital Watch for Nurses

Casio Men’s W800H-1AV Classic Sports Watch with Black Band

Being a nurse means you have to dedicate a lot of your time to your duties. You do not have much time to spare doing small tasks like removing your watches when you need to wash your hands. You also cannot just opt out of wearing those because it is important for your duties.

This watch from Casio can resist water up to 100 m. It will only cost you less than $15, but it really provides top performance.

Key Features:

• Water resistant up to 100 m
• 10-year approximate battery life
• Has an automatic calendar
• LED light illuminated
• Dual time function
• Has an alarm with snooze

Now let us not confuse the terms waterproof and water resistant. In reality, there is no waterproof watch. There is always a limit for everything, and that includes watches’ ability to resist water. Water resistance is a watch’s ability to withstand water pressure.

This watch from Casio can deal with water splashes, but you can also use it for swimming because it is water resistant for up to 100 meters. This means that water will not easily leak into the watch and create moisture that may interfere with the watch’s functions.

As a nurse, of course, swimming while wearing your watch is not that big of a problem. You can easily remove it if you want. However, during work hours, you may not have that option. When you need to wash your hands, you have to do it as quick as you can to go about your duties immediately.

Another great feature of this watch is that it is designed to last you a long time. The approximate battery life is 10 years. For its price, if you manage to make it last that long, then you really did have a good deal. The auto calendar has also already been programmed until the year 2099.

You can also set this watch for an alarm to wake you up in the morning or to alert you for specific time periods. If you need extra illumination, a backlit display is possible and easily readable. It also has very responsive buttons.

Pros:

• Highly water resistant
• Classic design
• Top performance considering the price
• Lightweight and durable
• Has dual time zone function

Cons:

• Some bands may be too tight
• No countdown timer

3. Best Watch for Nurses with a Second Hand

Speidel Scrub Watch for Medical Professionals

Most of the time, nurses are tasked to track and record a patient’s heart and breathing rates, and they will not always have access to a vitals machine. For this reason, an own watch with a second hand is very important. Of course, a clock can be used, but unlike your watch, it will not always be available.

To accurately record charts, assessments, and tests, you will need a watch with a second hand. The Speidel Scrub watch is a great option for this. This watch will cost you less than $50. It may be on the pricier side, but it does perform well. It is easy to read, durable, and also comfortable to wear.

Key Features:

• Easy to read dial with big numbers
• Has a bright red second hand
• Bands match the colors of scrubs
• Easy to clean silicone strap

Just by the name itself, it is marketed towards medical professionals. If your job demands a lot of your time, but you still want to be as fashionable as you can, this watch is for you. It has many colors you can choose from to match the color of the scrubs you wear. A time-consuming job does not have to mean you use something functional when you have the option to be fashionable.

Unlike a digital or a smartwatch, this analog watch does not offer many different functions. It is pretty basic. The dial is easy enough to read. 12 and 24-hour markers are displayed on a white dial. Taking and recording vitals will be easy with the red second hand. It also has a 3-hand quartz movement.

The band can fit wrist sizes from 6.7 in. (169 mm) to 8.3 in. (210 mm). The silicone bands offer five different colors. You can also choose white leather or stainless-steel silver if that is what you prefer. The silicone bands are easier to clean in case your watch gets dirty.

If you are not happy with your purchase, the manufacturer guarantees a 100% refund or replacement. You can choose any of the two within 30 days of your purchase. The watch is also covered by a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Pros:

• Simple and easy to read
• Water-resistant
• Visible second hand
• Backed by a 2-year warranty

Cons:

• Basic analog functions
• Does not have a glow feature

4. Best Smartwatch for Nurses

Fitbit Blaze Smart Fitness Watch

A nurse’s job is to provide healthcare for others. They keep track of their vitals, they ensure that they take medicines on time, they perform tests to determine other’s health problems and many more. However, just because they need to look after others does not mean they can simply ignore their health.

The Fitbit Blaze is perfect for keeping track of your patients’ health as well as the owner’s health too. This watch will cost you a lot. It is priced at less than $160. Well, it is a smartwatch after all. They tend to cost more than regular analog or digital watches.

Key Features:

• Records workouts and sports activities
• Tracks your steps
• Tracks calories you burned
• Features messaging and call functions
• Automatic brightness setting
• Automatic display activation

For taking other people’s pulses, you can use the Fitbit Blaze by choosing the analog clock display. It will show you the time with a second hand. The chronograph display of this watch has both analog and digital so choose whichever you like. If you are more tech-savvy and prefer technologically advanced gadgets, this watch is for you.

When your Fitbit Blaze gets wet, the manufacturer advises to wipe it clean and dry it off before wearing it again. Only use a small amount of rubbing alcohol when cleaning the watch. This is to prevent skin irritations. As this watch is mostly intended for fitness, it will get sweaty when you use it while exercising.

If you want to avoid skin irritations on your wrist completely, the Blaze unit can fit in square fob watch straps. This will allow you to keep the watch close without skin contact.

The watch is rechargeable, and the battery can last up to 5 days depending on its usage. It charges fast for maybe more than 30 minutes. It is highly functional too. You can call, text, or receive calendar alerts. You can choose from many different clock faces. You can even control your music using the watch.

The watch automatically turns on when it detects that you moved your wrist to view it. It also automatically adjusts the brightness setting. You will not have to adjust every time you are under different lighting manually.

Pros:

• Cheap in comparison with other known smartwatch brands
• Battery lasts long
• Tracks your daily activities
• Fast charging
• Water-resistant

Cons:

• The face may get easily scratched
• Needs to be removed from the frame when charging

5. Best Watch for Nurses with Military Time

Prestige Medical Glow-face Watch

Military time is what facilities use when recording time on their data sheets. This is necessary because it accurately records the exact time of important happenings. Not all handwriting is neat, so to avoid confusing am and pm, military time is better to use.

The Prestige Medical Glow-face features military time.  The dial glows in the dark too. This will help nurses make correct records of their patients’ health, their interactions, and effective communication with their colleagues who will be reading the records. This watch will cost you less than $31. This is definitely a good deal.

Key Features:

• Has 24-hour time
• Glow-in-the-dark dial
• Has chrome case
• The lens is made of glass
• Small face

From your nursing school days, you may have started using military time, so you are probably used to it if you are now licensed. This watch will make it easier for you to do your job. Most facilities usually use military time so that will not be a problem.

This watch from Prestige has an easy to read dial. It glows in the dark, so it has better visibility in dimmer lighting. Most analog watches do not have extra lighting capabilities, so the glow-in-the-dark feature is a plus.

The dial is white with red and black numbers so it can be easily read. The face is pretty standard in diameter, not too small or big. However, if you find it difficult to read small watch faces, then a bigger watch is a better option for you.

The band is made of leather and is easy to clean. You will not have problems maintaining cleanliness, which is very important as a nurse. The length of the band will not be able to accommodate bigger wrists, unfortunately. This is more suited for those with smaller wrists.

The watch is water resistant, so you do not have to worry about it getting splashed. It is very simplistic and clean-looking in its design. You still have the option to replace the band if you want a different one.

Pros:

• Simple design
• Easy to read
• Highly visible dial
• Easy to clean
• Water resistant

Cons:

• Does not fit bigger wrists
• The glass may be prone to breaking

6. Best Watch for Nursing Students

Casio Women’s LRW200H-7BVCF Watch

As a nursing student, you may want to start familiarizing yourself with military time. Since most facilities use it, it will not be hard for you to adjust when you get a job. It is good to practice it no while you are still a student. It will make you a more professional and accurate nurse in the future.

This watch from Casio is very basic. It has regular watch functionalities you will find in most watches. This watch will only cost you less than $20. It is affordable, and thousands of people have liked it.

Key Features:

• Water-resistant up to 100 m
• Has a bi-directional bezel
• Uses 24-hour time
• Japanese quartz movement

The watch face is really easy to read. It is on a white background with pastel-toned 12-hour numbers and black smaller 24-hour numbers. While still a student, it is better to get used to military time now than to have difficulties in the future. Since most, if not all, facilities still use it, it will be easier for you to record activities accurately.

The case of the watch is made out of resin. It is 33 mm in diameter and 12 mm thick. The band is also made out of resin and 14 mm in width. The length of the band is standard to fit most women. Therefore, people with thicker wrists might try looking for watches with longer bands.

The watch has a bi-directional bezel that is made of plastic. The bezel can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. This bezel contains markers, numbers, and directional markers should you need those.

This one is very light at only 2.88 ounces. It has a Japanese quartz movement and is water-resistant up to 100 m. The design looks professional. It is clean and easy on the eyes. Casio does not disappoint.

Pros:

• Simple and professional-looking design
• Water-resistant
• Durable
• Easy to read

Cons:

• Not to be used for diving
• The date may be hard to see

Your Go To Buyer’s Guide for Finding the Best Nursing Watch for You

As a nurse, a watch is an important piece. It is part of their uniform. It is not optional. It is not just an accessory or a choice of a fashion statement for the day. It plays an important role in the day-to-day- activities. With so many options out there, choosing what the best one is can get confusing. If you are still unsure of the suggestions above, here are some things to keep in mind when you go shopping.

 

Military Time Format

In most facilities, they use military time format when they record important happenings. This is to avoid confusion between am and pm. This is also to make sure that all records are accurate to make sure that everyone who reads the files will not be confused or mistaken. When dealing with the health of others, it is not okay to assume things.

 

Has a Second Hand

Nurses check the vitals of their patients. In order to record these, they need to count it by the seconds. If the watch only has a minute and an hour hand, it will not be possible. It is either they use an available wall clock or use a different watch.

In smartwatches, there is an option where you can choose the clock face, so it shows one that has a second hand. You can choose that face whenever on duty and change it again after your shift.

 

Water-Resistant

Since nurses, do not have the spare time to remove and wear watches every time they have to deal with liquids, it is best to get a water-resistant watch. This is to protect the watch from malfunctioning because water has leaked into its inner windings. You may find cheap watches that are easy to replace but why bother having to replace it again and again when you can have a decent watch that will withstand liquids better.

 

The Material

Cleanliness is important to nurses. When you buy a watch, make sure that the material is easy to clean. You cannot risk germs that may contaminate your patients’ environment. Keeping the work area and yourself sanitary is a good way to avoid viruses or bacteria from causing any more problems to yourself or your patients.

 

Replaceable and Comfortable Band

The shifts can be long, so you have to wear a watch with a band that is comfortable for you. Quality band material should be what you look for. Make sure that you are not allergic to the material, so it does not cause any irritations on your skin.

It is also a good choice if you pick one that has bands that can be replaceable. Either for the cleanliness or the design, it is always good to know that you have options.

 

The Size

Nurses already work hard all day, you will want a watch that is not very heavy, so it does not add to the factors that tire you out. Usually, a smaller watch is preferred.

 

Type of Watch

Most watches are worn around your wrist, but there are ones, which you can wear around your neck or clip on to your lapels. Some prefer them around the wrist for its convenience, while some are more concerned about germ control. You have to check with the regulations of the facility first and then your comfort and preference.

 

Price

Being a nurse, it is not smart to spend thousands on a watch that you will use for work. It is just not practical. There are many watches out there that are more affordable that can deliver top performance. Always consider your budget, do not over or underspend.

 

Conclusion

Nurses wear watches not just for an added touch to their fashion. It is a useful little tool to help them with their daily work activities. If you are one, then you already know this. If you happen to know a nurse and plan to give something, then you have come to the right article.

The recommended ones above are guaranteed to become useful to you or your friend. It will absolutely not just be on display. Hopefully, this guide has helped you have an idea of what to buy. Among thousands of choices, this list gives you a small number of options you can choose from.