[monstermunch]

I am a nursing student and I'm about to go on my first placement. I was wondering what watch I should wear. I was concerned that wrist watches pose possible infection risks, also worried about it catching on elderly clients skin.
Are lanyard watches a good idea or do they get in the way?
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated

[grammyj]

I would say whatever you are comfortable with.
I have worn a wrist watch everyday that I have been a nurse (and CNA previously) and have never torn a patients skin.

[jeepgirl]

Originally Posted by monstermunch

I am a nursing student and I'm about to go on my first placement. I was wondering what watch I should wear. I was concerned that wrist watches pose possible infection risks, also worried about it catching on elderly clients skin.
Are lanyard watches a good idea or do they get in the way?
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated

a wrist watch should not be a problem. however, when i got married i did pick a ring where my stone was set within the band so it was smooth surface. my husband had picked an engagement ring where the stone was set high above the band, and i hated wearing it to clinical becuase it caught on my gloves, linens, ect. but i have never had a problem with my metal fossil watch. just get one with smooth edges and one that you can wash in hot water. shouldn't be a worry.

[monstermunch]

Thanks for the advice, I asked because my watch is one of those expandable ones and I often catch my own skin in it along with my husbands hair So I think I should buy a new watch. At least now I know normal wrist watches are OK.
Thanks again

[ERNurse752]

I've always worn a wrist watch (smooth metal Fossil too!) I always thought the fob watches looked neat, although I think it might be hard to count time during med adm or while taking pulses, respirations, etc. And I would always be afraid that someone would strangle me if I had a lanyard watch.

[jeepgirl]

i didn't think of the expandable ones. i really don't like those, and i don't know that it would catch one of your patients but it might certainly pinch you! i love all of my fossil watches... my husband gave me my first one as a present while we were dating when i started nursing school. all three of mine have really smooth bands... one has a link that clicks around another one (so it separates) and my two others the band does not disconnect. all have smooth connections and surfaces and i have never been pinched or uncomfortable. fossil is good too because if you have a small wrist, you can take out links or if you need extra and they are not on hand at the jewler you can get them sent to you free of charge. they are the best watches in the world, and they look very classy and are pretty affordable. still looks brand new... they are very durable watches.

[HisHands]

I have a fossil watch that is totally smooth... plus, the links make it a little bit big on my wrist, which allows me to push it up a bit on my arm when I need to. I've never ever had a problem with it, and I'm a very rough and tumble kind of girl. It just might outlast me! Anyway, I'd recommend the wrist, but what is an fob watch?

[monstermunch]

Thanks for all the replies, definately food for thought. Think I'll have a look at some Fossil watches tomorrow.

Hishands, a fob watch is just one of those that clip onto your top.

[Maggie in NC]

My instructor suggested we get a rubber band on our watch since we wash our hands so much. Apparently (I took her word on this) leather stinks pretty bad when it gets wet constantly. Good luck!

[monstermunch]

Thanks for that, I can imagine leather would pong after a while