watches - best for nurses?

Nursing Students General Students

Published

My watch just broke and I'm going to get a new one, but wondered what features I should look for. I'm pretty sure I want a plastice or rubber band because of all the handwashing/germs, and that a good second hand is essential. Has anybody else seen anything good they like or found a really good (cheap) selection somewhere? Almost all of Target's that had plastic bands were digital. Also, Target is who won't take back my current watch because it's been 4 months since I got it and they only accept returns for 90 days - grrrrr.:angryfire :angryfire

Specializes in Operating Room.

I've asked about the lapel watches on a different thread, but didn't get a response. Where do you where yours?

To put it nicely, :chuckle on my body, the watch would NOT be parallel to the ground. :uhoh3: So, I'm wondering if this would be good for me?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

best watches

1. stretch band for easy handwashing

2. large black numbers on a white background (cause I can't see for squat)

3. sweep second hand

4. military time (if you are like me and have trouble remembering MT)

5. cheap one that can be trashed if it gets "oozed" (quoting another poster)

I have a great Timex from Walmart for less than $25.00 that has all of the above

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I use a "timex kids" watch. It has a very elastic band, second hand, and indiglo. I just wrap the band around the Y part of my stethoscope and it's ID tag and can keep an eye on the second hand while I auscultate. The bands are a little... "pediatric"... though ;) I had one (left at a homecare case never to be seen again) that was navy blue with flowers and now this one is purple with butterflies. I think they have "boy" styles also. Peds, Nursery, and then OR really got me out of my watch wearing habit, now I can't stand it on my wrist for more than a few moments. I used to get those keychain watches to clip onto my ID tag but they tended to be cheap and wear out after a few months. Now I rarely see them anymore anyway.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in public health, heme/onc, research.

i got a watch from wal-mart for about $6 or $7 dollars. it's digital AND analog. i love it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Operating Room.
i got a watch from wal-mart for about $6 or $7 dollars. it's digital AND analog. i love it!

[MOUSE]

watch.jpg[/MOUSE]

I just bought this from Wal-Mart for $7.00. (marked down from $9.96)

I am a watch freak, so I'll probably still have some sort of wrist watch if I can, but I think this will serve as a good back-up!

It has the following features:

-Digital & analog readouts

-Stop watch/alarm

-Digital can show Military time & also shows seconds

-Glow in the dark analog with second-hand (Seconds hand is not glow-in-the-dark though)

Anyway, I have the digital set to military time. Pretty neat....and cheap!! :balloons:

It's not very feminine looking if you're looking for something dainty, but I think it's cool. :chuckle

(I still have to figure out how to wear it so I can see it.) :lol2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Level III cardiac/telemetry.

Thanks for all the help guys! The last one from WalMart looks good. I will definately check it out.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I also have a Timex, with the Indiglo feature I personally love (very low lighting no problem; press the thing and it glows BRIGHTLY).

But here's the thing: I couldn't find a single "woman's" watch that was large enough for my tastes--the numbers were too crowded together in my opinion. So I bought a MAN'S watch, the numbers are not cluttered and it's very easy to read. Get LOTS of compliments on it from other nurses and students.

As far as the band goes, I replaced the original metal one with a leather one, and tossed that after a few months (icky, frankly). I replaced it with a NYLON one that I actually thought I'd hate, but I didn't want plastic so I figured I was stuck. Turns out it was the BEST! I can get it wet, it somehow does breathe (plastic makes me sweat, this doesn't). The watch itself is water resistant, I wear it above my wristbones, so I never worry about splashing it during handwashing; it doesn't interfere at all.

The band was about $12, I think, and the watch $25.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Infection Preventionist/ Occ Health.

We were told by our lab instructors that if you push your watch up your arm when you wash your hands, you will recontaminate your wrist when you push it back down. So, we were instructed just to leave it in place. (As students we are required to wear a watch with a second hand for clinicals.) I have a water-resistant Fossil with a metal band (no leather or cloth- yuck!). It was $55 , but has lasted for 6 years so far with no problems. They come with an 11 year warranty too!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

There is a Fossil Factory outlet right near my house and I am hoping I have time to stop by there this weekend! I never thought of them!

Also liking those lapel watches- very nice!

Thanks to all who posted!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment