Do nurses use their wristwatch in real life nursing?

[northmississippi]

In class so far, we have used a watch for vitals and IV drip per minute counting.

Do real life nurses use their watches alot for stuff like that?

Thanks.

[SwedishOmorfia]

I take it off and wash it... it even tolerates Lysol wipe.

How is it possible to do that hundreds of times each shift? I mean, we are required to disinfect our hands and underarms before and after contact with a patient. No rings, watches och bracelets or sleeves in the way since they won't be properly cleaned just being rubbed with our hand disinfectant.

[Altra, BSN, RN]

SwedishOmorfia, I have noticed comments similar to yours before here at allnurses, from other European nurses. Here in the US, the nothing-below-the-elbows practice is generally limited to OR/theater environments, neonatal ICUs and certain units which exclusively treat severely immunocompromised patients.

I assure you, though, handwashing or use of hand sanitizer before and after each patient contact is standard practice.

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

A wrist watch, NEVER. A nurse's watch (fob style), ALWAYS.

Here's the one I use and love; have bought in different colors. I can't even imagine the gross things snaggled under the buckles and links, etc of a wristwatch!

http://www.decon-time-inate.co.uk/

[SwedishOmorfia]

I assure you, though, handwashing or use of hand sanitizer before and after each patient contact is standard practice.

I have learned that it is, but it's still considered ok to not get clean underneath rings and watches? I don't get it.

[NurseOnAMotorcycle, ASN, RN]

I wear my wedding band and my watch. You'll have a hard time prying either of them from me. My watch is 1/2 up my forearm, well out of the way for a good scrubbing. My ring is just loose enough that I am able to move it the 1/4" to wash under it.

I like the idea of a fob watch but I have so many things around my neck now that I feel like I'm having back problems (New About A Nurse comic anyone?). Stethoscope, oximeter cable, vocera, OSA pager, hillrom location fob, badge, etc....

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

I like the idea of a fob watch but I have so many things around my neck now that I feel like I'm having back problems ....

It doesn't hang around your neck. Pins to your shirt (I wear mine on the opposite side of my chest as my clip-on badge). Occasionally a scope worn around the neck may smack it...no biggie.

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

I love my watch and watches, it's a very nice watch and I wear out outside of work.

[Hay Nars, RN]

Nope, I don't wear a watch when I'm working.

[brillohead, ADN, RN]

SwedishOmorfia, I have noticed comments similar to yours before here at allnurses, from other European nurses. Here in the US, the nothing-below-the-elbows practice is generally limited to OR/theater environments, neonatal ICUs and certain units which exclusively treat severely immunocompromised patients.

I assure you, though, handwashing or use of hand sanitizer before and after each patient contact is standard practice.

Labor/Delivery and Mother-Baby Units in my area have this rule as well.