A watch question

essarge · Jan 7, 2002

I chose a watch with a second hand, not only because it is required by my school, but because it is easier to calculate whatever you are doing even if you have to look away from the watch for a second or two (i.e. breathing rate). The other would be much harder to do. I only paid 9.99 for mine and have had it over a year and it's still going strong.

StudentSandra · Jan 7, 2002

mine has the clicking second hand, it is just what i prefer. my school also recommended a stretch band, so you can shove it up for handwashing & gloving, etc. i didn't get one yet, i keep forgetting, but it probably would be easier. :)

crnasomeday · Jan 7, 2002

Ewww, I hate stretchy bands. They're always pinchin me or pulling out little arm hairs (no I don't have big hairy arms:D )

Whisper · Jan 8, 2002

Student nurses are not allowed to wear wrist watches, allthough you seemed to be able to when you were qualified;), so I had to invest in a fob watch.

Glad I bought it when I did, as now all the staff have to buy them, as the policy changed, and the price of a watch has doubled.

I am not very good at explaining what my watch is like, however I did put a picture of it on another thread on this board which you can find here:

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=12365

:)

jschut, BSN, RN · Jan 8, 2002

I just have a plain ol' Wal-Mart special. About $10 two years ago. Works great for me!

Julie:)

Terri217 · Jan 9, 2002

Don't you need one to take blood preasures? A sweep second hand just keeps going in does'nt tick by the seconds. I thought there might be some reason my instructor had specified the sweep second hand I guess I'll find out on thursday my first day of nursing school. I'm so excieted. Thanks alot to everyone who replied.

WalMart_ADN · Jan 9, 2002

no watch to take blood pressures...pulse and resps definately...

Julie..walmart special..that's what I like to hear! :rolleyes:

ADN 2002 · Jan 9, 2002

I have a watch with a clicking second hand and the stretchy band. It doesn't pull on the little hairs on my arm like I was afraid it would, and it is a LOT easier to just shove it up my arm to wash my hands. I think it's easier to time things with a click second hand b/c you can see exactly when you're done timing, but I think it's just a matter of preference. :cool:

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Jan 9, 2002

A nurses watch is like a good pair of shoes. Ya just cant go without it. Eventually you find if you dont have it on you catch yourself looking at your wristbone all day. Sweep or clicking second hand is necessary. Not only for pulse and resp. but if you are heading the RN route you will need it for counting drips on IV's and timing IV push meds. I dont know that any difference in type of second hand is important as long as it has one.

shyviolet78, LPN, LVN · Jan 9, 2002

I have a digital Timex watch that I wear to work. I set it to 24-hr military time, which was very useful when I was first getting the hang of military time. I know nursing programs require watches with hands, but don't most nurses use digital watches? I find them to be most accurate. Just curious. Also, when I have to switch to a watch with hands for my nursing program, I'd rather have a clicking second hand rather than a sweep.