Gold Watches and Nursing?

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My neighbor recently got me a watch as an early graduation present. This is an AMAZING, very expensive, Invicta watch. It is made for diving so it can take a beating. The only thing I'm worried about is all the gross stuff that would get in the bracelet and watch itself. Do any of you have any tips for cleaning it or keeping it clean? (It is 18K gold) The only reason I ask is because he bought it for me to use in my profession so, if I can keep it clean, I really want to wear it! Thanks you all!

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If it is made for diving then I supposed it could be wiped off with those heavy duty wipes if you get something on it. I understand you wanting to wear it as you received it as a graduation gift, however, I personally would not wear an 18K gold watch to work. Just my opinion.

Good luck in your new career!

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Don't wear it. Get a less nice watch for wearing at work.

When your neighbor inquires as to how your watch is treating you at work, educate them on the end result of tube feedings, colace, and c-diff. The smile and say you keep your nice, beautiful watch away from those situations.

Seriously, besides poop, there are so many other gross and nasty things that will attach to a watch. Keep your nice watch nice. Your neighbor will understand.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

I wouldn't wear it. In fact, the only jewelry I wear at work is a single pair of stud earrings (never anything dangly). Some units may even require bare arms below the elbow for infection control purposes, and to be quite honest, I think that would make sense hospital wide. All patient rooms at my facility have clocks with a second hand, so between that and automatic vitals machines, having to wear a watch isn't much of an issue.

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Most nurses wear a cheap watch to work. I would not wear such an expensive watch on the job.

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sadly, a lot of nurses these days where those cheap rubbery looking quartzy purple things you can grab on eBay. I like the idea of buying a special one, what would began to enjoy and appreciate nicer watches.

Two doctors from our clinic wear Breitling Bentley http://jonsguide.org/best-top-breitling-bentley-watches-reviews/#breitling-bentley-gmt-british-racing-green-ltd-edition-men-8217-s-watch , they cost more than $5.000 ...

But ...the thinking as far as it goes, as told by our infection control people, is that its not a great problem to wash around and under your wedding band if using the prescribed hand hygiene technique.

Also, if your on the wards or in theatres, there is a good amount of positioning of patients, assisting into chairs/transport etc etc. A good chance to catch your watch against skin, risking damage to your patient, and also pick debris ( and a lot worse and more smelly) on the strap/bracelet/between the lugs etc. (Apologies if I'm telling you stuff you already know)

I don't wear one at work myself, no real need, and if you actually did cause even minor damage to a patient with your watch, you've seen all those verminous ambulance chaser law firms advertising on the telly.....

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Firstly, nice gift. When you said gold I was thinking a solid gold case like a Rolex Submariner, or a Omega Seamaster. Something in the 10-15K range. A quick search shows that this is a 100-200 dollar watch tops. It's probably gold tone or gold plated.

So you know I actually understand the topic: I wore and broke 3 or 4 Seiko 5 Mechanicals (about $75 each), and had at home a vintage Omega F300 (about 300-400) that was too delicate even for my days off. I'm wearing a Casio quartz stainless watch with a stainless steel band for work now. Probably if I knew what I know now I would get a Citizen Ecodrive the base model with a steel bracelet (about 150). Nursing is a tough environment for watches.

The stainless watches you can take a toothbrush and soap to and cavi wipes once in a while. No steam or boiling water though. Hot tubs are hard on the seals also. Do not submerge in harsh chemicals since the seals may degrade.

Since this is a plated watch it will eventually have the surface finish come off. Also once the back is opened for the first battery change in 3-5 years all bets are off.

Wear it to work, clean it once in a while, and when it starts to look shabby consider a model from above or any other stainless cheap quartz movements with a metal bracelet.

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Fossil makes nice watches. I only wear metal ones to work that won't absorb various fluids and can be wiped down. The finish wears off, but Fossil will replate them for a small fee. So if you're wanting to be stylish at work, that would be my recommendation.

Otherwise, what the others said is correct... check with your facility but most places have clocks everywhere. Wearing a watch isn't a necessity these days, and it can be an infection control issue.

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