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Hello everyone!

I am new to this site but I had a question. I am starting nursing school in August. I was wondering what type of watch to get. I know it has to have a second hand. But, some people have told me to get the Apple Watch. What are your suggestions?

Specializes in Oncology, critical care.

We were not allowed to wear anything on our wrists as per infection control (nothing below elbows actually, even sleeves had to always be rolled up, not just nurses but all staff including docs). I used a pin-on watch for years & loved it because you can be hands-free (the watch face is upside down so you just need to look down. I originally bought mine at Walmart for around $15-20 but Amazon has a million of them now. Only tricky part is if you are in isolation since a gown covers your watch -- but that is true of ANY watch.

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I wouldn't get an Apple Watch JUST for nursing school. Like others have stated, a cheap watch from Wal-Mart with a second hand will do just fine. However, if you have an Iphone and and would use an Apple Watch for other things, then it might be worth the investment.

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the problem with many smartwatches is they will not keep the screen on for more than a few seconds. some that do will turn off the second hand after a few seconds. Old school watch is the way to go.

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Specializes in ICU, LTACH, Internal Medicine.

Amazon.com: Silicone Watch Nurse Doctor Paramedic Tunic Brooch Fob Watch Medical (Pale Purple): Health & Personal Care

Dirt cheap, can survive Chlorox wipe, has second hand, worn on stetoscope or pocket and therefore not an objection for "nothing on hands" IC rules, if any will be there.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

cheapo cheapo cheapo

If you might take your watch off when you wash your hands, you could easily FORGET it on the sink ledge. (Wedding rings have a knack for this.)

Guess what?!? The watch is HISTORY! It will never be returned.

Save your money.

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Specializes in IMCU.

At graduation I bought myself a seriously nice watch with a sweeping hand. It is metal, water resistant and I can clean that puppy with a toothbrush if necessary (or soak it in a solution of bleach). My Garmin Vivosmart isn't useful for much at work. I'd love an Apple Watch but I just don't think it would withstand the potential "ick". Perhaps I'll have another look. Facility dependent of course.

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Specializes in NICU, Infection Control.

I worked NICU most of my career. We had a lot of wall clocks, but I got tired of doing the head swivel dance trying to find one I could see. So, I got a lapel watch. They aren't expensive, you can still wash your hands above the wrists, which is a good thing. Whenever I had a wristwatch, I didn't wash as well.

For nursing school purposes, get a CHEAP wristwatch, or a lapel watch. Stuff happens, and gets on your watch. In fact, get 2, one for a spare.

imo, if you get a 'smart' watch, you'll be messing around w/the watch, instead of what you're supposed to be doing. Counting pulse and resp are part of assessing the overall pt, in addition to getting a number to write in a box.

Also, if you can afford it, get one of those little pulse oxymeter gadgets.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
Also, if you can afford it, get one of those little pulse oxymeter gadgets.

Agree with the first part of your post, but disagree with this. I'd bet that if facility policies are checked, facility owned devices must be used for vitals. After all, how can a facility verify that anything not owned by them is properly maintained, calibrated, and approved for what it's being used for?

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A lot of hospitals are requiring that nothing be worn below the elbows for infection control. I hardly ever used a watch in nursing school. Every room had multiple clocks with second hands. I did have one of those small watches that attach to your shirt and if i was unable to see the clock I would use that

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Specializes in retired LTC.
Agree with the first part of your post, but disagree with this. I'd bet that if facility policies are checked, facility owned devices must be used for vitals. After all, how can a facility verify that anything not owned by them is properly maintained, calibrated, and approved for what it's being used for?

I used to be concerned that FACILITY-OWNED equip was rarely properly maintained & calibrated (A/E/B sphygmo dials without face covers or the dial hand NOT zero'ed. Or the bladder would slide out of some opening in the cuff.

I do know what you say is true in some places. But I brought my own equip - I ALONE used it so it was well-cared for. I trusted it.

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Why do you suggest the apple watch?

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Specializes in ER.

I work in the ED and wear my Apple Watch every shift. Aside from using it in a clinical capacity, you can get all your text messages and calls on it, so without looking at your phone you can see if it's something you need to go somewhere that cell use is allowed, or if it's something that can wait.

its also easy to clean, I use the sport strap for work and wipe the entire thing down at the end of each shift with a Lysol wipe. The straps are easily changeable so I have a nicer metal one for when I'm not at work

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