Watch question..

libby11 · Sep 8, 2012

In my opinion, you learn military time so fast, that it won't make a difference if you watch is in regular. Just make sure it has a seconds hand

Oh yes, and when you're picking out a watch, think to yourself: if for some reason someone puked on this would I be able to clean it? (Or throw it away because it didn't cost $40.) Think waterproof and somewhat bacteria resistant material--no porous cloth, yuck!

Other good qualities in a watch include: has a light, big, easy to read, and smooth design that won't catch on a patient/equipment.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Sep 9, 2012

Eh, military time kind of comes second nature when you're working in the hospital. I don't think you need a watch to tell you it's "20:00" to know that 8pm = 20:00. Plus, you don't HAVE to use military time, it depends on the facility as to whether they do or not.

LCinTraining · Sep 9, 2012

Just remember 18:00 is 6:00 pm. It's what time the bugle played on base every night indicating my dad would be home soon lol. But it becomes simple when the first three jumps past noon are 13, 14, 15' and you know 1800 is straight down on the watch. Your hour is only three counts away from that, noon or midnight at any given pint on a clock.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 9, 2012

I have never needed a military time watch to determine military times. During the PM hours, you simply add 12 to arrive at the correct military time. I've always done it in my head.

For example: 1:00pm = 13:00 (1 + 12 = 13)

For instance: 9:00pm = 21:00 (9 + 12 = 21)

Glycerine82, LPN · Sep 9, 2012

I just add 2 to the time and I already know its that plus 10. So 2 pm is 1400. (2 + 2 = 4 so it's 1400) 4 pm is 1600 etc. I don't know if that makes sense but it works for me :)

"No day but today"

brillohead, ADN, RN · Sep 10, 2012

Oh yes, and when you're picking out a watch, think to yourself: if for some reason someone puked on this would I be able to clean it? (Or throw it away because it didn't cost $40.) Think waterproof and somewhat bacteria resistant material--no porous cloth, yuck!
Other good qualities in a watch include: has a light, big, easy to read, and smooth design that won't catch on a patient/equipment.

THIS!!!

I like cheap fob watches -- I get them off ebay for about $2 each, and I can keep spares in my car, in my bag, etc.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Sep 10, 2012

all you have to do is add 12 to the number (or subtract 12).

okonrad · Sep 15, 2012

Like everyone is saying, military time is quite simple once you get used to it.

As far a a watch, I'm guessing a military watch is digital? And for me, I prefer the analog with a second hand since it makes counting HR and Resp a lot easier. And preferably the date displayed since you're always going to forget when signing and dating notes and such and won't have the time to find your phone or a calendar to check.

Also, I usually get my watches at target for like $7-12; that way, they're durable enough that they won't fall apart, but cheap enough that you won't be heart broken if something happens to it.