watch with sweeping second hand?

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They are saying we need a watch with a "sweeping second hand" for our clinicals. What is sweeping second hand? Anyone know?

Heidi

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I think thats one that moves every second and stops then moves again.....does that make sense? You can watch and count every second by the way it moves. Lots of times they have lines so you can see the seconds as well. I hope that helps and dosn't confuse you more.

try this link, it has a pretty good pic http://secure.smartbargains.com/prod.asp?s=CA1&deptId=7&catId=308&prodId=6010123810

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A sweeping second hand just means that the second hand 'sweeps' over the seconds in a smooth motion, it doesn't stop every second. I believe schools like you to have this so you don't get 'confused' counting a pulse by accidentally counting the ticks on the second hand instead. It's actually really easy to do, but you get used to it very quickly, don't know why it would be required to have a sweeping hand. Anyway, I know Rolex watches have it!! Haha!! How many could afford one as a student?? LOL I think Seiko makes them too. I found a site that explains what it is too. Hope it helps!! Good luck! :)

http://www.showtimereplicawatches.com/faqs.html

It's a site about replica watches, but one of the FAQ's covers sweeping second hands. :)

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chttynurs, good point, I've done that before and it can be confusing!

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I solve that problem by not looking at my watch the entire time I am counting. If you just glance to see where you are at and then constantly monitor time only when you are close to the end it helps you keep your count on what you are counting.

That way you can buy the cheapo watches at Target!

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I found a great watch on line at uniform village.com - $19 - a nurse's watch with second hand, larger dial, and military time adjacent to the standard time (the hospital I do clinicals at uses military time and this is a SUPER TIME SAVER). Now I don't have to stop and subtract 12 from 22:00 to see what time they're REALLY talking about, or figure out what time 3:00 is in military time, etc. Just another detail not to have to worry about, there's enough to do!

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Nice point, Carolanne!! I use a digital watch and only use the military time option....that way I can just glance at it with no math to be done when I'm writing my notes, timing my PRN's, etc. I must look REALLY anal on paper though, like when I write a time like "1337" for giving a med!! LOL Just makes things easier! :)

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Specializes in ICU.

I have a watch with a sweeping second hand but so far it has done nothing and the dust is piling up on the floor!:D

Honestly I have a little "watch" which is actually a key chain it is a teddy bear with the watch face in it's tummy- even Little old ladies love it and it is a great talking point. I cost me

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Sweeping hand = minute hand on the clock. You need it in order to count respirations and pulses. However, you can do the same thing with a digital watch and just use the second counter. It depends how old you are and what kind of watch you grew up using as to what you prefer and what works for you.

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Hi,

Are any of you required to wear a watch with a sweeping second hand in order to take bp? If so, please let me know the name of the watch as we are required to have one for school.

Thank you

FutureNurseMan:cool:

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Think you have your vitals mixed up there Nurseman. You'll need a sweeping second hand to count a pulse. It can be done just as easily with any digital watch that displays seconds.

Walmart / Kmart etc all have watches

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Future nurse - I found a great watch with a second hand at Target. It was like $15.00 I think. I don't know the name of the brand, but they had all kinds.

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