What kind of watch?

Nursing Students General Students

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I start Nursing School in Jan. Clinicals in March. Never been in the healthcare setting before.

I read in our manual that we will need a watch. Didn't specify what kind/type.

For Christmas, my husband surprised me with a nice coach watch. It's not blinged out or anything, but I'm not sure if it would be allowed to wear it to clinical. I just assumed I would get a cheap watch for clinical. Otherwise, I don't wear jewelry. I'm not worried so much about it getting messed up, as I am it not being allowed because it's not plastic or white or something along those line. I hate for him to spend so much money and for me to not be able to wear it.

Sorry if this is a stupid question. I just have no idea what to expect. Thoughts?

Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Something you can wash if necessary, that won't get damaged if you wash your hands, and with a second hand (or digital seconds). I wouldn't wear anything particularly expensive, but a waterproof Timex or something isn't out of the question.

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Cheapest thing you can find that is waterproof and has a second hand. Something that you wouldn't miss if it got ruined at clinical.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Casio g shock - not too expensive, still nice & durable, and most importantly - easy to clean / disinfect.

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I'm not sure how tough coach watches are, but be careful. I was consistently in a hurry in clinicals and still am as a nurse and I find myself reaching for something and banging my watch off of things. There have been times where I thought I'd look and the face would be broken (that has yet to happen, thank god).

I like relic and fossil watches. As a matter of fact, I'm wearing a relic right now. They're all I buy and they're pretty tough, they stand up to all my nonsense and keep on trucking. And they're water proof and the face on the one I have now is very large and it's easy to read.

I don't think they're particular about the style or color of your watch at clinicals, I remember one of my friends wearing a cheap, kids Disney watch during ours and no one ever said anything. They also make watch faces that clip onto the tubing of your stethoscope as well. I tend to stay away from those because I just don't like to wear my stethoscope around my neck like many others do. It's either on the cart or in my pocket.

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Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.

One thing people have not mentioned yet, you also have to consider the "dirty" work you will do as a nurse and if you really want to ruin a nice watch while cleaning up poop or vomit. I have a nurse mates white watch that has a latex like band but it's not latexz. Forgot the material but it's supposedly hypoallergenic and it's very easy to clean.

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Thanks for the replies. I've decided to take it back and spend the $250 elsewhere. I feel bad for taking back a Christmas present but I don't think I want to ruin it in clinicals. I wouldn't wear it otherwise because other than a wedding ring, I don't wear jewelry. Plus, I found a baby G in the closet (way more durable) that I may dust off and wear. Thank you guys again!! :)

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my husband did the same....he surprised me with a fossil watch (which would be fine if it was a simple one) but with rhinestone and sparkle and lots of little crevices that would be incredibly tough to clean. It is perfect....and exactly what I would buy for every day wear.....but I don't think it's what I want for clinicals soo I'll be keeping it but buying something easier to clean to wear to clinicals.

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Specializes in Psych/Mental Health.

I bought a $10 casio watch with second hand from amazon. I never wear anything bulky or expensive at work or clinical.

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

Or you could wear one like Flavor Flav. I really don't think it makes any difference. Casio G shock works for me.

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Cool watchface for pebble users. I love my pebble.

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Nothing fancy that's for sure. I have a metal one. Waterproof. It cleans nicely. It has a nice second hand. And that's it :D I've been using mines for three years and it's still great. Maybe cost 30-50, nothing special.

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I think you're fine as long as it has second hands. One thing I would be concerned about is that if it's leather it's a lot more likely to harbor germs and get damaged than a metal one. I didn't want a cheap watch as I seem to slow and stop them all the time, so I got a solar Citizen eco drive at Costco for 1/4 of the price that they normally run. I'm not particularly attached to it but see no reason why it wouldn't be able to withstand a lot of things that could happen to it in clinical.

ETA: that pebble thing is cool!

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