Nurse’s Watch Guide: How to Choose the Best Watches for Nurses

A nursing watch is one of the most important tools on the job. This means it’s useful to take extra consideration when you search for a nurse’s watch online or in a store. Which is the best nurse’s watch? That’s ultimately a matter of personal opinion, but our advice can point you in the right direction. We’ll explore the following qualities when purchasing a watch and provide real-world examples of how to find them:

8 Things to Look for in a Nurse Watch

1. Durability
2. Accuracy
3. Readability
4. Water resistance
5. Easy to clean
6. Comfort
7. Cost
8. Extra perks

1. Durability

There’s no sense in buying a nurse watch you’d have to replace shortly after the purchase. It’s wise to invest in a watch that lasts. You’ll save money in the long run and you can rest assured your watch will work as expected when you need it during a shift. Qualities to look out for include:

• Scratch resistant
• Firm material
• Built to last

2. Accuracy

Isn’t accuracy the whole point of buying a nurse’s watch? From calculating a patient’s heart rate to timing the length of an emergency. In healthcare, every second counts. Keep the below qualities in mind while making your purchase:

• Varying time zone options
• Automatic daylight savings change
• Accuracy remains despite minor damage

3. Readability

Help avoid uncertainty by purchasing a watch that you can easily read. You’re not purchasing a watch for the sake of fashion. Like buying scrubs, you must ensure it serves its purpose well. The ability to quickly read accurate times can make all the difference in certain tense situations. Take these factors into consideration:

• Analog vs. digital
• Font adjustments
• Glowing screen

4. Water Resistance

In nursing, you encounter many fluids. Ideally, they don’t get past your disposable gloves, but realistically, that’s not always the case. Your watch must be able to hold up against fluids on the job, and during unforeseen accidents. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Can it be submerged?
• Can it be submerged for an extended period of time?
• Will certain liquids leave a mark?

5. Easy to Clean

Being able to easily clean your nurse’s watch will make your life easier, whether it’s for routine maintenance or scrubbing your watch after a spill. Plus, keeping your nursing tools clean is healthy and adds an extra sense of professionalism. Check out these suggestions to keep in mind:

• Predominantly smooth surface
• Stain-resistant
• Made from a hygienic material

6. Comfort

Make sure your watch is comfortable. You don’t want to make a purchase only to want to remove it shortly after your shift begins. To be on the safe side, consider wearing it for a few days outside of work to ensure you can move with ease. Consider the qualities below:

• Ability to adjust sizes
• Soft and smooth material
• Easily fit your unique wrist shape

7. Cost

You’ve got to find the balance between buying a quality product and staying within your budget. Are you willing to shell out for a nurse’s watch you’ll keep for years, or are you happy to regularly replace a cheaper watch? Keep these factors in mind:

• Is it uniquely suited to you and your specialty?
• Would replacing it on a whim be too costly?
• Does it have a warranty in case it’s damaged?

8. Extra Perks

Today, watches for nurses come with a variety of customizable features. Consider purchasing a watch that can make your job easier than more minimalist watches. Check out these potential perks:

• Stethoscope attachments
• Pulse and respiratory rate measurement tools
• Access to health-related apps

5 Great Nurse Watch Examples

Below, we share watches possessing the qualities we described above. Which one would work best for you? Note: Prices were accurate at the time of publication.

1. Casio Women’s LRW-200H-2BVCF Stainless Steel Watch

This model from Casio is durable, water resistant, and clear. On top of that, its vibrant colors can add a little burst of beauty on tough days. This long-lasting watch will be a bright addition to your nursing toolkit. Price: $26.75

2. Speidel Original Scrub Watch

This scrub watch from Speidel features a hygienic silicon band, bright hour and minute hands, military time, and a red second hand to facilitate reading pulses and other biomarkers. The attention to detail makes this product worth trying. Price: $40

3. WISHFAN Waterproof Nurse Watch

This waterproof and durable watch from WISHFAN features an LED backlight to illuminate the time no matter the lighting. This is a great choice for nurses with visual impairments or who often work in darkened areas. Price: $17.99

4. ENOMIR Smartwatch

This smart watch from ENORMIR helps you stay on top of your health while you care for others. You track your heart rate, oxygen levels, and sleep patterns. Plus, it’s waterproof and has a three-year warranty. Price: $57.99

5. Golden Hour Waterproof Sports Watch

This watch by Golden Hour is easy to read, durable, and comfortable. The bright second hand helps nurses take accurate pulse readings. This waterproof watch has all of the basic qualities of a great nurse watch. Price: $17.99

Which Nurse’s Watch Is Right for You?

With so many options to choose from, there are a number of watches that can meet your needs. The choice is yours. While you’re at it, you can get matched with a nursing job that aligns with your goals through IntelyCare today.