Being a nurse on the job is a lot of work.
Nurses are constantly on the move, moving from area to area, checking on patients.
More often than not, if you walk around a hospital or health center you’ll find a nurse who’s checking someone’s pulse, charting, doing med times, or walking briskly to another station.
With all this movement, it’s easy to see why a quality fitness watch would be a great tool for any nurse.
Trust me, considering all the things that nurses do, you’ll be surprised to find how much of a difference a wearable can make.
And there aren’t a lot of fitness trackers out there that gets more traction than the Fitbit.
It’s been known for years on end as one of the best fitness tools anyone can have.
So if you’re a hardworking nurse looking for a Fitbit to help you out on the job, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, I’ve compiled some of the best Fitbits for nurses to help guide you through your search.
Read on to learn more.
The Best Fitbit For Nurses – Quick Comparison
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Review of the Best Fitbit Smartwatches for Nurses
1. Fitbit Inspire HR
Kicking things off is a great Fitbit for those who are new to the world of fitness trackers.
It’s a very simple model, and that isn’t an understatement.
The watch comes in a very sleek design, one that’s not intrusive and can easily blend in with nurse’s uniforms and even everyday casual outfits.
It doesn’t come with too many features, but that can be a good thing, especially if you aren’t used to working with fitness trackers.
It has an excellent heart rate monitor, so you can easily track your metrics to help you reach your fitness goals.
The monitor is automatically activated whenever you’re doing an activity like walking or running, so even when you’re on the job you can keep track of your movement and exercise without having to press a button.
It also connects very well to the Fitbit app, which gives you a larger and more detailed dive into your stats and metrics, which can help you keep a record of your own personal health stats, as well as improve your overall fitness.
And on top of all that, this watch is affordable.
The price alone should be enough to entice someone to buy it, considering how well-made it is.
So if you’re a nurse looking for a beginner’s Fitbit that is functional and affordable, this model might be the one for you.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Simple design makes it easy to read metrics
- Sleek design
- Great HR monitor
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a lot of features
2. Fitbit Charge 3
Next up, we have one of the most versatile Fitbit’s out there today.
Not only does this model track your heart rate, but it can also track the calories burned, the number of steps taken, the number of stairs climbed, and even how much sleep you’re getting.
You can also use this Fitbit to set workout goals that you can accomplish while on the job, which is great considering how busy the nursing job can be.
After all, we all know how hard it is for nurses to find time for things since work is always so busy.
The watch is also water-resistant up to 50m, which is great for nurses since it’s very likely that a watch will get wet while you’re on duty.
Nurses usually work around five days a week, and the battery of this watch is designed to last up to five days on a single charge, so you can keep the watch on you all week and keep track of your movement without having to worry about the watch suddenly losing battery on you.
The watch can also connect to your phone and send you smart notifications, which is very important for nurses since even a couple of seconds delay in receiving information can be a big deal.
This is all in all a versatile and highly functional watch that’s great for any professional nurse out there.
Pros:
- Great features
- Sleek design
- Easy to use
- Automatic HR monitor
- Can track sleep
Cons:
- The auto-brightness adjustment can be better
3. Fitbit Versa Lite
This watch is a more basic version of one of the most popular Fitbit models out there, the Fitbit Versa.
It retains all the major features of its big brother such as the sleep tracker, heart rate monitor, calorie tracker, and step tracker.
It’s also water-resistant up to 50m and can connect to your phone to send you smart notifications.
With this watch, you can also customize the watch face so it displays all the information you need clearly and neatly, which is very important, since nurses don’t have the time to navigate through a variety of features in the middle of duty.
As it is the Versa Lite, it lacks some of the more elite features of the Versa.
However, if you’re looking for a quality fitness tracker for when you’re on duty and don’t want to bust the bank, this is a great option for you.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Comes in a variety of colors
- 50m water resistance
- Smart notifications
Cons:
- Lacks the more sophisticated features of the Versa
4. Fitbit Versa
This is one of the best Fitbits for nurses out there.
It’s packed with features, comes in a great-looking case, and has a sleek design that will go well with both a scrub suit and an everyday casual outfit.
Aside from having all the features of the Versa Lite, this model also has multiple workout modes for when you find time to squeeze in a full workout that will allow you to track your stats in real-time.
The Versa also has on-screen workouts that you can do so you have guided exercise that can help you reach your fitness goals easier.
Aside from that, you can even download songs on the watch and connect it to a pair of Bluetooth headphones and speakers to help you relax and unwind while you’re on break.
Customization is also a great feature of this watch, as there are countless watch faces that you can choose from that will allow you to display everything you need on the face of your watch.
It’s one of the most feature-packed Fitbits out there, making it a great choice for both nurses and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Pros:
- Packed with features
- Great design
- 50m water resistance
- Allows you to store and download songs
- Multiple workout modes
Cons:
- Some people report running into Bluetooth connectivity issues
5. Fitbit Ionic
This is a great smartwatch option coming from Fitbit, but its main feature is its durability.
It has a case made of aerospace-grade aluminum, which is great for nurses since a durable watch is a necessity when on the job.
The screen on the watch is also very clear and crisp, so reading notifications and data on the watch is very easy and can be done with very little effort.
It’s also water-resistant, which is a great feature for any nurse’s watch.
This is designed to be a workout partner, so it is packed with functions that can help you achieve your fitness goals such as a heart rate monitor, calorie counter, fitness and cardio levels, and it also has dynamic, personalized coaching options to help you bring your workouts to the next level.
For nurses who strive to be as healthy as possible, this would be a great choice.
Pros:
- Durable
- Easy to read display
- Simple design
- User-friendly interface
- Water-resistant up to 50m
Cons:
- Syncing the watch to your phone might be tough
6. Fitbit Blaze
For nurses who are trying to stay on top of all their workouts, this is an ideal smartwatch option.
Aside from having a bunch of great health-tracking features that are present in a lot of Fitbits, this also has a GPS installed in it, so you can stay on track while on the run, or even when going for a walk around the park.
With this watch, you can also set workout goals that you can slowly work on throughout the week.
And this doesn’t just mean doing a certain set of workouts every week, this can also include making sure you stay active and move around during the day.
Considering that a nurse is always on the move when on the job, it’s a great feature to have.
Just like with other Fitbit smartwatches, you can change and customize the watch face to display all the info you need at any given time.
A great watch for any nurse out there.
Pros:
- Great for workouts
- Packed with features
- Customizable watch face
- GPS
- Multi-sport tracking
Cons:
- The display can be tough to read
7. Fitbit Alta
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Fitbit Alta HR, Black, Small (US Version) | See More Details |
For those looking for a simple model, this is the one for you.
The Fitbit Alta is an incredibly simple model, containing a slim band and a sleekly designed display that blends very nicely with the watch’s bracelet.
It’s one of the slimmest fitness watches out there, so you don’t have to worry about a large watch weighing down on your wrist.
While it may look like a small and simple watch, it can do a lot of work.
This includes tracking your heart rate, steps taken, calories burned, and even the sleep you’re getting.
It isn’t the most feature-packed option out there, but it’s a simple and affordable one that definitely does the job.
Pros:
- Simple
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Sleek design
- Has a heart-rate monitor
Cons:
- Lacks some of the more elite features of other Fitbits
Buying Guide
When looking for a Fitbit for nurses, here are a couple of things you need to consider before choosing a model.
1. Features
Different people would need different features.
Some would need the more smartwatch-oriented features such as personalized workouts and phone connectivity, while others simply need a watch with a step counter and heart-rate monitor.
More features don’t necessarily equate to a better watch, a lot of times, the best watch for you is one that can do everything you need quickly and easily.
So keep in mind what features you’ll actually be using on the watch to keep you from spending on something you don’t need.
2. Comfort
Chances are, you’ll be using your watch a lot.
And since work in the medical field can be exhausting, you wouldn’t want an uncomfortable watch bugging you throughout the day.
So make sure that the watch you choose is one that you feel comfortable wearing, otherwise, you might end up buying a watch and keeping it tucked away in a drawer because of the discomfort it causes.
3. Display
You need a watch with a display that’s easy to read.
That’s because you can’t be spending your time trying to read tiny metrics on a small screen.
Nurses need to take in all the information they need as fast as possible, and the best way to do that is with a large and clear display.
So if you have a hard time reading tiny texts, make sure to get a larger watch to keep you from getting headaches trying to read whatever is displayed on your watch.
4. Design
A good nurse’s watch isn’t distracting.
So make sure to get one that doesn’t demand too much attention, that way no one will get distracted by the large chunk of metal on your wrist.
When buying a nurse’s watch, it’s best to go for the designs that are more relaxed and laid back.
5. Price
Lastly, you need to figure out how much you’re willing to spend.
After all, you don’t want to end up busting the bank for a watch.
If you need a watch with more features, expect to pay more for that.
So before you go around watch shopping, make sure you know how much you’re comfortable paying to make the process quick, easy, and well within your means.
FAQ’s
1. Which Fitbit Is Best For A Nurse?
Most nurses will swear by the Versa as the best watch for them.
That’s because it’s packed with features and comes in a great design.
It has a great variety of workout features, health-trackers, and smart connectivity options that can make the job that much easier.
On top of all that, it’s also one of the more durable models of Fitbit.
2. Can Nurse Wear Smartwatches?
It depends on where they work, but generally, smartwatches are accepted as great tools for nurses.
This is because it allows them to access a variety of information very quickly and easily, which is integral to doing a good nursing job.
3. Does A Fitbit Count My Steps Even If My Hands Are In My Pockets?
Yes, because a Fitbit tracks motion based on the gait of your steps, not the movement of your arms.
4. Can I Wear My Fitbit Somewhere Other Than My Wrist?
Most Fitbits work best when on the wrist, and since it’s a very convenient place to put it, a lot of people don’t see a reason to wear it anywhere else.
However, there are some models, such as the Inspire that can be worn anywhere on the body such as clipped to a belt or affixed to a bra.
That being said, these gadgets work best when in direct contact with the skin, so it’s important to keep that in mind.
5. Why Do Nurses Need A Watch With A Seconds Hand?
This is because a lot of the work nurses do and the data they track is time-based, such as blood pressure.
Seconds are very important when tracking health data, and having a seconds hand that can be used as a constant reference is very important for nurses.
6. Does Any Fitbit Show Seconds?
A lot of Fitbits in the past did not show seconds.
However, some updates now allow you to choose faces with a seconds hand for more convenient time readings.
This rings true for the Charge 2 and most other models released after it.
That being said, most of the faces that show seconds have an analog design, and no watch faces at the moment have a display for the seconds that have passed.
7. Is It Safe To Wear A Fitbit All The Time?
As long as you’re using it for the right purposes, a Fitbit is safe to wear all the time.
However, if you feel some sort of skin irritation after wearing the watch too long, consider taking a break from wearing it for a bit or changing the band it came with.
Conclusion
So there it is, all the best Fitbits for nurses laid out for you.
These all have different features that will serve different people.
That’s why there is so much variety on the list.
So if you’ve been on the hunt for a Fitbit while on duty and you’ve found that one of these watches serves all your needs while your working as a nurse and can also be a great fitness partner for you, there’s only one thing left to do.
And that’s to choose the Fitbit and start wearing it!
Further reading:
Work Hour Regulation in Safety-Sensitive Industries
