Nurses and other medical professionals are some of the busiest people on the planet.
They are constantly on the move, checking on vitals, patients, and making sure everybody is okay.
Time is important in the medical field, seconds are very precious so a quality timepiece is essential for nurses.
There are countless choices when it comes to watches.
But the choice can be made easier as we take a look at the top-rated brands below.
And I’m sure you will be able to choose a watch that suits you the most.
At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks For Watches for Nurses
- Our Top Pick: VAVC Scrub Analog Watch for Registered Nurses, Doctors, Students, and Medical Professionals
- Speidel Scrub Watch for Medical Professionals with Silicone Rubber Band
- Casio Women's LRW200H-7BVCF Dive Series Sport Watch
- Casio Men's G-shock DW5600E-1V Shock Resistant Black Resin
- Casio Women's BG169R-8 "Baby-G" Gray Resin Watch
What are the Main Reasons Nurses Wear Watches?
Track/record patient’s vitals
One of the most critical tasks of nurses is to track and record heart rate and pulse rate.
Well, which equipment helps them in this task? – A functional and accurate watch.
By measuring necessary metrics, nurses can assess the situation and then, give suitable treatments for patients before delivering them to doctors.
It also helps them check if the medication or therapy is working with victims or not.
Schedule medication
Some medications and treatments require a proper time to apply; otherwise, they can cause a negative effect on patients.
The task of nurses is to schedule and administer medication, keep track of how fast the drug gives efficiency.
They also need to schedule medicines that are applied every 5 minutes.
As you can imagine, this is a task which needs tight administration.
Documentation purposes
Every documentation or lab charting requires the absolutely accurate date and time of treatments, tests, medical interactions, etc.
One mistaken record could lead to bad results or wrong conclusions.
This helps produce a realistic and proper report so that everyone is well aware of the patient’s health status.
Top (10) Best Watches for Nurses Chosen by Customers
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VAVC Scrub Watch For Medical Professionals
One of the best analog watches that are perfect for nurses and medical professionals out there.
This great scrub watch is meant to match with scrubs.
The product also comes in around 18 different colorways for whatever style and combination you want with your scrub.
The case is made of surgical grade stainless steel to keep everything as sanitary as possible, with a genuine calf leather strap.
On the watch face of this scrub watch, there are large numbers and highly visible hands (especially the red second hand) to make sure that your job as a nurse will be as easy as possible.
The leather is soft and feels great on the wrist, but the best part is that it’s very easy to clean the watch, which is essential when working in the medical field.
And this will be a great scrub watch for all registered and student nurses.
Also, if you want something similar but a bit less popular, check out this Prestige medical nurse watch.
Pros:
- Easy to clean with water
- 18 different colors to choose from
- Time-reading friendly
- Good water resistant
Cons:
- The dial might be a bit large for people with small wrists
Casio LRW200H-7BVCF
This women’s watch looks like a watch that was designed to be worn with a scrub.
The bright white case and strap blend perfectly with the multi-colored Arabic numerals on the watch face.
The molded resin band and buckle closure will make sure that the product won’t fall or slip off your wrist while on the job.
When working as a nurse, you have to deal with different environments so it would come as no surprise that the watch will get wet.
But it is water-resistant up to 100 meters so that will be no problem at all.
This is one of the best timepieces for nurses due to a combination of its simplistic watch face design that lets you see the time easily, quality materials, and accurate movement.
It can also be used with military time function with both 12 and 24-hour markers, and an accurate second hand to match.
Pros:
- Nurse-friendly sports watch design
- Bright dial for easy time-reading
- Decent accuracy
- Easy to clean
- Military time function
Cons:
- The case diameter might be a little bit small
See more: Top 5 best watches for medical students
Speidel Scrub Watch for Medical Professionals
This Speidel scrub watch is suitable for the medical field.
And it’s another choice that is almost perfect for nurses out there.
For starters, it’s available in multiple colors.
And that makes it easy for you to match it with your scrub.
The light colors invoke light and happy feelings, which is great when you’re in a very serious environment like the hospital.
On the watch face of this Speidel scrub watch, is a bright red second hand designed for nurses so that they can take the most accurate pulse readings.
Yes, a red second hand on a white dial seems to be a great color combo here.
Since it will be easier to let you see the time whenever you need it.
The numbers on the watch face are large and easily read so you won’t have to spend too much energy trying to tell the time when in a fast-paced environment.
This Speidel scrub watch also comes with both the 12 hour and military time 24 hour options for your convenience.
Pros:
- Available in multi colors
- You can read the time easily with the bright dial and numerals
- Can be washed easily while washing your hands
Cons:
- The strap might be a bit troublesome to some people
Casio G-Shock DW5600E-1V Digital Watch
Casio’s G-Shock line is one of the most recognizable watch collections in the world.
This is because of its incredible durability and modern style, which has made it very popular with the younger crowd.
This specific sports watch is a bit more toned down than its counterparts, being much smaller in size and lacking a lot of the sub-dials.
One of the best digital watches for nurses, I believe.
This simplicity may not be the most function-packed model.
But if you’re a nurse, and you want to choose a watch that can keep track of time accurately, is very easy to read and manipulate, then this watch is a dream.
While the watch is much smaller than other G-Shocks, it still retains the shock and water resistance that the line is famous for.
This ensures that the regular abuse that the watch will go through during hospital duty won’t bug the watch at all.
So if you’re looking for a very simple watch to get you through the day, this model might be the one for you.
Pros:
- Simple and easy to read dial
- Shock-resistant case
- The backlit dial allows you to read time in the dark
Cons:
- Lacks some of the more complex G-Shock functions
Casio Women’s Baby-G BG169R-8
Another great sports watch from Casio’s collection of digital watches.
This time, if you like the look of smaller G-Shocks but want an interpretation more faithful to the large models, then this might be more suited for you.
The resin case on this watch also is just as durable as any other watch in the line but gives it a unique translucent look.
This is a Casio women’s model that would look great with a scrub suit or a typical nurse’s uniform, but it would also look great paired with modern-day casual wear.
This model has the incredible accuracy of most Casio watches, along with a stopwatch, an alarm function, a 24 hour markers function, a strong dial window, and a calendar.
So rest assured that whatever horological needs one may have on the job.
A true workhorse for nurses & medical professionals.
What more to be expected from a G-Shock model?
Pros:
- Unique and modern design
- Shock and water resistant
- Alarm function
- Luminous dial
Cons:
- Only has a mineral dial window
Garmin Fēnix 5s (the Best Garmin Watch for Nurses)
I would highly recommend this fitness watch for you nurses or anyone with a taste for futuristic designs.
This Garmin model is a multi-sport GPS watch that would look great with a scrub suit, a uniform, or even your everyday clothing.
The watch is designed to have a multitude of functions at your fingertips.
The user-friendly interface allows you to scroll through the various functions of the watch with ease.
So whether you need a heart rate monitor, stopwatch, or just a simple time display with a sweeping second hand you can rest assured that finding that setting will be a breeze.
It’s no lie that nurses have to be healthy.
It requires great endurance and strength so sit through the day to day work that a nurse will have to go through.
That’s why the fitness tracker on this watch is a great addition.
With this “almost perfect for nurses” watch, tracking your runs, monitoring your heart rate, or simply checking the time while on duty are all readily available for you.
Pros:
- Futuristic sports watch design
- Packed with functions
- Multisports supported
- Easy to read time
Cons:
- The watch doesn’t have a sapphire crystal
Casio Women’s LRW-200H-4B2VCF
If you’re looking for a more lighthearted look to walk you through the tough workday, then this Casio piece deserves some attention.
This dive-inspired Casio women’s watch features a pink case with multi-colored numerical markers (both 12-hour and military time options – great hour makers, btw) on the dial, with an orange second hand to match.
If you do a lot of work with children, then this watch could help lighten the mood.
It also features a rotating bezel for extra function.
This watch is water resistant up to 100m, and it also has a date display.
All of this is powered by an accurate movement, which has been celebrated for its relatively low price tag and high functionality.
So with this watch, you’ll have accurate time, high-durability, and a look that’s very easy on the eyes.
A great piece to brighten up the room on a down day.
Pros:
- Light and easy design
- Accurate time-keeping
- Rotating tachymeter bezel
- Easy to read time
Cons:
- Only has a mineral dial window
Apple Watch Series 4
This type of watch yet to be fully accepted in the watch community.
But with all the capabilities of this watch, it should be no surprise that the Apple Watch might be a great fit here.
And this “Series 4” can easily be placed among the best Apple watches for nurses.
First of all, it looks classy, sleek, and professional. But if you want a younger look, then there are multiple color options for you.
Aside from all that, it hosts an incredible set of functions.
By syncing the watch to your phone, you can get real-time notifications, and in a medical setting where seconds are precious, this is very useful.
The watch also has functions that can be used every day such as fitness tracker and GPS functions.
The best of the Series 4 is that it has a much larger display.
This not only makes reading the watch much easier but also makes navigating through the functions a breeze.
If you’re a nurse on the go, the Apple Watch is definitely worth considering.
Pros:
- Great watch features
- Syncs to your phone
- Modern and stylish design
- The watch is swim-proof
- Easy to read dial
Cons:
- The watch comes with a high price tag
Casio LQ139A-1B3
While a lot of functions are great, sometimes its best to keep things simple on the job.
If you like that simplicity, then this watch could be the one for you.
It can’t get much simpler with this piece, with a simple black resin strap, and stripped-down dial design.
Time-reading with this one is incredibly convenient as the minimalist color choice of white on black provides great contrast and sleek style.
The model runs on quartz, so accuracy should be no question.
Aside from that, it’s water resistant but you should not submerge it into water long.
And there really isn’t much else to talk about, and that is not a bad thing in the slightest.
So if you want to tone things down a bit with a minimalist watch, then I recommend that you check this Casio model out.
Pros:
- Simple and straightforward design
- Comfortable resin strap
- Easy to read dial
- Perfect size for everyday use
Cons:
- Can’t go for a swim with this
Timex TW2R24200 Watch for Medical Professionals
This watch is nicknamed the “Weekender” because of its fun and light design.
It has a pink strap with white patterns on it, which makes it a great complement to a weekend get-up, or a weekday uniform.
And female nurses seem to like this one a lot.
The large dial and stainless steel case give the watch a very clean look and host a very simple white background with black markers and silver hands.
This makes reading the time really easy, which is great considering all the timekeeping needs a nurse has.
Underneath the hood is a Japanese quartz engine that keeps the time as accurate as every, only losing a couple of seconds a month.
Aside from that is a luminous dial to allow you to read the time in any light conditions and 100 feet of water resistance to give the piece a bit more durability.
There aren’t too many functions on this piece, and sometimes that can be better than having a cluttered and complex dial.
A great piece for a nurse who wants to keep things light and simple.
Pros:
- Flexible design
- Glow in the dark luminous dial
- Reliable accuracy
Cons:
- Only has a mineral dial window
You might also like:
- Can nurses wear smartwatches?
- Why do nurses wear fob watches?
- What is a scrub watch?
- Do nurses need to wear watches?
How to Buy Watches for Nurses
Design
Most of the time, nurses are in uniform.
So usually, a watch will be their only personalized item of clothing.
For nurse watches, it would be best to find designs that match your scrub.
So light colors, as not to be too eye-catching, will be most recommended.
Another thing to look at in the watch is the dial, it would be best to find ones that are easy to read, so keep your eye out for watches with large indicators, and hands that stand out.
For the band, it should be made of silicone since a silicone band is very easy to clean.
And many nurses also prefer a silicone band over other types of watch bands.
Time will always be of the essence when working in medicine, so an easy-to-read watch is very important.
Water Resistance
As a nurse, you will be handling a lot of different materials.
It should come as no surprise that you will be encountering a lot of liquids, so a watch that isn’t water resistant will surely last you only a short while in the hospital.
You don’t need to get a diver’s watch that’s water resistant up to 300-meters, but something around 100-meter would do you a lot of good.
Easy to Clean
Sanitation is one of the most important priorities of medical practitioners, and that applies to everything, including your watch.
A nurse’s timepiece should be easy to clean, and not hold that much bacteria as that can cause really serious problems in the future.
Look for watches with soft leather straps, or better yet, get a watch with a resin strap as those are very easy to clean.
Affordability
There are a lot of things out of your control when you’re working as a nurse.
There’s a big chance that some incidents at work will result in your watch getting damaged or broken.
And you wouldn’t want to risk it by purchasing an expensive luxury watch only to find yourself looking for a replacement because of a workplace incident.
Look for watches of high quality, that won’t bust your bank, and before you know it, you’ll have the perfect watch for you!
FAQ’s
How much should you spend on a nurse watch?
Not too much, honestly.
However, you should consider all the necessary criteria before purchasing a watch for a nursing job.
And type of watch is also an important thing to keep in mind.
That includes the accuracy of time, durable material, compact, and convenient uses.
It must also have some functions that are used most in nursing, such as measuring heart rate or pulse rate.
Well, compared to the hundred-dollar luxurious watches, nurse watches just cost half of them.
Most nurse watches are under $60, and they have all the necessary functions to use. It’s affordable, isn’t it?
However, Apple Watch, which is pretty expensive, is also listed as a watch for nurses, and we will talk about it later.
If you are not into the watches and just want a simple one with enough functions, go for $25 to $35 watches.
They are all products of famous brands that you don’t have to worry about their quality and durability.
Is an Apple watch good for nurses?
Yes, it really is. As said previously, a nurse can definitely use an Apple watch for duty as it has great functions to serve the nursing jobs.
This smartwatch allows nurses to check messages, calls, notifications, essential emails, reminders, and other daily tasks.
It also helps track the workouts and measure heat beat for patients and themselves.
This is much convenient as they cannot bring their phones with them the whole time.
The watch does help a lot.
In the environment of the hospital, you cannot pull out and check phones all the time.
Apple Watch is a useful device to do most of the tasks on phones for you.
This watch is water-resistant that will protect itself from splash, spill, or low-level water submersion.
So is an Apple watch good for nurses?
Yes, definitely.
Why do nurses wear a fob watch?
A fob watch is actually a traditional watch that appeared many years ago in the past.
It’s still used nowadays, but with different materials that are modern and more comfortable.
Is this watch for the nurse? Yes, it is. Why then?
By tradition, a nurse is given a fob watch as a gifted when she is newly qualified for the job and starts leaving home to live at nurse quarters.
This fob watch is considered to have sentimental value and will be kept by the nurse for the whole life with love and respect.
By functions, the fob watch helps nurses very much in the hectic environment of the hospital.
As this kind of watch is designed to hang upside down and attached to the pocket in front of the uniform shirt, it’s hand-free.
Nurses don’t have to touch the watch almost all the time.
The fob watch doesn’t need to be worn on the wrist, and then, nurses feel more comfortable to do daily tasks.
It’s more hygienic and reduces bacteria as users limit their times of touching the watch.
It also avoids receiving bloodstain, medication, and other liquid from remedial work.
Can nurses use Smartwatches?
Of course, they can.
Smartwatches are very useful and compact thanks to their modern and innovative design.
It helps you much with the daily tasks that we don’t have to bring our phones all the time.
These watches do not only push notification, messages, incoming calls, but also has a heart rate measuring app which is vital for nursing.
Some smartwatches also support water resistance that you feel rest assured when doing your jobs.
However, a smartwatch is not really an ideal accessory for a nurse.
Their work requires hygienic and clean hands, while a smartwatch attaching on a wrist may be a place for bacteria.
Moreover, some watches have a big size, and you may feel uncomfortable when working.
Can nurses wear Fitbits?
Yes, nurses can definitely wear Fitbits. Why not?
There are some benefits of Fitbits for a nursing job that you may want to know.
- Tracking patients’ respiration
- Measuring heart rate and pulse rate
- Checking the accurate time in the room
- Time managing and reminder
- Scheduling medication
All the tasks needing the proper time are supported with Fitbits.
This device also helps nurses track their health status as well.
Can nurses wear jewelry?
Yes and No.
You often take both answers to this question, and here is a brief explanation.
Yes, for watches.
Watches are one of the essential accessories for nursing jobs as it helps much in daily tasks.
However, consider a lightweight, clean, and convenient watch so that it won’t be a place for bacteria or transmitting disease.
No for earrings.
While someone thinks earring is not harmful, it is, conversely, not allowed to be worn in hospital.
Earring could cause an abscess that can harm patients during treatment.
Moreover, it attracts more dust and can be an excellent place to develop bacteria.
As the nursing job requires more hygiene than any other job, wearing earing is not acceptable.
Why is it called a fob watch?
Well, you may not know what the word “fob” really means, but it’s simple.
It indicates the cord or chain attaching to the watch.
Another meaning implies “fob” is actually a watch that can be put inside a pocket in front of your shirt.
“Fob” also has a metaphor meaning: charm, medallion.
In short, people call it a fob watch because it’s hung by a chain, while it can be put into a pocket.
Analog, Digital, or Smartwatch for nurses?
It depends on the functions, efficiency, accuracy, and the interests of nurses that they choose an analog, digital, or smartwatch.
However, watches should meet the essential requirements for nursing jobs:
- Accurate time
- Convenience
- Hygiene
- Water resistance
- Necessary functions: tracking heart rate, pulse rate, respiration; reminder; scheduling, etc.
Why should nurses replace their watch brands occasionally?
There are two main reasons why nurses should replace their watch brands.
First, they have the chance to put anything on the test. Design, quality, function, durability, etc.
You don’t know there are many great products out there if you just use one brand, do you?
That’s why you should try another one if you have the opportunity.
You will know all aspects of products in the same class, then put into comparison to see what strengths and weaknesses they have.
Second, you will eventually find your suitable brand when trying other ones in the market.
After knowing the pros and cons of a brand, you can choose the one which fits you the best.
Not every excellent watch brand is good for you. It depends on your purposes, interests, and budgets.
Watches for Nurses Video
For a nurse’s perspective on this topic, check out this video:
