Nursing shifts are brutal on watches. Between the constant handwashing, bumping trolleys, and checking obs every hour, you need something that won’t die on you halfway through a nightshift. If you’re after nurses watches in Adelaide, forget the fancy stuff—here’s what actually matters when you’re working the floor.
Can You Read It in the Dark?
Half your shift might be in dimly lit rooms with patients trying to sleep. Squinting at tiny numbers while you’re counting respirations is pointless. Big, clear numbers with decent contrast. That’s it. My mate Sarah bought this gorgeous minimalist one with grey numbers on a white face—looked stunning, completely useless at 2am.
Needs a Proper Second Hand
Counting pulse and respirations for fifteen or thirty seconds? You need to see those seconds ticking. Analogue’s easier because you can glance and track without thinking. Digital works too, just make sure it’s not buried in a submenu or something ridiculous.
Actually Waterproof
Your hands are wet half the shift. Splashes, handwashing, that time someone’s IV bag leaked everywhere—watches cop all of it. Anything under 30 metres water resistance won’t last. Leather bands look nice in the shop but turn gross after a week. Silicone or metal, that’s your lot.
Easy to Clean Properly
Bacteria lives in every little gap and groove. You want smooth surfaces you can wipe down with alcohol gel between patients. Those trendy ones with crystals or decorative bits? Gunk magnets. Seen nurses scrubbing them with toothbrushes trying to get crud out. Not worth the hassle.
Doesn’t Slide Around
Fob watches clip on but swing about and get in the way. Different types of watches need bands that fit properly—not cutting off circulation, not loose enough to spin around when you’re trying to chart. Your wrists swell during long shifts too, so adjustable helps.
Won’t Cost Three Shifts Worth of Pay
It’s a work tool, not jewellery. Fifty to two hundred bucks gets you something solid. More than that, you’re paying for a name on the dial. Less than that, you’re replacing it every few months. Cousin went through four cheap ones last year before buying a decent Casio that’s still going. Some places doing Adelaide watch repairs can fix good ones if they break, which beats replacing them constantly.
Battery Doesn’t Die Every Month
Watch dying during a shift is annoying as hell. Look for batteries lasting a year minimum. Check if you can swap them yourself or if you need to take it somewhere. That adds up over time.
Doesn’t Feel Like a Brick
Wearing something heavy for twelve hours gets old. Titanium or lighter materials disappear on your wrist. Those chunky statement watches look great but by hour six you’re ready to chuck it across the ward.
Shopping for nurses’ watches in Adelaide means ignoring what looks good on Instagram and picking what survives actual ward work. Pretty’s nice, but functional keeps you on time and in one piece.