A nurse does not strictly need a wristwatch, but a nurse does need a reliable way to read seconds, because counting a pulse or a respiratory rate depends on it. Many hospitals restrict wristwatches during hands-on patient care, so the most practical answer is often a pin-on fob watch with a silicone case, or a simple silicone-strap watch where the policy allows it.
Quick answer: Yes, nurses need a seconds display, either on the wrist or on a fob watch pinned to the scrubs. In the UK (NHS) and Australia, “bare below the elbows” rules generally mean no wristwatch in patient-facing roles. In the US there is no single national ban, so the rule is set by your hospital and often your unit. Always check your own facility’s policy before buying.
Why nurses need a watch with seconds
Taking a pulse or counting breaths means timing 15, 30 or 60 seconds accurately. A phone is not always practical or hygienic to handle at the bedside, and wall clocks are rarely close enough to read. A watch with a sweep seconds hand, or a digital readout with seconds, solves that. It also helps with timing medication, IV rates and procedures.
Hospital watch rules: US, UK and Australia
The reason for the rules is hand hygiene. A watch on the wrist gets in the way of washing the wrists and forearms, and a strap can hold germs. Rules vary by country, hospital and unit, and I have summarized what published guidance says, but your own employer’s policy always wins.
| Region | What published guidance says | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| United States | No single national rule. Hospitals set their own policies. Hand hygiene guidance in general encourages minimizing jewelry that interferes with washing, and a WHO hand hygiene guideline notes that most guidelines prohibit jewelry or watches on the hands of surgical teams. | Wristwatches are often tolerated on general wards but frequently banned in operating rooms, isolation rooms and some ICUs. Ask your manager or infection prevention team. |
| United Kingdom (NHS) | “Bare below the elbows” applies to patient-facing staff. One NHS ambulance service’s guidance says wristwatches must be removed and that washable watch straps are not acceptable in any patient-facing circumstance. | Leave the wristwatch off. A pinned fob watch is the usual compliant option, but confirm with your trust, as local policies differ. |
| Australia | Queensland Health’s bare-below-the-elbows guide states that bracelets, wrist watches and rings should not be worn, and lists no exception for watches. A Tasmanian Department of Health poster says to remove your wristwatch. Both point to the national hand hygiene initiative. | No wristwatch for clinical staff. Fob watches are widely sold to nurses and students, but check with your line manager or infection control. |
The UK and Australian guidance I found does not mention fob watches specifically. Fob watches are common in all three countries because they stay off the wrist, but do not assume yours is allowed until you have checked. Queensland’s own page tells staff to ask their line manager or local infection prevention service.
Fob watches: the standard workaround
A fob watch pins or clips to your scrub top, with the face hanging upside-down so it reads correctly when you look down. Nurses like them because the wrist stays bare for washing and the watch hangs away from the patient.
- Silicone fob watches are the best choice. The case wipes clean and sheds fluids. Retailers sell them for roughly AUD 10 to 20 (about $7 to $15 USD), and they come in many colors.
- Metal or plastic clip-on and lapel watches cost a little more. Prestige Medical’s lapel and stethoscope watches sell in the AUD 35 to 65 range at one Australian retailer.
- Look for a visible seconds hand. Not all cheap fobs make this clear, so check the dial before you buy.
- Keep it clean. Wipe the fob with a disinfectant wipe approved for the material, and keep the pin and clasp clean.
Replacement faces and pins are cheap, which is a bonus when one gets lost or broken on a busy shift.
What to look for in a nurse’s watch
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Visible seconds (sweep hand or digital) | Counting pulse and respiratory rate |
| Non-porous strap (silicone, rubber or steel) | Easy to wipe down, no bacteria-holding material like leather |
| Smooth case with few crevices | Less room for dirt to collect |
| Water resistance | Survives frequent hand washing and sanitizer |
| 24-hour format and lume or backlight | Useful for long shifts and dim night-shift rooms |
| Small, light case | Comfortable and less likely to snag on gloves or patients |
Water resistance numbers can be confusing. Our explainer on water resistant vs waterproof will help you read the markings.
Good wrist watches for nurses (where allowed)
If your workplace allows a wristwatch, or you want one for off-duty hours, these are sensible choices. Prices are US figures from a March 2026 guide and change with retailers.
Casio F-91W
Best for: a simple, cheap digital watch with seconds.
A resin case, digital seconds, 24-hour format and backlight, usually for about $10 to $15.
- Pros: inexpensive, easy to replace, light.
- Cons: basic features, and the case has some crevices.
Casio G-Shock GBD-200
Best for: a durable, slim G-Shock with extra features.
About $100 to $130, with 200 m water resistance, shock resistance, digital seconds, a step counter and Bluetooth, and a resin case and strap that wipe clean.
- Pros: tough, easy to wipe, functional.
- Cons: sportier look and bigger than a simple digital.
Apple Watch SE with silicone Sport Band
Best for: nurses who want timers, notifications and health tracking.
About $249 to $299. It needs daily charging.
- Pros: timers, health tracking, notifications, cleanable silicone band.
- Cons: daily charging, more costly, and many facilities restrict smartwatches near patients.
Seiko 5 Sports with a silicone strap
Best for: those who prefer a mechanical watch with a smooth sweeping seconds hand.
Roughly $180 to $220, plus about $20 for a silicone strap. It offers 100 m water resistance.
- Pros: sweep seconds hand, solid build, swappable strap.
- Cons: more expensive than quartz and less accurate; wrist wear is banned in many patient-facing roles.
Wristwatch, fob or phone: which to choose
- Working in a bare-below-the-elbows environment (NHS, Australia, most operating rooms): a silicone fob watch.
- Working on a ward where wrist watches are tolerated: a plain resin or silicone-strap digital such as the Casio F-91W.
- Off duty and travelling to work: any watch you like, as long as it comes off before you start your shift.
- No watch at all: many wards provide wall clocks and nurses use bedside monitors or phones, but you lose the convenience of reading seconds at the bedside.
Advice for nursing students and new starters
- Read the uniform policy first. Your university or hospital will usually say whether a fob watch is expected. Many programs list one as required kit.
- Buy a cheap fob before an expensive one. They get dropped, lost and pulled off by patients, so start with a silicone model at roughly $7 to $15 and replace it as needed.
- Practice reading it upside-down. It sounds trivial, but reading a fob watch quickly while counting a pulse takes a little practice.
- Do not rely on your phone. Many wards restrict phones at the bedside, and handling a phone between patients can undo good hand hygiene.
Care and cleaning tips
- Wipe the watch and strap with a disinfectant wipe approved for the material.
- Avoid leather and fabric straps in clinical settings.
- Take the watch off if your policy requires it during hands-on care, and clean your hands and wrists thoroughly.
- Keep a spare fob or battery in your locker.
Looking at other professions that need tough, practical watches? See our guides for police officers and law enforcement.
FAQ
Do nurses have to wear a watch?
No, but they need a means to read seconds. Facilities often allow fob watches even where wrist watches are restricted, but confirm with your employer.
What is a fob watch for nurses?
A small watch that pins to the scrub top and hangs upside-down so the wearer can read it, keeping the wrist bare for hand hygiene.
Can nurses wear silicone watches?
In some US wards, yes. In NHS and Australian patient-facing roles, guidance generally rules out wrist watches altogether, and at least one NHS ambulance service states that washable straps are not acceptable. A silicone fob watch is the safer choice.
What does “bare below the elbows” mean?
Short sleeves and no wristwatch, bracelets or hand jewelry for staff in patient-facing roles, so that hands and wrists can be washed thoroughly.
Are smartwatches allowed in hospitals?
Policies vary. Some facilities allow them, while others prohibit them in patient areas.