For Professionals

Smart Watches for Nurses: 9 Picks to Look At

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O. Christopher

Top 9 Smart Watches for Nurses

Smart watches for nurses are a no-brainer.

With one, these healthcare professionals can keep track of their vitals to a good degree while also maintaining a healthy lifestyle under a pressing job.

Not all smartwatches are great for nurses, though. That is why we have researched the best smartwatches for nurses, nursing students, and other healthcare professionals who might want to get in on this too.

The Top Smartwatches for Nurses

Why Nurses Should Get Smart Watches

After all, you can just get a traditional watch and be done with it. However, you will be missing out on the following:

Sleep Tracking

The healthcare profession is a very tasking one. Sometimes, you might not get as much sleep as you need. Over time, you might lose track of how little sleep you are getting. This is just setting you up for some more health issues later.

Truth is that we need all of our amazing nurses up and healthy, so it would be great if you tracked your sleep. That way, you can always see where there are gaps and work towards getting better sleep.

Improved notification

Nurses do not have the time to whip out their phones and check all notifications. With a smartwatch on their hands, these nurses can get alerts better and faster, boosting their response times too.

Non-obstructive

Smart watches do not get in the way of anything. They are not even distracting, and their default faces can be reset to be something simpler. Thus, they are as helpful as they can be without getting in the way of your work

Real-time assessments

Nurses might need to take real-time measurements for vital signs on the spot without access to medical equipment. While smartwatches are not at the exact precision level of sophisticated medical equipment, they have an impressive rate of accuracy. They are also better than relying on manual pulse counts, heart rate determination, and such other old field models.

Time-telling

Standard hospitals have clocks almost everywhere. That does not account for possible blind spots, though. Furthermore, it is just better for a nurse to have a reliable timepiece on their hands. Given that smartwatches use network-updated time, the chances of being wrong are very, very slim.

Routine tracking

Nurses have a lot of routines that they have to cram into their heads. From knowing the exact time to check on what patient to changing a drip bag, and giving an injection/ administering meds to making general rounds, time is of the essence.

The issue is that nurses might forget one of the things in their routine. They might even remember the time when they should do certain stuff, but forget what they have to do. Setting reminders on your phone and syncing with your watch, you never have to forget any routine anymore.

Work-flow

Following from the above, you can simply create a checklist/ to-do list synced to your watch. That helps boost productivity and ensure you are delivering at 100% every time.

Find your device

Did you forget your phone/ tablet somewhere during a ward round? Worry no more. You can usually find them with your smartwatch, either on the map or by engaging the ring function.

Added benefits

That said, smart watches hold a lot of benefits for nurses outside of the workplace. Smartwatches come with a plethora of features and a ton of other important functionalities that make them a must-have.

1. Apple Watch Series 5

Sale
Apple Watch Series 5 (GPS, 40MM) Silver Aluminum Case with White Sport Band (Renewed)
  • GPS Only
  • Always-On Retina display
  • 30% larger screen
  • Swimproof
  • Electrical and optical heart sensors

Apple brings a lot of value on board with its products – a courtesy that they extend to the iWatch series too. With the launch of the Series 5 watch comes one of the best smart and digital watches out there. The reason for that is not far-fetched.

The watch has a 30% larger screen than its predecessor while not appearing bigger on the wrist. This ensures users get a bigger screen real estate without having to feel like they are lugging a small TV around on their wrists.

The watch also features support for ECG monitoring, a heart rate sensor, and elevation sensors. These sensors not only track your vitals in real-time but can also notice when you have been unusually inactive for a while, notifying emergency health care lines instantly.

If you sometimes forget to get a good sleep in between calls, this watch will make sure that stops happening. With the in-built sleep tracking feature, that is.

Finally, we love the fact that the watch bands can be swapped to almost any compatible design and color. The watch faces can also be changed, allowing your timepiece to blend in well when you’re not wearing it on duty.

  • PROS
  • Packs a ton of premium features and sensors
  • Quality is guaranteed with Apple products
  • Available in different sizes for diverse wrist sizes
  • Tracks important vitals for the wearer
  • Logs health reports automatically for the wearer
  • Designed to optimize the wearer’s life
  • CONS
  • Only works with iOS devices

2. Samsung Galaxy Watch

SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch (46mm, GPS, Bluetooth) – Silver/Black (US Version)
  • Live a stronger, smarter life with Galaxy Watch at your wrist....
  • Go nonstop for days on a single charge. The wireless charger lets...
  • Available in two sizes and three colors, the Galaxy Watch offers...
  • Pairs with both Android and iOS smartphones via Bluetooth...
  • Included in box: Galaxy Watch, Additional Strap (Large and Small...

After the release of this original Galaxy Watch from Samsung, they have gone on to make two more – the Galaxy Watch Active and Galaxy Watch Active 2. However, there is something about this watch that has just caught our fancy over the years.

Unlike the Apple watch above, this watch does not come with ECG monitoring sensors. That will be a major tradeoff, but wait till you hear that it pairs fine with both iOS and Android devices alike. This makes this watch a better value for money for nurses who have both devices.

It is also a great buy for some people who do not like the rectangular design language of the Apple watches and would rather something that looked more like a traditional unit.

If looks were all we wanted to look at, this watch would be a winner already. Fortunately, it brings more than just beauty to the table. That is where we have the likes of a military-grade strength to prevent damages, sensors for sleep, walk, heart rate, and stress tracking, among other things.

Yes, the watch lets you know when you have been stressing yourself so that you can take a break. Besides all the amazing features, we love the fact that the watch bands are interchangeable with traditional watch hands too.

  • PROS
  • Watchbands can be swapped for your traditional watch hands (leather, rubber, chain, etc.)Compatible with both iOS and Android devices
  • The connected app provides a thorough breakdown with actionable data
  • The watch comes with approved military-grade protection
  • Doesn't draw much attention to itself with a natural look
  • Available in two different size options too
  • CONS
  • Sync with iPhone is good but fairly limited
  • Heart rate sensor is improved in newer models

3. AMATAGE Smart Watch/ Fitness Tracker

A first look at the AMATAGE Smart Watch/ Fitness Tracker and it looks like something right out of the stables of Samsung. The traditional watch feel attracted us to this one, and we loved the rotating bezels on the screen even more. After all, that is one of the reasons why the original Galaxy Watch was well-loved too.

Under all that shiny exterior, though, is a ton of impressive features that we are just waiting to dive into.

It starts with 23 different sports modes for nurses who like to keep fit in their spare time. No matter the kind of activity, chances are high that you will find a match in there. The heart rate sensor also does a good job of giving you actionable readings. That is only bettered by the overall professional appeal which makes the watch set for everyday use.

Compatible with both iOS and Android devices, this watch also brings a sleep monitor to the table. Equipped with the capacity to relay your messages and calls to you in real-time also, you have another winner in this watch.

  • PROS
  • Packs premium watch features for a bargain price
  • Unique, everyday look for a special feel
  • Customizable interface to match different occasions
  • Waterproof functionality to boost the range of application
  • Watch manages a great battery life on everyday use
  • CONS
  • Low cost might mean trading off on keen sensor accuracies
  • Most measurements are in the metric system
  • Certain users might have disparities in activity tracking

4. Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle Smartwatch

Fossil 44mm Gen 5 Carlyle Stainless Steel Touchscreen Smart Watch with Heart Rate, Color: Smoke...
  • Smartwatches powered with Wear OS by Google work with iPhone and...
  • Battery: 24 Hr plus multi day extended mode Varies based on usage...
  • Health and fitness: Heart Rate & Activity Tracking using Google...
  • Lifestyle: This smart watch has always on display with thousands...
  • Smart watch functions: Stay connected with notifications for...

Most people would rate the Fossil smartwatches behind Apple and Samsung picks. We believe that this watch is in a class of its own.

Good luck convincing anyone that spots the watch on your hand that you did not pay a small fortune for it. Wait till they see the buttery smooth, clean and intuitive interface too – and they would argue that you paid more than you have claimed.

The success of Fossil is mainly due to using a different kind of operating system to the other two wearable behemoths in the market. They take that up a notch by slapping on the best and most useful sensors you can find on a watch.

Finalize that with the variety of color options to match your personality, and it becomes so clear why this company has broken through in the smartwatch market.

On top of all the usual sensors that you would expect, this watch also leads you in guided breathing exercises, should you ever feel stressed. If you were wondering, it pairs just fine with Android and iOS units too. Running on WearOS by Google, though, we believe that the watch will be preferentially better for Android units.

  • PROS
  • Brings something fresh to the smartwatch table
  • Packs a load of important sensors
  • Passes as an everyday watch
  • Compatible with Android and iOS devices
  • The user interface is crisp, smooth and intuitive
  • Access to a wide range of apps from the Google Play Store
  • CONS
  • Might face some issues with iPhone connection
  • Users have reported faster battery drains (this can be managed better with smart battery modes)

5. Garmin Instinct Outdoor Watch

Sale
Garmin 010-02064-00 Instinct, Rugged Outdoor Watch with GPS, Features Glonass and Galileo, Heart...
  • Rugged GPS watch built to withstand the toughest environments
  • Constructed to U.S. Military standard 810G for thermal, shock and...
  • Built in 3 axis compass and barometric altimeter, plus multiple...
  • Monitor your estimated heart rate, activity and stress; Train...
  • Stay connected with smart notifications (with a compatible...

Trust Garmin to enter the smartwatch scene with something dramatic – and that is what they did.

If it is getting boring to talk about all of those heart rate tracking, sleep tracking, exercise tracking, and more, this Garmin watch is fine with that. After all, it packs a lot more punch.

The first noticeable thing about the watch is the barrage of information it can provide you at first glance. Unlike the others, you also get additional altimeter readings, insights on the prevalent barometric pressure – which gives rise to better temperature sensing – and more.

It gets better when we look at the material of make. Designed from fiber-reinforced polymer, it is little wonder that this watch has a military-grade resistance rating for shock, thermal and water resistance slapped on it. The guarantee is that you can take it to the most extreme work areas and never worry about it.

This Garmin Instinct Outdoor Watch is by far the most ideal smartwatch for nurses working in the field due to the specificity of sensors that it carries. The TracBack feature (trademarked by Garmin) is also essential to retracing your steps if you ever get lost in uncharted territory.

According to Garmin itself, this watch can last as long as 14 days in smartwatch mode alone. While companies tend to stretch these things, we believe the numbers should be close.

  • PROS
  • Very long-lasting battery
  • Dedicated sensors for temperature and altimeter readings
  • Ideal for nurses and healthcare personnel in the fields
  • Military-grade protection makes watch durable
  • Compatible with both iOS and Android devices
  • Great for nurses that stay active outdoors
  • Monitors heart rate and stress profiles in real-time
  • CONS
  • Cannot store music for Bluetooth playback
  • Silicon bands on the watch cause itching to some users

6. Letsfit GPS Running Smartwatch

So, what can we get from the name here?

For one, it is sure that this is a smartwatch, else it would not find a home on this list. Another thing that we are sure of is that it comes with a GPS which makes it fit for running, among other things.

What the name does not talk about, though, is the stylish design watch makes this pass off as an everyday watch.

Nothing quite beats making the ward rounds and not distracting your patient with the rather distinctive build of your watch. Likewise, this Letsfit GPS Running Smartwatch happens to be one of the most pocket-friendly watches on this list which still carries significant sensors with it. Now, we cannot say that the sensors here will work as accurately as the other picks. However, the watch gives you a decent calorie counter, tracks your steps, observes your sleep patterns, and promises to watch your heart rate even when you are not watching yourself. That sounds like another good deal to us.

  • PROS
  • Ships at a pocket-friendly price
  • Design of the watch makes it blend in when on and off duty
  • Pairs right with Android and iOS devices
  • Packs a slew of sensors for added functionality
  • Compatible with the Google Fit protocol
  • CONS
  • Watches at lower prices could have weaker sensors
  • No dedicated internal storage space for files (music and pictures)

7. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active/ Galaxy Watch Active 2

Sale
SAMSUNG Galaxy Watch Active 2 Smart Watch 44mm US Version GPS Bluetooth Advanced Health Monitoring...
  • Better Insights To Help You Reach Your Fitness Goals: Get More...
  • Comfortably Sleek: The Galaxy Active2 Comes In Aluminum With A...
  • Keep Your Beat: Receive An Automatic Alert If Your Watch Detects...
  • Level Up Your Downtime: The Built-In Sleep Tracker Offers...

For all the love that we have for the original Galaxy Watch, there are certain areas where it could fall short for some wearers.

For one, the engineering behind the watch makes it look like it is worth more than it is. That can make such a watch stand out too much. Likewise, we cannot ignore the fact that it is a few generations behind the current smartwatches in the market. Furthermore, some users might not like the idea of the rotating bezels (which we love, by the way).

The nurses or health care practitioners that fall into this category will be better off going for a Galaxy Watch Active series – which consists of the Galaxy Watch Active or Galaxy Watch Active 2.

The name indicates that these models were built with fitness in mind. That is instantly evident in the better activity tracking of the watches, reporting to you whenever you sync with the app. They might look thin, but they are quite strong and durable also. The military-grade protection badge promises that, and a scratch-resistant glass on the face bolsters that point.

Finally, we like that these watches are light enough to be worn on your wrists without you feeling anything is there at all.

  • PROS
  • Lightweight, durable yet efficient
  • Loses the rotating bezel
  • Comes packed with improved sensors and increased functionality
  • Watch is focused on health and fitness
  • Compatible with Android and iOS devices
  • Ships with internal storage memory to store songs and other files
  • CONS
  • Some users prefer the design of the original Galaxy Watch to thisDoes not look as rugged on the outside for an activity-based watch

8. Motorola Moto 360 3rd Gen

Moto 360 3rd Gen 2020 - Wear OS by Google - Touch Screen - Luxury Stainless Steel Smartwatch -...
  • New Sleek Design: The Moto 360 smartwatch is carefully crafted to...
  • Use for Longer: Extend your style and comfort with this...
  • Quick Charge In 60 Minutes: Save more time and get your...
  • Connect to Favorite Apps: The Moto 360 smartwatch runs on the...
  • Track your workouts - Built in with the latest GPS, heart rate...

Motorola has had time to perfect their offerings in the smartwatch game, and we are happy that they rose to the challenge. Today, they have the amazing Moto 360 3rd Gen smartwatch to show for all of their good intentions.

Staring can be considered rude, but not when you see this watch for the first time. The interface, powered by Wear OS, is just as smooth and beautiful.

Motorola knows what makes a good smartwatch, so they packed it full with relevant, intelligent sensors also. In there, you will find something for your heart rate, sleep, and activities.

It does not end there at all. The Moto 360 3rd Gen goes the next mile, offering users the ability to balance and manage both their physical and mental health. The Calm app, for one, encourages and guides users through meditation. There is also a Lifesum app that, among other things, helps users optimize their food and water intakes.

With a look that suits multiple styles and diverse occasions, Motorola truly outdid themselves this time.

  • PROS
  • A stylish look for all seasons and occasions
  • Highly geared towards the user’s mental and physical health
  • Wear OS ensures a smooth UI experience
  • Google Play access opens up a ton of added functionalities (via apps)
  • Durability and battery life are both unquestionable
  • CONS
  • Not very compatible with Apple devices

9. Ticwatch Pro 4G Smartwatch

TicWatch Pro 4G LTE Cellular Smartwatch GPS NFC Wear OS by Google Android Health and Fitness Tracker...
  • Upgraded Premium Design- Stylish and functional design with...
  • Long Battery Life- Dual-layered ALOMED/LCD screens and two...
  • Cellular Connectivity for Verizon Phone Plan Users- Instant calls...
  • Swim-ready Fitness Companion- IP68 waterproof and pool swimming...
  • Smart Sleep Tracking- Download TicSleep app on the watch and...

If we wanted something that looked as stylish as a Rolex with the interface of a Samsung watch and strength of a G-Shock, we would probably go for this watch.

The choice of Wear OS from Google puts us at ease. We know that we will not be dealing with some strange, startup OS that might still have some bugs to it. On the outside, the watch does not disappoint with a military-grade shell for the longevity of use and durability. Seamless integration with Google Pay means that you can pay from your wrist if you have that set up already.

Looking elsewhere, an essential mode that allows the watch to last up to 30 days is one of our favorite things about it. We did not like that the sport modes were limited to just 6. We are, however, pleased with the decent heart rate monitor and overall activity tracker.

Compatible with both Android (preferred) and Apple (mildly preferred) devices, multi-platform smartphone users have a winner in this. Lest we forget, there is an onboard 4GB ROM for you to store your music and other files on.

  • PROS
  • Wear OS allows for a buttery smooth UI
  • Access to Google Play apps to boost watch functionality
  • Comes with essential sensors
  • The watch is certified military-grade to guarantee longevity
  • Premium design on the outside fits into everyday use
  • Ample onboard storage space for music files
  • CONS
  • Sport modes are limited to just six
  • The watch will perform better with Android units than iPhones and iPads

Conclusion

Of our top nine smartwatches for nurses, which one has caught your fancy the most? Having explored different brands from multiple, trusted names in the business, we suppose you will find just the right smartwatch to fit into your lifestyle right here.

You can also check out our top watches for paramedics and EMTs here if you are more into that.

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O. Christopher

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