A smartwatch for nurses is a wearable device designed specifically for use by healthcare professionals in the nursing industry. These watches come equipped with a range of features and capabilities to help nurses stay organized, communicate effectively with colleagues, and access critical patient information on the move.
When searching for the best smartwatches for nurses, it is essential to prioritize waterproof watches that can withstand occasional exposure to water, as nurses regularly wash their hands. Consider the size of the case as well, as an oversized watch may feel too heavy or cause accidental bumps with equipment and patients. Additionally, think about functionality and whether it offers hands-free support, allowing nurses to stay connected without having to look at their phones in between patients.
10 Best Smartwatches for Nurses in 2023:Tested and Reviewed
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Ticwatch E most comfortable Smartwatch-Shadow
- Fitbit Versa Smart Watch
- Garmin Venu, GPS Smartwatch
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Samsung Gear S2 Smartwatch
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Bluetooth Smartwatch
- Garmin 010-02172-11 Vivoactive 4S
- AUSAPG LG Watch Style Smartwatch
- Michael Kors Access Gen 4 MKGO Smartwatch
So, when looking for watches I’m looking for versatility, performance, build quality, and the ability to be cleaned. All of these are important for nurses and nursing students.
#1.Apple Watch Series 6
Pros
- Supports Wi-Fi and cellular use
- Sleep tracking and fitness tracking
- Water-resistant to 50m
Cons
- Lower battery life
- Only compatible with Apple devices
For iPhone users in search of a smartwatch that can handle phone calls and texts, the most viable option is the Apple Watch. As of the time of writing, the most recent Apple Watch model is the Series 6. It comes in two case sizes: 40mm and 44mm. This provides more choices for those with smaller wrists who don’t want an overwhelming watch. The always-on retina display is a standout feature, and the screen is 30% larger than the older Series 3, which remains popular.
The Series 6 tracks sleep and fitness, and the optical heart sensors provide continuous heart monitoring, pulse tracking, blood oxygen level tracking, and ECG readings through proprietary apps. The Apple Pay feature enables contactless payments, and the 50-meter water resistance allows for safe exposure to water. WiFi and cellular data support allow for a separate cell line to be assigned to the watch, enabling hands-free operation. The fall detection feature triggers an alert to emergency contacts, adding a layer of safety.
Hand Off is another useful feature that lets users open an app on their iPhone or iPad and continue using it on their Apple Watch. However, the Apple Watch only pairs with Apple devices. A common issue with Apple Watches, regardless of the generation, is that they consistently score lower in battery life. While the brand promises 18 hours of use on a single charge, most reviewers find that 12 hours is more realistic, especially with frequent use of the smart features. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, rugged smartwatches with excellent battery life may be a better option.
#2.Ticwatch E most comfortable Smartwatch-Shadow
Pros
- The product has a good number of useful features, which are reasonably all relevant for the everyday nurse.
- Comfortable strap material, which makes it easy and comfortable even if it is worn for many hours.
- Lightweight portability makes it easy to wear on the wrist without the user feeling its weight.
- Its water resistance ability makes it a good option for the nurse
- Great smartwatch features for a fair price
- Downloads and supports the functions of several fitness applications.
Cons
- The phone call compatibility provision is only compatible with Android devices
The Ticwatch is an attractively designed product crafted with the best materials. It features an analog timepiece format and measures 1.4 inches in dimension. The device boasts numerous functions and allows users to save and play music files. The watch is well-suited for nurses as it is designed to be used even during the busiest periods.
One of its key features is the Google Assistant voice command function, which enables users to check incoming messages and respond to them without the need for text messaging. The watch is water-resistant and also features a heart rate detector, sleep tracker, and GPS tracker.
Overall, the Ticwatch is one of the best smartwatches for nurses, and is a worthwhile investment for those in the field. However, it is important to consider the product’s pros and cons before making a purchase.
#3.Fitbit Versa Smart Watch
Pros
- Best on a Budget
- Streamlined smart functionality
- Water-resistant to 50m
Cons
- Limited smart functionality
The Fitbit Versa is an impressive and durable smartwatch packed with a wide range of features. One standout feature is its internal storage for music, which allows for the storage of over 300 songs. Another notable aspect is the four-day battery life, providing extended use for multiple shifts. The watch can be quickly recharged in just two hours, and is also water-resistant up to 50 meters. Additionally, the Fitbit Versa is compatible with both Apple and Android devices.
The Versa supports call, calendar, and text notifications, and includes 24/7 heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, step counting, sleep stage tracking, calorie burning, and floor climbing. Users can customize the screen with widgets, and the watch offers 15 exercise modes and GPS support for real-time tracking of distance, pace, and routes during activities such as running or walking. However, it should be noted that iPhone users may face limitations when it comes to music playback through streaming apps or accessing Fitbit Pay, the proprietary contactless payment app.
#4.Garmin Venu, GPS Smartwatch
Pros
- Breath work and respiration features
- Perfect combo of smartwatch and running watch
- Animated workouts for beginners
- Offline music and Bluetooth headphone connectivity
- AMOLED Display
Cons
- Limited app selection
- Generic design
The Venu is a great smartwatch option for medical professionals and fitness enthusiasts. While it may not have as many apps as the Apple Watch, it offers a touch interface and a comfortable fit. Plus, it has many functions that make it stand out from the Garmin Venu Sq. For example, it can store over 500 songs and is compatible with Siri and Google Assistant for voice control.
One of the best features of the Venu is its reliable GPS and heart rate tracking, which allows for real-time monitoring during exercise. It also offers various modes to cater to different adventure types. Additionally, it has a pulse oximeter that measures blood oxygen levels, which is useful for medical and sports purposes.
The Venu is incredibly lightweight, weighing only 7.8 ounces, and comes in various color strap options. The 43mm case is perfect for wrists with a circumference of 125-190mm. Finally, it allows for easy song downloads and lets you access your favorite music library from Spotify, Amazon Music, or Deezer.
Also read:The best blood pressure smart watches of 2023
#5.Apple Watch Series 5
Pros
- Supports call and text
- Available in 40 and 44mm case sizes
- Robust fitness trackers
Cons
- Lower battery life with frequent use of smart functions
In our opinion, the Series 5 Apple Watch is the best smartwatch with a second hand due to its vivid always-on retina display. Although it’s an older model, it’s significantly less expensive than the Series 6 while still offering GPS, WiFi, and cellular connectivity. This means you can make calls and send texts, even setting up a separate line for your watch through your mobile carrier. The Apple Watch also includes several health features such as sleep and step tracking, ECG, and continuous heart rate monitoring. Emergency SOS, fall detection, and an ABC sensor are also included. The durable silicone strap is available in either a 40- or 44-millimeter case.
The Series 5 supports Hand Off, which mirrors apps between the iPhone or iPad and the watch, and we appreciated the haptic feedback for the display. However, as with most Apple Watches, the battery life is often less than the brand promises. Reviewers have found that disabling the always-on retina display, which is the second biggest battery drain after frequent calls and texts, is the best way to extend battery life.
#6.Samsung Gear S2 Smartwatch
Pros
- The product provides great value for every buck spent on its procurement.
- The customizable screen display interface allows users to set the device display to suit them more.
- It gives you quick access to phone notifications and other pre-set calendar and time prompts.
- It comes with an ingenious wireless charging dock that provides an easier way to charge the device.
- Allows the use of thousands of application software right from its screen display.
Cons
- Battery life is not too impressive, and you may need to charge it more frequently than you would for other devices.
The Samsung Gear S2 Smart Watch is a popular and well-regarded device in the smartwatch market, often appearing on expert and analyst lists of top smartwatches.
Featuring a circular display with a rotatable bezel, the watch is compatible with most smartphones and iPhones, making it a versatile option for a wide range of users. For nurses, the watch’s fitness applications and heart rate monitor make it particularly useful.
In addition to its health-related features, the watch allows users to make and receive calls from its touchscreen display, freeing up nurses’ hands while they work. The display itself is a high-quality 360 × 360 pixel AMOLED screen, capable of producing vivid images, and users can customize the interface with up to three options.
While the Samsung Gear S2 Smart Watch has many strengths, its drawbacks include a relatively short battery life and limited app selection compared to some other smartwatches on the market. Nonetheless, its many benefits make it a strong choice for nurses seeking a reliable and versatile smartwatch.
#7.Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2 Bluetooth Smartwatch
Pros
- LTE Support
- 5 different colors and 3 sizes
- Super comfortable for nurses to wear all day long
- Great digital haptic dial
Cons
- Not compatible with Verizon
- Allows few third-party apps
The latest update of the Active 2 smartwatch brings some exciting features such as a digital rotating dial, a larger screen, and LTE connectivity for faster data access. Despite these enhancements, the price of the watch remains reasonable. The Active 2 sports a circular AMOLED touchscreen that comes in three sizes (40mm, 42mm, and 44mm).
With the advanced fitness coach, you can select from over 39 different exercises, and the watch tracks your heart rate accurately. It also monitors your sleep activity when not in use. The Active 2 is powered by a 9110 dual-core Exynos chip, similar to its predecessor. However, the new model boasts a faster base clock speed of 1.15 GHz and 768MB RAM, enabling smooth multitasking.
The watch’s 1.4″ screen displays crystal clear images, and its swim-proof design means you can take it with you for swimming practice to build stamina. In summary, the Active 2 is a fantastic digital watch for nurses with its comprehensive fitness features and reliable performance.
Also read:Best Smartwatches Under $50
#8.Garmin 010-02172-11 Vivoactive 4S
Pros
- 5ATM water resistance
- Up to 8 days of battery life
- 20+ built-in sport profiles
Cons
- Some functionality may be limited for iPhone users
The Garmin vivoactive 4 is a versatile watch brand that seamlessly combines work and play features, making it a top choice for nurses. With a battery life that lasts long, enhanced health and fitness tracking metrics, and a case choice of either 40 or 45 millimeters, this brand pairs with both Android and Apple devices.
One of the standout features of this watch is its more than 20 preloaded fitness profiles, which includes pilates, cardio, strength, and yoga. On-screen animations are also available to ensure you are using proper form. The fitness tracking capabilities are extensive, covering steps, floors climbed, calories burned, distance traveled, intensity minutes, blood oxygen, continuous heart rate, respiration, hydration, women’s health, and sleep. Additional safety features include incident detection and safety assistance support. The smart features allow you to receive notifications for text, calendar updates, and phone calls. It also stores up to 500 songs on the watch and allows you to manage music controls. Android users can access text response and phone call rejection along with Garmin Pay.
#9.AUSAPG LG Watch Style Smartwatch
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to fit on a wrist
- Allows you to schedule your events on it, with prompt reminders as is required
- The auto-respond feature allows users to set response messages, allowing them to use all the time they need on their nursing job.
- Its android 2.0 wear feature allows users to use hundreds of android mobile-originated applications.
Cons
- There are no inbuilt features like the sleep monitor or the GPS
- The product is slightly more expensive than other products in the same category.
The product offers convenient schedule organization and reminders for upcoming activities. With customizable responses, you can manage a busy day with ease.
The LGW270 is equipped with Android Wear 2.0, allowing for access to various Android mobile applications. Its built-in 4GB storage capacity offers ample space for saving different file formats. The device also features a 240mAh lithium polymer battery that is rechargeable with the provided charging attachment.
With an IP67 rating, the LGW270 is resistant to certain levels of water exposure, though it is not fully waterproof and may sustain damage if submerged in water. This feature makes it a suitable choice for nurses and earns it a spot on our list of best watches for nurses.Here are some of the pros and cons of the LG Electronics LGW270 Smart Watch that contributed to its inclusion on our Best SmartWatch For Nurses list.
Also read:15 Best Sports Watches of 2023
#10.Michael Kors Access Gen 4 MKGO Smartwatch
Pros
- No speaker
- Less RAM as compared to other waterproof watches for nurses
- Limited Storage
Cons
- No speaker
- Less RAM as compared to other waterproof watches for nurses
- Limited Storage
The Gen4 model features a precise heart rate and activity tracker that utilizes Google fit to provide you with accurate results. In addition, it has an in-built GPS for distance tracking, and its 3ATM swim-proof design makes it suitable for surface swimming up to 30 meters. Plus, you can conveniently use the Google Assistant to manage tasks with your voice and make speedy checkouts using Google Pay.
Since it supports Google Wear OS, you can connect it with both Android and iOS devices. It boasts a smooth AMOLED touch screen display of 1.2 inches (ca. 3 cm) with 390 x 390 resolution for optimal viewing experience. Furthermore, it features Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 3100 chipset that offers efficient management and multi-processing.
You’ll also receive real-time notifications and weather updates with its in-built Google Assistant. The watch also tracks your heart rate to help you manage your stress levels during intense activities. It has 512MB of RAM to ensure your third-party apps run smoothly, and its 4GB storage provides ample space for downloading your favorite apps.It’s incredibly lightweight at just 4.8 ounces, and the comfortable 20mm Silicone band and 43mm aluminum case make it comfortable to wear all day long.
Nurse smart watch difference
Smartwatches designed specifically for nurses may have features or design elements that are tailored to the needs of healthcare professionals. For example, a nurse’s smartwatch may have:
- A durable design that can withstand the demands of a hospital environment
- A large and easy-to-read display that can be viewed quickly and easily in a busy setting
- A long battery life to ensure that the watch remains powered throughout a long shift
- Heart rate monitoring and other fitness tracking features to help the nurse stay healthy and active
- Medication reminders and other healthcare-specific features, such as the ability to track vital signs or input patient notes
While a general-purpose smartwatch may have some of these features, a smartwatch designed specifically for nurses may be optimized for the needs of healthcare professionals and offer a more comprehensive set of features for this type of work.
Best Smartwatches for Nurses Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Factors to Consider
OS Compatibility
No matter your career path, one of the top factors you need to consider when buying a smartwatch is operating system (OS) compatibility. While most smartwatches are designed to work with both the Apple and Android OS, people with iPhones may experience functionality limitations specifically for smart features like responding to texts or rejecting calls. So, we usually recommend that anyone with an iPhone who wants a smartwatch that supports calls and text should opt for an Apple Watch. However, regardless of whether you’re an Apple or Android user, you’ll want to confirm that the current OS version you’re using is supported by your preferred smartwatch.
Water Resistance
This might seem like an odd one to include. But considering that nurses are required to frequently wash their hands, water-resistance should be a priority. Thankfully, most smartwatches from major brands (i.e. Apple, Samsung, Garmin, Fitbit, etc.) are rated with a water resistance of at least 3ATM. This translates to 30 meters which is more than sufficient for occasional water exposure such as hand washing or bathing a patient. But if you want to also swim while wearing your watch, then look for a 5ATM or 50 meters of water resistance.
Fitness and Health Metrics
Even nurses need to look after their health. Most smartwatches are designed to — at a minimum — track steps, heart rate, sleep, calories burned, and floors climbed. Some watches are designed for sports enthusiasts and are preloaded with multiple sport or activity profiles so that the watch can more accurately track your movements. And typically, most smartwatches also work with a proprietary app to review that information or allow you to push your health and fitness data to other apps such as Apple Health or Samsung Health.
Size
A clunky smartwatch can be a liability for a nurse. It can interfere with your ability to do your job, or constantly bang against hospital equipment. Look for watches that are relatively lightweight, but made of durable materials such as shatter and scratch-resistant glass so that they last longer.
Functionality
Besides activity tracking and health and fitness metrics in the background, some people may prefer a watch with more enhanced smart features such as sending and receiving calls and texts, managing music controls, or even contactless payments. While most smartwatches support notifications for calls, text messages, and calendar updates, not all of them allow you to seamlessly control music or make calls and texts. If a hands-free replacement is your goal, iPhone owners should pick an Apple Watch and Android users should opt for a Samsung Galaxy Watch. But for fitness and health, most watches track heart rates, steps, calories burned, sleep, and floors climbed.
Battery Life
Considering that nurses can pull long shifts, battery life is important. The last thing you want is for your watch to die mid-shift. However, keep in mind that watches with more enhanced smart features like call and text support tend to have lower battery ranges than watches that are more fitness trackers with limited smart functionality. Depending on the watch you pick, you can find one that may barely make it through one shift and some that can go for a period of time before they need to be recharged — or in the case of hybrid watches, need the battery to be replaced.
Smartwatches for Nurses FAQs
Some popular smartwatches for nurses include the Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch Active, and Fitbit Versa. These watches offer features that can be useful for nurses, such as fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, and the ability to receive notifications and calls.
Can smartwatches help nurses with their work?
Yes, smartwatches can potentially help nurses with their work by providing quick and easy access to important information and allowing them to stay connected to their colleagues and patients. For example, a smartwatch can display medication reminders, alert the nurse to important notifications or updates, and allow them to make calls or send messages without having to use a phone.
Are smartwatches durable enough for the hospital environment?
Most smartwatches are designed to be durable and withstand everyday wear and tear. However, they may not be as rugged as some other types of watches, such as dive watches, which are designed to withstand extreme conditions. It is important to choose a smartwatch that is suitable for the hospital environment and can withstand the demands of a busy shift.
Can smartwatches be worn with a stethoscope?
Yes, many smartwatches are designed to be worn with a stethoscope. It is important to choose a smartwatch with a slim or flat design to avoid interference with the stethoscope or other medical equipment.
Are smartwatches waterproof?
Many smartwatches are waterproof or water-resistant to some degree. Water-resistant smartwatches can withstand splashes of water or rain, but may not be suitable for swimming or diving. Waterproof smartwatches can be worn in the water, but it is important to check the manufacturer’s guidelines for the specific level of waterproofing and the types of water activities that the watch is suitable for.