10 Best Smartwatch For Nurses 2025 in the United States

The Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS 42mm) with Rose Gold Aluminum Case is a strong candidate for nurses looking for a reliable, health-focused smartwatch. It offers excellent health monitoring features critical for healthcare professionals, including hypertension alerts, ECG, blood oxygen readings, sleep score, and even possible sleep apnea notifications. These can help nurses keep tabs on their own wellness during demanding shifts. The watch is designed for comfort with a thin, lightweight build and a soft sport band suitable for all-day wear, including overnight sleep tracking. It also sports a durable, scratch-resistant display and is water-resistant up to 50 meters with dust resistance, making it tough enough to handle the busy and sometimes messy healthcare environment.

Connectivity is solid with the ability to send texts, take calls, and receive notifications when paired with an iPhone, ensuring nurses stay connected without needing to pull out their phones. The battery life lasts up to 24 hours under normal use, which means daily charging is necessary—something to consider for long shifts or split schedules. While the always-on display and fast charging are helpful, the watch may require a mid-shift charge if used heavily for health tracking and notifications. The control system, including the Digital Crown and wrist gestures, is intuitive but might require a short adjustment period for new users. This Apple Watch provides comprehensive health insights and connectivity in a comfortable, durable package, making it well-suited for nurses who value detailed wellness tracking and staying connected, though its battery life may require some planning during busy days.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 is a strong candidate for nurses looking for a smartwatch that balances health tracking with daily usability. Its battery life is solid, offering long-lasting charge that can comfortably get through a nursing shift without frequent recharging. The watch’s lightweight and snug design means it won’t feel bulky or uncomfortable during extended wear, which is essential for nurses on their feet all day.

Health features like advanced sleep coaching, heart rate tracking, and vascular load monitoring provide valuable insights into stress and fitness, helping users maintain their well-being despite demanding schedules. The integration of a personal AI assistant and improved user interface make it easier to handle notifications, manage tasks hands-free, and quickly glance at important updates, which is ideal in fast-paced healthcare settings. The watch’s water resistance and durable build add practical protection against accidental splashes or exposure to moisture common in clinical environments.

The screen size, while adequate, isn’t the largest for quick viewing, and some users might find the learning curve of Wear OS slightly challenging at first if they’re not familiar with smart devices. Also, while the watch has GPS and plenty of storage, these are less critical for nurses compared to battery reliability and comfort, where it performs well. The Galaxy Watch 8 offers a neat blend of comfort, health monitoring, and smart features that align well with the needs of nurses, though it may take a short adjustment period to get fully comfortable with the interface.

The Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS + Cellular 42mm] with a Rose Gold Aluminium Case and Light Blush Sport Band offers a blend of style and functionality, making it a solid choice for nurses. Its battery life can last up to 18 hours of normal use and up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode, which may require frequent charging for extended shifts. However, its fast-charging capability, achieving 80% in about 30 minutes, is a plus for busy schedules. Durability is a highlight, with crack resistance, IP6X dust certification, and 50m water resistance, essential for the demanding environment nurses work in.

Health monitoring features are comprehensive, including ECG, heart rate notifications, sleep tracking, and menstrual cycle tracking, providing valuable health insights. The watch's ability to detect falls and crashes, and the emergency SOS feature, adds another layer of safety. Connectivity through cellular service allows for calls, texts, and music streaming without the need for an iPhone, which can be convenient during work hours.

The device is compatible with other Apple products and offers easy customization with various bands and watch faces. However, its reliance on the Apple ecosystem means it may not be the best fit for users with non-Apple devices. Comfort and fit are well-addressed with its lighter and thinner design, making it easy to wear throughout long shifts. Despite its higher price point, the Apple Watch Series 10 stands out for its advanced features and robust design, proving to be a valuable companion for nurses needing a reliable and multifunctional smartwatch.