--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: You're right. Many nurses nowadays don't…" description: "\"“You're right. Many nurses nowadays don't like doing the things that nurses used to have to do. Changing sheets and collecting bedpans - that sort of t..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0af/alexander-mccall-smith-372_careers_you-re-right-many-nurses-nowadays-don-t_1083253.png" --- # You're right. Many nurses nowadays don't like doing the… ![“You're right. Many nurses nowadays don't like doing the things that nurses used to have to do. Changing sheets and collecting bedpans - that sort of thing. Nursing has moved on, Bertie.' Bertie was puzzled. 'But if they don't do that,' he said, 'then who does? Do people have to tuck themselves…” quote by Alexander McCall Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0af/alexander-mccall-smith-372_careers_you-re-right-many-nurses-nowadays-don-t_1083253.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0af/alexander-mccall-smith-372_careers_you-re-right-many-nurses-nowadays-don-t_1083253.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0af/alexander-mccall-smith-372_careers_you-re-right-many-nurses-nowadays-don-t_1083253.png) > ““You're right. Many nurses nowadays don't like doing the things that nurses used to have to do. Changing sheets and collecting bedpans - that sort of thing. Nursing has moved on, Bertie.' Bertie was puzzled. 'But if they don't do that,' he said, 'then who does? Do people have to tuck themselves into bed when they're in hospital?' Irene was amused by this and raised her eyes again. 'Dear Bertie, no, not at all. They have other people now to do that sort of thing. There are other wome. . . people who do that.' 'So they aren't nurses, Mummy?' asked Bertie. Irene waved a hand vaguely. 'No. They call them care assistants, or something like that. It's very important work.' 'So what do the nurses do then, Mummy? If they have somebody else to take the bedpans to the patients, what's left for the nurses to do? Do they do the things that doctors do? Can nurses take your tonsils out?' 'I think they'd like to,' said Irene.”” [Alexander McCall Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-mccall-smith/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The dialogue humorously highlights how modern nursing has delegated traditional tasks to support staff, questioning the evolving role of nurses. **In simple terms:** Nursing tasks have shifted to assistants, changing nurses' duties. Key Takeaway Adapt to evolving healthcare roles. Themes healthcare role evolution automation Mood reflective lighthearted Type observational conversational When to use this quote - hospital management - nursing education - policy planning Key Concepts task delegation patient care professional identity Questions to Reflect On - What new skills should nurses develop? - How does delegation impact patient care? 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Many nurses nowadays don't like doing the things that nurses used to have to do. Changing sheets and collecting bedpans - that sort of thing. Nursing has moved on, Bertie.' Bertie was puzzled. 'But if they don't do that,' he said, 'then who does? Do people have to tuck themselves into bed when they're in hospital?' Irene was amused by this and raised her eyes again. 'Dear Bertie, no, not at all. They have other people now to do that sort of thing. There are other wome. . . people who do that.' 'So they aren't nurses, Mummy?' asked Bertie. Irene waved a hand vaguely. 'No. They call them care assistants, or something like that. It's very important work.' 'So what do the nurses do then, Mummy? If they have somebody else to take the bedpans to the patients, what's left for the nurses to do? Do they do the things that doctors do? Can nurses take your tonsils out?' 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