" Scutwork "

[san]

What are the duties that come under Scutwork ?? Could somebody define for me please..

My understanding was Venepuncture, ABG, IVC and just now I realised Patient transport as well, but I am sure this is not the case in all the hospitals , am I right ?? I would have thought it is advantageous for them to have specialised nurses to do all these, but obviously not

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[ny skindoc]

"scutwork" is a term that includes a myriad of activities which are part of patient care but of low educational value.These include those you've mentioned plus running around getting x-rays,filling out paperwork,making phone calls etc.Some hospitals do minimize all this. Generally its less of a problem at better private hospitals.Since blood techs,nurses and ancillary staff have pay scales and working conditions established by union contracts its often cheaper for a hospital,especially public ones to rely on housestaff who are working 80 hours or so a week to pick up many of these tasks.