The New Foot Care Nurse... COMMENTS!

Foot Care Nurses are not "New". I have been one for 25 years. I specialize in providing basic foot care and information to elderly and disabled people, in their own homes. It is a very popular service, and foot health and mobility improve dramatically with regular care. Each visit takes an hour, and the client enjoys the visit as much as the foot care. I work in collaboration with other health professionals, in the best interests of the clients. As I am also trained in counseling and mental health, I can comfortably manage alone, clients with severe dementia, intellectual or neurological impairment, or significant social issues. I think there is a place for all of us, and its great that training is available. We have an aging population. How many Podiatrists want to deal exclusively with the type of clients that I do? How are you trained to deal with the ill health and behavioral issues involved?

 

As far as your final question is concerned - we are. That is why we undertake the 3-4 year programmes which are required by the states in which we work!

As a general comment, I refer you to a previous posting. We are not 'trained' but educated in a similar way to the medical profession. ie. no-one can know everything but evaluation, cognition, analysis and synthesis causes one to think in a such way that the scenarios which you posit can be dealt with professionally.

W J Liggins

 

What baffles me most is that long before there was a field of podiatry, nurses were trimming nails and caring for feet. At least that is my understanding having spoken to many nurses in their 80"s and 90"s. Then along came the chiropodista and the podiatry was born. Because insurance would only cover foot care if performed by a podiatrist.. foot care became their domain. Now... at least in the US, most insurance does not cover this service except for those who are high risk. This leaves most patients uncovered and in the hands of family members or nail technicians who usually do not sterilize thier instruments, let alone understand the pathophysiology of the foot and when to refer.
Isn't it about time to realize that we all have a role here and should be working together? I personally feel so strongly about my role in foot care that I have started a nonprofit organization and teach foot care nursing in developing countries. Most recently in Nepal. Foot care skills should be a part of every nursing program on this planet. Of the 189 ( or so ) countries, there are very few who have podiatrists, all countries have nurses. I think this is an opportunity for podiatrists to expand their practices by working with nurses, and see the big picture, rather than fighting and grumbling. Life is just too short. Namaste

 

l think you should all be grateful.

If ever l hear a Pod complain about the "job" its, " l dont want to be just a nail cutter, l want to do the Bio-mechanical stuff or the diabetics stuff that makes a difference"

At least with nurses doing the footcare you know health guide lines are being followed and the client is in good hands and it frees you up to the more challenging treatments.

Most of the Podiatrist that l know that have quit or are talking of, have done so because they felt their degree should have lead to more than being a nail cutter and felt under utilized.

Challenge for you, ring some one you went to Uni with that is no longer a practising Podiatrist and ask them why they are no longer practising?:empathy: l bet nail cutting gets more than a mention.

 

Thank you!

 

Mark although. this.is written quite some of time vack, your use of the term, Irish in the same breath as navvy, even back in 2005 could be , RIGHTFULLY. , perceived as racists and inflammatory language. Highly inappropriate. I hope that time had taught you this.

 

Thanks for the tip, Linda. Can't edit the original comment but please substitute 'Scottish drunks" for the offending text.