Nursing Week Spotlight: foot care nursing
Putting feet into focus.
The human foot has been called the "Mirror of Health." Your feet can give you an early warning about serious health problems. Foot care nurses are specially trained in the provision of foot care and provide nail cutting, nursing assessments, callus treatment, information and support that assists patients in maintaining healthy feet.
We chatted with two of our very own foot care nurses, Mira L. (a 3 year veteran with SHC) and Sylvia G. (an 8 year veteran with SHC and Home Support Supervisor for Peel branch) to get a sneak peek into the life of foot care nursing.
What’s the best part about being a foot care nurse?
Mira: The variety of patients. I currently provide services to the residents at Seaton House, an all-male homeless shelter, each of my patients has their own unique story and I enjoy getting to learn about each of them during my visits. I always tell my patients that when I am with them they are the most important person to me.
Sylvia: I don’t feel like I’m working. I truly enjoy foot care and the patients that I meet. I could do foot care all day, that’s how much I like it!
What’s the hardest part about being a foot care nurse?
Mira: The main challenge is providing care to diverse groups of patients who range in temperament. You have to learn how to provide care in a way that works with each individual’s physical, mental and emotional needs.
Sylvia: Dealing with patient compliance. It’s such an important part of keeping feet healthy yet sometimes patients are not able to be compliant with their care plans due to economic barriers and lack of assistance or support from family or friends.
What’s one thing that you feel everyone should know or understand about foot care nursing?
Mira: That every patient is different even if they are receiving the same services. I can’t use a cookie cutter approach to care, I have to take into account each patient’s unique needs.
Sylvia: Foot care is something every person should think about even if they currently don’t have foot problems. Healthy feet should be a priority for every patient and everyone should have access to the education and care to maintain healthy feet so they can prevent serious long-term issues.
What do you love most about your job?
Mira: The team at Spectrum. I am so lucky to have a great manager (Ruth-Cartwright). She has been very supportive of my growth and constantly encourages me to keep excelling at what I do.
Sylvia: Making my patients feel good. I like seeing my patients feel confident about their feet. You can instantly see how much happier they are after each appointment.