Foot care training

[kernow]

I have been interested in starting a foot care service for some time now and after reading posts from LoisJean feel this is something I can do. I would like to start out by receiving some kind of training but cannot find anyone who provides this type of course.

I have been in touch with LoisJean who has given me wonderful information about becoming an independent provider performing foot/nail care however I would like to take a course of some description to make myself more prefessional. I found a course titled "Foot & Nail care for Nurses" which sounds absolutely perfect but it is Wisconsin and I live in New York, I cannot find anything else closer to home.

If anyone has crossed this bridge already and can offer any advice I would be extremely grateful.

[footcare nurse]

Some thoughts on foot care being a "clean" procedure. If instruments are not being sterilized, how are you protecting the public from fungal or other bacterial infections? What if you accidentally nicked the tissue, this does happen, you have now compromised the integrity of the skin and have introduced potential and probable pathogens due to the the lack of sterilization. Sanding disks are for woodworking and will produce larger dust particles. We are professionals and as such should be using instruments and products in the industry. Using podiatry burs will decrease the size of particles. This now brings me to protection from nail dust. In my practice most of my elderly clients have thickened and usually some sort of fungal nail(s). The only way to try to protect yourself and your client from inhaling very nasty fungal dust is with a dust extractor. Most nurses do not wish to spend the amount of money on this piece of equipment but you must weigh the health factors. Next.... masks, no less than a N95 should be used. You will have to do some research about this as N95's do come in many models and protection. CDC and NOSH approved are the only ones that should be considered.

[ehresources]

Hi All,

I hope this clarifies some issues/questions that have been posted recently. Foot care is considered a clean procedure but that does not mean that sterilzation of tools between clients is not essential, especially due to the potential for injury and infection. The simplest product (and safest) for cold sterilization is accelerated hydrogen peroxide. The brand I use is the Accel CS20 by Virox. There are other brand names available (I am in Canada but I do know there is soemthing in the US). For a mask, I use an N95 as it is the best protection available. Whatever products you use, it is imperative that you read the manufacturers instructions and MSDS documents - not only about using the product but also about disposal of it. Pricing will vary depending on how you set up your business. Start with a base salary (what you want to earn per hour or person) and then add all your expenses. That should give you a ball-park figure. Don't forget things like travel time. Having solid policies and procedures/protocols in place when you set up your business/practice is critical. The first few can be tough but then they get easier - I promise.

A word of advice: Always practice to the highest standard! It is the best for you and your clients and it is probably only a matter of time before it becomes the minimum standard.

For the nurses in Vancouver - good luck with your conference. Link up with Foot Care Canada and other resources (such as those that host conferences elsewhere in Canada).

I would be interested in the Alliance if someone wants to PM me

[ZEROPOINT]

Hi Tutti

I recently joined this forum as I am very interested in the Foot Care business. You mentioned someone in Canada who gave you such great mentoring. I would appreciate getting the name/contact information of that person, I know its been a while but who knows. I do have in-laws in Canada and would not be a problem there. The only school that I know of here in Georgia that teaches this program is Emory and they have a two day program in adjunct with their Wound/Ostomy/Incont. Program which I really dont think its too complete.:paw: I know there's a great need for Foot Care Nurses here in Georgia. I am also not sure if nurses can practice independently here in Ga but I have started an investigation with the Ga State Board of Nursing. If the Japanese nail salons can operate without a nursing license, then why can't us the professionals practice independently also!!

[ZEROPOINT]

Are there any Foot Care Nurses in Georgia. I would appreciate hearing from you as soon as possible. Thank you.

[barefootnurse]

I have been teaching foot care nursing for 16 years and am a specialist in the area of infection control, instruments, equipment and supplies. Although foot care may be considered a "clean procedure", as it is not a surgical procedure, all instruments must be terminally sterilized between use on patients. Autoclave being the best way. If you plan to make foot care your business, it is well worth it to invest in good equipment so that you can give the best care. In my opinion the dremel grinder should be banished from use and replaced with an electric nail drill, or podiatry file, with a vacuum attachment. Though these files are expensive, they pay for themselves over time in time saved. If you are a professional, you should use professional equipment. Dremels are made for craft projects, not foot work. Most nurses who use them use the disposable sand paper burs.... which, though clean, ARE NOT STERILE. The are bulky and often cause nicks on the skin around the nail. All burs should be sterilized and used on only one patient. There is a great little autoclave by Presitge. There is an N95 mask available that has disposable filters. Best practice is to replace the filter after each patient and to wipe down the mask after each use.

[imani]

My husband and I are interested in starting a foot care businnes. We are both certified. He has a BSN and I am an LPN. We have called podiatrists and none seem interested or even know what we are tolking about. HELP!!!! We will be taking the classes in Michigan in Feb....but....how did you all get started? Were the podiatrists open? We live in MO.....

[Foot Care Nursing]

Hi

I'm new to this...but would like any information on setting up a foot care business any canada or getting in touch with someone who as...

I' m a RN living in Northern Alberta..planning on taking a Foot care course in the near future.....

[Smurfina]

Hello.....

I live in British Columbia, and took the Vancouver Community college footcare course in 2008.

I have levels one and two.

I have been doing footcare for almost 2 years and am thoroughly enjoying it.., it is part of my pre-retirement plan!

I work fulltime as an R.N., and have been doing the footcare part-time..last year I cut a 1000 toenails!!

There is a lot to learn...and I continue to learn with each and every session.

I am not sure where you are taking your course, but at the end of it they teach you about the business aspect

of it...many of the do's and don't .....you HAVE to maintain your licensure as a nurse(be it LPN or R.N), you have to keep files and document each visit, keep the records for 8 years.

I could go on and on......there is a woman on Vancouver Island(who also teaches the footcare course in Nanaimo), who has written a comprehensive guide to footcare.conditions, treatments etc.

It is an excellent resource.

Hope this is helpful......

[ZEROPOINT]

Please advise where in Michigan Imani is going to do the FootCare course. I am also interested in taking it also. Please respond urgently. Thank you.

[tewdles, RN]

there is a course in Ann Arbor, next one in March

[Foot Care Nursing]

Thanks for the info...Do you think it would be possible to do this full time and make an adequate income????

[tewdles, RN]

I would think that would depend upon your location and your ability to market the service to a population of potential clients.