Foot care with a disability

[dizzy RN]

Hi. I have been away from nursing for a few years due to a disability and am hoping to return to a different type of work that will accommodate my difficulties. Previously, I had been working as a nurse supervisor, supervising caregivers and 40 patients. My job required that I be on my feet the entire shift, as well as a tremendous amount of multitasking, and giving meds. I was diagnosed with a condition which now prevents me from being on my feet for this amount of time, as well as requiring less multitasking, and giving meds.

I am interested in doing training in foot care, and would like to know from the foot care nurses whether you find your work very physically demanding. I think I can imagine what this type of work would be like, but having never done it, I'm wondering if I am missing something. I'm assuming that the majority of work is done in a seated position and that you are able to concentrate on the task you are doing without constantly being distracted or called away to other tasks.

Would you mind sharing with me what you find difficult or challenging about foot care? I imagine it being work where you are able to work one on one with your client, without a lot of heavy lifting or walking. Is there anything I should know before I start the training and change the direction of my career.

I think this specialty seems interesting and there would be lots to learn. Could you tell me anything about foot care that would help me know if this is a type of nursing I could do? Thanks for the help.

[ehresources]

Hi,

Nursing foot care is physically demanding but in a very different way:

- you have a lot of equipment to carry

- repetitive strain injuries i.e. carpal tunnel are common

- working in a seated position but having to lift legs from this position can be hard on the back

- always mask and glove to avoid lung problems and fungal infections, etc.

- neck and shoulder strain from always leaning over

Awareness, precautions and taking care of yourself definitely help. It is also dependent on the area in which you work i.e. house calls can be hard on positioning but you see less clients and get a break in between. Clinics are busy with lots going on but you may be lucky enough to have better equipment i.e. a podiatry chair. Do you know some foot care nurses that you can talk to? Or, better yet, follow for part of a day?

It is a great job and offers a great deal of flexibility that you may also find beneficial i.e. clinic one day and home visits the next to break it up, shorter hours, etc.

Good luck,

J