Do you have time to cut diabetic toenails?

Specialties Geriatric

Published

I am being told at my job that only nurses can cut the diabetic's fingernails and toenails. I am already being criticized and condemned for staying overtime to complete new doctor's orders, charting,etc. for the day. If I were to stay over to help cut toenails I am sure management would be furious. What do you do at your facility?

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Specializes in Utilization Review.

I thought diabetics should have only the podiatrist clip their toe nails....

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Specializes in geriatrics,med/surg,vents.

I have always been told that only podiatrists can cut any resident/patient's toenails.Fingernails could be cut by CNA's.

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I thought diabetics should have only the podiatrist clip their toe nails....

ditto

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Specializes in ER,Trauma, ICU, Flight, Hme Hlth, CCath.

I agree only a podiatrist should deal with a diabetics toenails. Healing process, potential for infection etc. However if you are a diabetic nurse, the rules change a little. Check your policy and procedure manual to find out if you are covered or not and the contraindications of the same

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We're allowed to clip a diabetic's toenails.

Yeah, sure I have time. I'll get right on that. :lol2:

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Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

we don't cut diabetic toe nails it's the podiarists job. due to the poor circulation of the pt , if you nick the pt they may not heal , and you are held liable .

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I don't do my diabetics' FINGERNAILS, let alone toenails. I formally delegated fingernail trims to my care coordinator and do periodic re-checks to make sure she's competent, but I'm strictly hands off for three reasons: one, I don't have time, two, I'm not very good at it, and three, I hate feet!! And diabetic feet are the worst.........:barf01: Fortunately, we have access to a mobile RN who does at-home foot care services, and the ones he can't handle go to the podiatrist. Makes life simpler for everyone concerned, and assures the resident is getting the best person for the job.;)

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Specializes in Hemodialysis, Home Health.

hmmmmmmmm....... interesting. At my HH agency, all the RNs cut our patients' toenails.. diabetic or not. :confused:

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Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.

I believe that Blackcat is in LTC-medicare pays for regular podiatry care as do most insurance companies.We don't touch them-due to risk of complications.We have agreat podiatrist that rounds a few times a month.I would never cut a toenail in LTC....and wouldn't have time,either...

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho.

Nope not at my facility. We call the podiatrist for any nail cutting, even non diabetics. Otherwise, they do it themselves or family can do it.

And no again,, i wouldnt stay overtime to do that anyway.

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Thanks all. I work at a very large assisted living facility. We are expected to cut each diabetics fingernails and toenails every 2 weeks. We have about 30+ diabetics here. :oThe diabetics are always pleading for us to help them but there just isn't any time. Yes, I think it would be best if only the podiatrist would do it. I was told that our every other month podiatrist who comes in only does nails that are in "absolutely horrible condition."

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