Nail Care

Specialties Geriatric

Published

How does everyone keep track of nail care at their facility? At mine, nail care seems to be something that gets forgot about. Any suggestions?

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I'm not sure about the official laws on this, but there is a certification for foot and nail care that nurses can obtain. I would think it would be a liability to trim nails without proper training. If a mistake is made, it could lead to infection, osteomyelitis, and possibly amputation. Trimming fungal toenails is also very tricky.

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

I've never heard of a certification for nail care. Does your facility contract with a podiatrist? All the ones around here are pretty awful. We always have issues with infections after the podiatrist visits.

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LPNs and RNs can be certified in nail care. There basic and advanced classes. I took it and can set up my own business if I want. It depends on the facility as to whether you can do nail care there.

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My facility does have a podiatrist visit monthly, but only sees 10 residents every month. The residents are rotated. As an RN, I can cut my diabetic's nails, but my CNA's can do everyone else.

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They do not teach nail care in our state's CNA class anymore, so the nurses either have to do it or an "older" CNA that has been taught properly. Also if the patient is on Coumadin or a diabetic, only a nurse is allowed to do it per company policy.

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The certification is through the WOCN.

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