Can Assoc. RN cut diabetic toenails?

Trauma Columnist · Oct 5, 2005

Hmmm - that's interesting. I have never heard this. Have you looked at nursing practice act?

dinkymouse · Oct 5, 2005

In Iowa we can trim toenails.

Loisanderson · Oct 5, 2005

I worked in a hospital where certian nurses were trained do do toe nail care on diabetics. One of the nurses was diploma trained and the other was ASN.

I think it depends on facility rules.

Jo Dirt · Oct 5, 2005

I'd be happy if I wasn't allowed to trim toenails. What a yucky job.

Shell5 · Oct 5, 2005

I have emailed the board and have not received a reply yet. It's not like I really am thrilled about trimming the toenails, but some of the patient's really need it.

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Oct 5, 2005

With the OP's pardon:

Why would some nurses not be able to cut a diabetic's toe nails. I guess what I am asking is Are their health risks or something? Please bear with me as I am only a pre-nursing student. :-)

sjb2005 · Oct 5, 2005

IN MN, we are obligated to trim diabetic toenails. However, if the task looks to challenging...off to the podiatrist they go.

Suninmyheart · Oct 5, 2005

Was curious if anyone out there knows if an ADN can cut diabetic patient's toenails in Texas. I have just recently heard that we cannot. This is truly the first I have heard of it.
The podiatrist comes every 3 months or so and it seems as if these patients need to get their toenails trimmed more often.
Thanks in advance,

On a side note, I am curious, why would there be a differentiation of tasks for an ADN vs a BSN? It IS the same license isn't it?:uhoh21:

Just curious as I am only a nursing student

Cheers!

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Oct 5, 2005

With the OP's pardon:
Why would some nurses not be able to cut a diabetic's toe nails. I guess what I am asking is Are their health risks or something? Please bear with me as I am only a pre-nursing student. :-)

Jess... good question.. never apologize.

Diabetics have to be meticulous about foot care. Any open wound is great risk for infection to the diabetic. Their lower extremeties are already at risk due to compromised bloodflow to the area. One of the reasons many diabetics end up being amputees.. gangrene, etc.

Careful, cautious trimming of toenails is essential.

Editorial Team / Admin · Oct 5, 2005

With the OP's pardon:
Why would some nurses not be able to cut a diabetic's toe nails. I guess what I am asking is Are their health risks or something? Please bear with me as I am only a pre-nursing student. :-)

Good question, Jess,

Yes, there are issues. If this is not done correctly and an injury occurs, the individual could, over time, end up with an amputation.

Diabetics who cut their own toenails can and often do injure themselves.....cut the skin. Because they have decreased sensation involving their extremities, this injury can often go undetected until there is a horrible infection. This is usually most difficult to control (as the diabetic has significant issues healing properly) and can lead to amputations.

The nurse should be skilled in cutting/trimming toenails. Some facilities do not allow nurses to do this unless they have extra training and some physicians do not allow anyone but another physician, podiatrist for example, to do this.

In my state/area, the nurse is allowed to trim nails. Does not matter what education, ie, ADN, BSN, etc.......

I know jnette had already answered, but, reinforcement is good, too.....

sjb2005 · Oct 5, 2005

Good question, Jess,
Yes, there are issues. If this is not done correctly and an injury occurs, the individual could, over time, end up with an amputation.
Diabetics who cut their own toenails can and often do injure themselves.....cut the skin. Because they have decreased sensation involving their extremities, this injury can often go undetected until there is a horrible infection. This is usually most difficult to control (as the diabetic has significant issues healing properly) and can lead to amputations.
The nurse should be skilled in cutting/trimming toenails. Some facilities do not allow nurses to do this unless they have extra training and some physicians do not allow anyone but another physician, podiatrist for example, to do this.
In my state/area, the nurse is allowed to trim nails. Does not matter what education, ie, ADN, BSN, etc.......
I know jnette had already answered, but, reinforcement is good, too.....

When I was a CNA, I trimmed a guy's toenails and clipped his skin. Blood everywhere. I didn't realize this was something I couldn't do. Fortunately, no amputation was necessary.(He healed, luckily)