foot check on diabetic at dialysis clinic

[Healerforlife]

So tonight I was doing a footcheck on a patient for the first time me doing it. He comes by stretcher for tx. he's 350 pound diabetic, who needs bilateral hip replacements, Lives at a nursing home. ANYWAY, his toenails were about an inch long on all his toes. I have not seen his shoes off before as another nurse was checking him. ( that's another story) What can I do about this? He says they haven't cut them since February, which, Um, is coming up. It's disgusting. He's diabetic!! How is this not neglect? Is there anything I can do to scare them into taking action? The nurse at the nursing home said "He's on the list" Not too encouraging. Thanks for any advice

[SmilingBluEyes]

Where are you getting that I imply anything? No need to get defensive. I am explaining why it's not appropriate to do this in a dialysis clinic. If you worked in one you would understand. And while you had a loved one on dialysis it is quite different being a nurse working in one.

And I edited my post to explain that your idea about doing toenail clipping and foot care in LTC is already being done.

No need to be touchy.

A lot of things would be better if they were different. Like everyone who wanted a kidney would get one and not need dialysis in the first place. And all diabetics would get proper foot care and never lose their feet or limbs due to negligence or poor care.

If only......

[SmilingBluEyes]

And to get back to the OP the REAL reason we nurses in dialysis do foot checks at all is for CMS (the gov't) and reimbursements. Sadly, it's not just for patient welfare. Sad but true.