1stronglady

I had a similar issue as an LPN, then went to school for my RN. It was a huge deal with the school as well. I too would have fought it had I known it was going to follow me around forever. Most employers will overlook it when you explain it to them as long as it isn't an issue about you as a nurse. It is terribly embarrassing though. Be sure you always put it on your employment applications though. I had a great job offer pending my background check. Because the incident was 20 years ago I didn't even think about putting on my application. I lost the job because I didn't tell them about it, not because it was on my record. My state board told me it would have shown up as a investigation on my nursing record even I had reported it to them. Go for the lawyer if you really think it'll get it off of your record.

I have been working to start a foot care business as well. I have been a hospice nurse for 6 years, and it is nearly impossible to get someone to go to a home to peform foot care for a bed/homebound patient. I have discussed this with a local podiatrist. I think the key is your approach. We talked about a type of partnership. I would refer patients to him that had problems I wasn't able to handle, I could call him for advise or orders (ex. wound care) if needed, and he would refer homebound patients to me. He is way to busy to go see these patients, and said it seemed like a win-win situation to him. He also allowed me to come in to the office and observe. Also, on a marketing outlook, you might try marketing to local hospices. Most of these nurses don't have any foot care training beyond basic nursing school education, and the majority of nurses I know have an adversion to feet. The nurses can tell a patient that they know a foot care nurse that might be able to help them. As long as the patient and hospice know that the service is not included in their hospice or medicare benefit, and that they will be paying out of pocket it should be fine. Hope this helps

flashcards are great for terms, but the A&P atlas (basically a coloring book) was more helpful to me. I also found that recording classes (esp once I got into actual nursing classes) was very helpful. I listened to them anytime I was in the car, or with headphones while my family watched TV. Also helpful to take notes from them at home, like you do in class. The more times you go over the info, the more it will sink in

Don't know anything about the DVD's, just saw them while trying to find Foot Care training info. Dawn RN

I noticed several people were looking for a video on foot care. Try http://www.RNFootCare.com. It's $299. It can be used for groups, but you pay separately for the CEU's dependent upon how many people are doing them. Dawn, RN

"I recently joined this forum as I am very interested in the Foot Care business. You mentioned someone in Canada who gave you such great mentoring. I would appreciate getting the name/contact information of that person, I know its been a while but who knows. I do have in-laws in Canada and would not be a problem there. The only school that I know of here in Georgia that teaches this program is Emory and they have a two day program in adjunct with their Wound/Ostomy/Incont. Program which I really dont think its too complete.:paw: I know there's a great need for Foot Care Nurses here in Georgia. I am also not sure if nurses can practice independently here in Ga but I have started an investigation with the Ga State Board of Nursing. If the Japanese nail salons can operate without a nursing license, then why can't us the professionals practice independently also!!" I found a course in Ann Arbour Michigan. http://www.nursescare.net/ They teach the business end as well as the clinical side. I have been trying to gather info to start a foot care business in Alabama. I can't get the ABN to answer me about working independently here, but I've been reading through the Nurse Practice Act trying to figure it out. I'd love to compare notes with you. Feel free to Email me. Dawn, RN [email protected]

I am looking into starting a foot care service. I worked in hospice for approx 5 years. I have looked everywhere for anyone who will go to my patients homes to do foot care. There doesn't seem to be anyone around here doing it. I am having trouble figuring out what to do to get started. I am hoping to take a class in Michigan, which teaches the business side and meets most of the requirements to get me moving toward the certification process. Does anyone know if they help with forms, policies, suppliers? I have a million questions and a hard time finding anyone to help answer them. I've been reading the blog, and have learned a lot so far, thanks for such a great resource. Dawn RN:nurse:

Having worked my way up from CNA to LPN to staff RN to director, I probably have a different outlook on the situation than many others, but I would never tell my CNA's that I didn't have time to help them. I am quick to have them do things if I see them goofing off or taking too many breaks, but if they do their job I will help them anyway I can. I value them and am quick to show them my appreciation. Although the nurses are very busy, our work is not nearly as hard as what most aids have to do. Nurses should never overlook their hard work! Actually the more you show them that you appreciate them and are willing to help them when they need it, the more likely they are to work hard for you. Most of them are wonderful caring people who love their patients. Generally when they are rude or unhelpful its because someone has been rude to them. The nurse that said for the aid to mind her own business should have been reported to administration. As a Director I have taken my heels off and assisted patients up off the floor and pushed my sleeved up to help with a bath when we were short staffed. The thing to remember is that we are all there for the patients!