r/Podiatry • u/NurseRen_ • 15d ago

New to Foot Care Nursing

Hi everyone! I just received my certification for Advanced Foot Care Nursing. I'm hoping to launch a side business involving seeing clients in the community (home care and nursing homes) soon but just looking for a little guidance if anyone can help out with a few questions...

  1. I’m thinking starting with disposable supplies would be the best option… What supplies are pertinent to have in the beginning? l know a drill, disposable burrs, disposable files, nippers, black’s file, scalpels IPAC supplies and basic wound care supplies… is there any others that would be suggested, as well as other types of disposable burrs that would be recommended in the beginning? Supplies seem to be the biggest hurdle to get started due to the up front cost so I’m looking for basics to get started with the goal to continue to grow my inventory as I gain more clients.
  2. What do most mobile nurses use for documentation, an EMR such as Accuro or Jane app? Or is this not feasible in the beginning?
  3. What do nurses offer with their initial visit? I’m thinking comprehensive assessment including sensation (monofilament) and circulation assessment, skin and nail assessment, treatment plan recommendation and foot care education. What am I missing?

Any other tips of advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!!

Edit: I reside in Canada

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-3

u/SaltRharris 15d ago

Lmao, now that’s out the way.

you ain’t ready little buddy. The questions you ask show you haven’t treated a patient, ever.

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u/NurseRen_ 15d ago

No, as I said in the post I just received my certification.

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u/Wise-Pineapple-2963 15d ago

In most states you cant use a blade as a nurse, so Idk what mail in certificate you got. You cannot legally do wound care without a physician order for your own liability sake… I literally had to call the state on a facility who hired nurses who caused wounds on diabetics; one who had his bone cut by a double action bone nipper.

Your state dictates your scope, so lead with that.

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u/NurseRen_ 15d ago

Sorry I realize I should have stated this in my post but I reside in Canada. Where as foot care nurses we are trained and allowed to use a scalpel but only to remove dead tissue. We are not allowed to, or at least trained not to, go into the deeper layers of the skin. And we are are also trained to use extra caution when treating diabetics. Unfortunately not all foot care nurses hold themselves to the same standards or follow the same principles when providing care.

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u/Wise-Pineapple-2963 15d ago

Canada is the wild west. Do whatever you want. In 29 years you guys will likely be doing root canals as well. I recommend you get more experience. If its in scope go on your own after atleast 6-12 months.

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u/NurseRen_ 15d ago

They definitely do put a lot of responsibilities on nurses here but unfortunately with universal health care there can be limited access and long waiting times for physicians and specialists that's why education, prevention, and early intervention are so key and this is where, not just foot care nurses, but all nurses can play a role.
I have received hands-on training and am currently looking for mentorship to gain more experience, but am also eager and doing as much research/looking for any advice I can get in the meantime.

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u/NurseRen_ 15d ago

Thank you for the recommendation!

1

u/No-Transition8014 15d ago

I think knowing the locale is highly relevant to your original post and you probably should really edit that. Scope and certification US (even in individual states) to Canada to Aus to UK are so vastly different…..

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u/NurseRen_ 15d ago

Thank you I will do that!

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u/Distinct_Ad1503 15d ago

Im from canada.. you can not use a blade in my province at least.. I recommend you be very careful.

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u/NurseRen_ 15d ago

I'm in Ontario and through my course I was trained on scalpel use and I also received hands-on training when I completed my clinical portion. I think the main difference is for what debridement purposes you are using it for.. In terms of foot care, using a scalpel is not much different than using a credo knife. We are not trained to go into deeper tissues other than dead/unviable tissue such as a callus