Scope of Practice

A licensed practical nurse providing foot care has received post-graduate education designed to enhance her/his theoretical knowledge and provide the practitioner with an understanding of nursing foot care, which includes:

• The roles and responsibilities of a foot care nurse
• Anatomy and physiology of the foot and lower extremity
• Structure and function of the foot and nail
• Knowledge and use of instruments used in nursing foot care
• Common foot pathology and related nursing interventions
• Changes in the foot due to chronic diseases
• Nursing assessment of the foot and lower limb
• Infection control

Nursing foot care is an important component of total nursing care, which includes health promotion, client teaching, promoting safety and comfort. To promote optimal health, the nurse will apply the principles of the nursing process when assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating the client's foot health care needs. The nurse collaborates with the client to develop a plan of care and encourages the client to assume responsibility for his/her own health.

Nursing foot care services are provided in the comfort of your own home, hospital room or personal care home. It is the nurses professional responsibility to recognize when the client's condition is beyond his/her scope of practice and referral to the appropriate professional is necessary.

Health Coverage

Good foot health care is worth it
Good foot health is essential to maintain activities of daily living and enjoy the independence of an active lifestyle.

Health Coverage
In Manitoba, some health insurance plans provide for nursing foot care services, to determine your eligibility contact your plan administrator. You may qualify through Veteran Affairs Canada .

Who might benefit from nursing foot care?

Anyone who is having trouble cutting their toenails due to their health (poor vision, arthritis, stroke) or have any of the following conditions; diabetes, sore feet, poor circulation, thick or problem toenails, or corns or calluses.

What does it cost?

Fees charged will vary from practitioner to practitioner. A percentage of fees charged may be covered by some health insurance plans including extended Blue Cross. Receipts will be issued and may be applied to the medical expense portion of your personal income tax. DVA TAPS accepted.