LPN Foot Care Program
Have a question? Learn more from our FAQs.
The purpose of this program is to provide foot care training
to LPNs/LVNs who work with at-risk patients such as those with Diabetes Mellitus and other chronic illnesses.
This program is online only and can be taken at any time or place a computer and Internet are available to the attendee. Attendees report that it takes them 12-15 hours total for completion of the program. The Program must be completed within 90 days after purchase.
The Clinical Practices in Foot Care for LPNs/LVNs Program consists of six modules of information that support the LPN/LVN in providing safe and appropriate care for the feet of their patients. This Program can be taken for information only purposes,for CEs or as a preparation for the Certified Foot Care Specialist (CFCS™) Exam with the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses. See Who is the CFCS™?
The certification exam is independent of this course and is not a course requirement. The Clinical Practices in Foor CareProgram can be taken for information only or for CEs,without testing for the CFCS™ Exam. A license in Practical or Vocational Nursing is required for Certification as a CFCS™ but is not required for taking the Program if information is the only goal. See below for more information on the track for accomplishing the Certification.
This continuing education activity is approved for 8 contact hour CEs for LPNs by the National Federation of Practical Nurses,www. nflpn.org.
Rationale for the Program
Texts for training as a Practical Nurse/Vocational Nurse do not contain information specific to foot care even though it is a different protocol than care of the rest of the body. In a survey of four LPN/LVN texts,the most information available on the feet was 1.3 pages. This course provides the information needed in this important aspect of the care of patients
The role of the Licensed Practical Nurses/Vocational Nurses in health care assigns them first contact with patients during daily care. They become the patient’s first line of defense against advancing infections/conditions so foot care training is important in many settings in which they work.
Foot Care of the Elderly
The number of American elderly is increasing rapidly due to the advancements in health care knowledge and technology. Many of these persons will be suffering from chronic conditions such as Diabetes. These illnesses require special care of the patient’s feet to prevent infections and to prevent or interrupt the track toward amputation and death. Routine Foot Care,a protocol taught in this program is health care regimen that must be performed for these patients. The LPN/LVN trained through this program can provide this care.
Hospital Stay Foot Care
Ulcers on the feet and legs of medical and post-surgical patients can progress from no symptoms to needing acute wound care in as low as 48 hours. These patients benefit from an LPN/LVN’s training in foot care for the prevention of ulcers and their care.
Long Term Care Facility Foot Care
The longer lives of Americans have caused an accompanying increase in Long Term Care. Routine Foot care in this setting is critical as poor foot care can cause severe wounds,amputation and death of a patient. It is imperative LPNs/LVNs in this setting know foot care at the specialty level as they usually perform the first-contact inspection and care of these patients. This nurse must know the early indications of infection of the feet and how to prevent progression to needing acute care. Good foot care in the Long Term Care setting can reduce suffering and potential morbidity of the patients.
Podiatry Offices and Diabetic Foot Care Clinics
Fewer licensed Podiatrists are in practice every year,with only 17,000 no licensed to provide care to all the US. Foot care-trained LPNs/LVNs can lighten the load for podiatrists and physicians by performing Routine Foot Care on patients and assisting in medical and surgical care. In this role,they can increase patient treatment numbers in the facilities while performing an important treatment service for the patients.
Home Care Nurses
Home care LPN’s/LVNs are allowed in many states to perform foot care for their home-bound patients. Training in this care is very important to these patients as no or poor foot care can cause ulcers and other serious infections in the feet of these patients. Those who are unable to leave their homes have no resource for professional and safe foot care so an LPN/LVN trained in Routine Foot Care that can legally perform foot care in this setting is providing important treatment care to their patients.
Private and Mobile Foot Care
Some states now allow LPNs/LVNs to develop their own treatment practices in Routine Foot Care. The legal perameters are mapped out in the individual state practice guidelines and,if legal,can provide them the freedom and opportunities they have never had before in their professional lives. It is imparative that the LPN/LVN checks the practice guidelines of the state in which they practice and are licensed.
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Objectives. The Attendee will be able to:
—Develop a protocol for examination and assessment
—Perform accurate assessment of the conditions of the feet
—Perform safe Routine Foot Care,which includes safe nail trimming,and curettage and debridement of toenails and calluses.
—Perform early interventions of foot conditions and disorders
—Educate patients and caregivers in preventive care
—Develop a team of healthcare referrals
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