THUNDER BAY — If you have a problem with your feet, you may have to wait awhile to get treatment from a medical professional.
That's because there's a shortage of foot care nurses in Northwestern Ontario communities.
In conjunction with Foot Canada Training, Confederation College Continuing Education offers a foot care nurse instructional program aimed at mitigating the shortage.
This fall, classroom opportunities will be available for practical and registered nurses who want to update their knowledge and skills.
To qualify, participants must first complete an online theory course through Foot Canada Training.
Registration for that is available to RNs and RPNs any time.
Once the course material is completed, Continuing Education provides practical learning opportunities for students to practise in a clinical setting.
This part of the program also gives local residents an opportunity get free footcare services.
The college says it welcomes clients with varying needs, ranging from those who require only basic care to individuals with more complicated issues such as sore feet, diabetes, ingrown toenails, calluses, bunions or ulcers.
"Foot care is an essential health care service that often goes unrecognized," said instructor Brette Cain, who graduated from ConfederatIon's Practical Nursing program.
"People don't realize how vital foot health is," Cain added.
Foot care nurses provide a comprehensive assessment of the lower limbs, and have extensive knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of foot and nail conditions.
According to Confederation College, they abide by rigid infection control practices that follow the standards set by Public Health Ontario.
