Rationale
Statement of Need

As our population ages and chronic conditions such as diabetes and vascular disease become more prevalent, care which was previously provided routinely by unskilled caregivers or the patient themselves must now be provided by skilled clinicians. 

Foot care is among the continuing interventions which may need to be provided clinically in order to decrease the risk of injury and infection which can even lead to amputation and death.

As Podiatric physicians turn more to advanced diagnostic treatment modalities, nurses are the natural choice to perform evaluations and care for the routine foot care needs of these high risk patients. 

They are in the unique position of utilizing their training and hands on patient experience. One of the many nursing strengths is their holistic and integrated care approach to a patient population that sometimes requires extra time, experience and dedication. 

Adding the additional education and training to provide routine foot care is a natural expansion of nurses' important role in the continuum of healthcare.