Reaching Out: The softer side of a trauma nurse
Vicki Schiessl, RN and Kathy Boardley, RN collectively have logged more than 35 years of stat medical care in emergency departments from Pennsylvania to Washington. Gunshot wounds, broken bones, or heart attacks--they both thrive on the fast pace and quick decision making an ED requires. And yet, both jumped at the chance to participate in a more one-on-one program.
For over 15 years the Stillaguamish Senior Center has offered a free foot care clinic on the last Wednesday of each month. The goal is to promote good foot health, while helping those who, for various physical reasons, cannot reach their fee to care for them. Over the past year the core team of volunteer RNs who had been providing the service all retired for various reasons. The service became jeopardized when replacement volunteers could not be found. After three months of not being able to offer the service, Donna McCutchen, RN, the Center's Elderscreen Director, called Cascade Valley Hospital (CVH).
"When Beverly Iverson, RN (Care Process Coordinator at CVH) talked to me about helping out, I thought it sounded like a lot of fun, " enthused Boardley. "I immediately volunteered myself and my friend Vicki."
At 8 a.m. those in need of foot care begin lining up. Volunteers register the patients, set up the equipment, and more. Patients quickly fill six chairs in a circle where they soak their feet for 15 minutes. While cutting their nails and massaging their feet, Schiessl and Boardley check for fungus, blisters, cracking or peeling skin, and other signs of serious problems.
Many of the patients who come to the center for care are diabetics. Diabetes is potentially dangerous to feet in two ways. It can damage the network of nerves, reducing the sensation of pain, so cuts, blisters, and infections cannot be felt. It can also reduce blood flow to the feet through narrowing of the arteries. This makes it harder for sores to heal. If someone has signs of problems, due to diabetes or not, they are advised to see their physician or a podiatrist.
"We usually see as many as 50 patients in the seven hours we are there," Schiessl says. "They are so appreciative of our help. It gives Kathy and I a lot of satisfaction to be part of this program."
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only. It should not replace a visit with your health care professional. Call your doctor if you need more information or have additional questions.