Do Foot Care Nurses provide pedicures?

No – Foot Care Nurses provide medically sanctioned treatments. Foot Care Nurses are required to be registered with their provincial licensing body (Nova Scotia College of Nurses) and are held to that standard of practice. They have specialized training to provide care (beyond their nursing program). In addition to the foot care treatment, foot care nurses perform a lower limb assessment on every client. As nurses, we have the legal responsibility to report any medical issues noted while performing an assessment or providing care to our clients and their caregivers, follow as necessary and inform their family doctor (with clients permission). At Kirsten’s Foot Care, our nurses WILL NOT apply nail polish or soak our clients feet. 

Pedicures performed by nail technicians or aestheticians at a nail salon/spa typically perform a pampering service with basic foot care (trim, file, polish). They are not health professionals and therefor not trained to notice health problems, work with high risk clients, or provide health teaching. 

Why is it important to see a Foot Care Nurse?

A Foot Care Nurse is a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) who has been educated to assess, treat, and prevent all to improve foot health. Foot Care Nurses have taken additional training and education of the anatomy/physiology of the foot and lower leg, and have learned the proper skills necessary to care for their clients. 
Foot care is not a basic ‘pedicure’ from your local salon. Nursing foot care is an integral part of all nursing care. It includes nail care, as well as health promotion, client teaching, and promoting overall safety and comfort in the clients life. At Kirsten’s Foot Care we not only treat common foot issues, but provide preventative care.

Care from a Foot Care Nurse is for EVERYONE. However, someone should especially see a foot care nurse if they have difficulty trimming own nails; Poor eyesight or decrease in mobility; Diabetes; Poor circulation; Auto immune disorders; History of foot ulcerations; Undergoing dialysis treatment; or Arthritis. This is a general list, and there are many other conditions that would warrant seeing a foot care nurse

How are instruments cleaned?

Instruments used at Kirsten’s Foot Care are either sterile until point of use (Autoclaved) or disposable to ensure client safety

What kind of equipment do you use?

As Foot Care Nurses, we use a variety of equipment (that is meant for medical use). Some of this equipment includes electric podiatry files with vacuums to reduce airborne nail dust, and stainless steel instruments that can be sterilized using an autoclave. Kirsten’s Foot Care believes in providing the highest standard of care, in the safest and most effective way.

Do you provide a receipt?

Clients receive a receipt after the visit by email. If the client does not have email or requires a hard copy, please let the nurse know at time of booking.

Are treatments covered by insurance?

Treatments by a foot care nurse may be eligible for reimbursement from your insurance provider. Amount for reimbursement varies and depends on your individual policy. We recommend contacting your insurance provider prior to booking an appointment to verify. A prescription from your doctor may be required by your insurance company.

What are the accepted payment methods?

Our accepted payment methods are cash, cheque, debit or e-transfer only. As a small business, we no longer accept credit cards as payment.

“I smoke in my house, is this a problem?”

For the health and safety of our nurses, we ask for a smoke free environment and will refer you to an alternate care provider.

Do you provide care in hospitals or long-term care?

No, unfortunately at this time due to COVID-19 we are not providing care in any of the hospitals or long-term care facilities in HRM.

Are referrals needed to receive treatment?

No – a referral from your family doctor is not required but may be required by your insurance provider (if applicable). 

Does your fee for service cover paid parking at facilities or street parking?

If the nurse is required to pay for street parking, underground, or a pay-per-use visitor’s lot, we ask that our nurses be reimbursed in cash for any parking charges they incurred for the visit. Parking will not be absorbed by our nurses.

How do you keep track of visits?

At Kirsten’s Foot Care we use an electronic charting and scheduling system called Jane. This provides us with the ability to chart and schedule with ease, but also provides our clients with email reminders of their appointments. 

To book an appointment, send us an email or give us a call. Availability depends on the area in which the client is located, as we do our best to group clients together.