Listen up: Nail-cutting is an essential part of nursing
- Published: 15 July 2008 11:28
- Author: Listen Up
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- Last Updated: 15 July 2008 11:28
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Have you heard the one about the nurse who is going to be sued for cutting a patient's nails?
The myths that are used to constrain and limit nursing practice are becoming quite commonplace.
'Nurses do not cut finger or toenails' is a good example that has been circulating for several years.
If you point out it is actually part of essential nursing care, you are dissuaded by peers or have seeds of doubt sown by the 'you'll be sued' comment. Daily, essential nursing care is stopped by this unchallenged phrase.
The greatest concern, of course, is that nurses are now becoming deskilled in how to cut fingernails and toenails. Vicious circles of non-activity are created whereby students fail to see nurses undertake the role, thus they never learn these tasks and develop the belief that they are the responsibility of others.
Who are the losers from this unchallenged comment? Patients, of course. The art of the nurse is in patient contact and interaction – action being the critical word. Professional nursing care includes assessment and referral if necessary. Immediately disowning nail care as another profession's responsibility misses the professional point.
When visiting family or friends in healthcare environments, it is the responsibility of all of us to
see if they look cared for – and what better place to start than nail care?
After all, it is within the Department of Health's Essence of Care benchmarks and pertains to both hands and feet. Just ask yourself, what is the effect of unmanicured patient fingernails on infection rates? What is the effect of uncut toenails on patients who need to mobilise?
As a profession, it is up to us to challenge people who say we should no longer cut nails. It is, after all, too easy to fall in with what you are told.
Bridget Malkin is senior lecturer, clinical skills division, Birmingham City University
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