Nurses Series: Q&A with Healthy Feet Founder: RN Foot Care Services

Welcome to our series about nurse entrepreneurs! Meet Sara Genta, RN, BSN, CFCN, owner Healthy Feet: RN Foot Care Services. Sarah assures foot care services in Portland, Oregon for people who find themselves unable to take care of their feet on their very own on account of health issues, lack of mobility, etc. In this Q&A, Sara shares her experience as a foot care nurse.

Q. How long have you ever been a nurse? What is your background/experience in nursing?

Nursing is just not my first profession. I started off with a bachelor’s degree in English and philosophy, after which became a middle school foreign language teacher. After spending time at home and raising three children, I divorced when my youngest child was 5 years old. Only then, in my 40s, did I’m going back to highschool to earn my BSN. I spotted that as a brand new graduate, I would not have the stamina to work a 12-hour night shift. I used to be drawn to social care, and dealing with seniors got here naturally to me. Right after I graduated from nursing school, I began working in home care at a retirement facility and provided foot care at their clinic. I only graduated from nursing school in 2011.

Q. What was the impetus for creating Healthy Feet? What services do you provide?

I made a decision to start out my very own business, Healthy Feet: RN Foot Care Services, so I could control my hours and earn a greater salary. Foot care is one in all the few areas by which a registered nurse can work for themselves. I provide foot care, very similar to a podiatrist, to those that cannot or mustn’t take care of their very own feet. My goal group is diabetics, clients with dexterity and vision problems, and other people taking blood thinning medications. I run clinics at community centers, a downtown church, retirement communities, and make some home visits.

Q. Can you share any suggestions or resources for nurses excited by becoming a foot nurse?

Certification in foot care through Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing Certification Commission it adds legitimacy to my skilled practice. If you’re excited by becoming a foot care RN, I like to recommend this extra training and skilled networking. Another source is American Association of Foot Care Nurses. We encourage you to proceed to not sleep to this point with the most recent evidence-based practices on this field. Of course, an entrepreneurial desire to run your individual business is important.

Q. What are the very best things about being a nurse entrepreneur?

I just like the scheduling flexibility that self-employment allows. Additionally, implementing a brand new idea requires the consent of just one person!

Q. What are the most important challenges?

Challenges in my job include lack of income on account of illness or missed appointments (I am unable to bill insurance, but nevertheless I do not have to cope with that paperwork) and lack of day by day interaction with friends. I also pay for my very own medical insurance. Another challenge is the need to consistently learn, and it is a job based on repetitive skills. On the opposite hand, after I finish the day, I can easily disconnect from work for some time.

Q. Looking back, while you began your corporation, what do you want you had known? What advice would you give to others?

Overall, I’m blissful with my decision to start out my business. I knew I would not develop into a nurse with 30 years of experience because I began down that path later in life, but my hourly rate is nearly commensurate with a nurse with that much experience. If you’re excited by working within the foot care industry – whilst a part of your retirement – I suggest working with a current foot nurse after which taking classes to learn specific skills. It may be useful to join a small business class. Thank you, Sarah! Are there another foot nurses here? Does anyone think any such nursing entrepreneurship enterprise may be for them?