Jennifer Unsworth

My role is to provide foot care for a wide range of patients who have been referred to us with a prescribed package of care from a podiatrist. We support in nail surgery and assist in the diabetic foot ulcer clinic.

We help prevent potential foot problems by seeing the patient regularly for foot care and carrying out neurovascular tests. This means we can help pick up any new problems or changes to health and refer back to the podiatrists or appropriate service.

The variety in the role was the main thing that attracted me. I knew the role was based across the community and in the hospital so I knew it would be challenging and rewarding with no two days the same.

I completed a foundation degree in order to work in my role so this was vital. Apart from this, I have completed my care certificate which helped me reflect on all aspects of patient care. I have also completed other training such as a 12-week level two certificate in ‘understanding the care and management of diabetes’. This was a non-mandatory course which I decided to do in my own time, and it helped me to develop a better understanding of the control and management of diabetes in relation to the patients I work with.

It enabled me to be able to offer advice and support to my patients and to improve my skills to encourage patients to take better control over their lifestyle choices in relation to controlling their diabetes. As diabetes is a huge part of our work in podiatry, I wanted to improve my understanding of the condition so that I would feel comfortable answering patient’s questions and queries in clinic.

I am proud of the relationships we develop with our patients and how we have the ability to instantly make them feel better even with just a simple nail cut!

I am proud I have picked up many problems patients face over the years which will have prevented patients from potential limb loss.

I find my job very rewarding and enjoy working with the wide range of patients that we see. It feels good to know you are making a difference to their health and making them feel comfortable. I find my colleagues very supportive and enjoy coming into work every day.

I have worked in my role for over 12 years and have felt there has been a lack of development opportunities. However, recently we have learned that we will be trained in scalpel work that will help ease the podiatrist workload and help develop our skills. I am very much looking forward to starting this and I hope that the next move is that the trust develops an apprenticeship course in podiatry.