TCU nurse practitioner students. “The importance of foot care for this population cannot be overstated.”

In the heart of the Fort Worth, Texas, community, where the daily struggles of people without housing are vividly evident, a group of doctor of nursing practice (DNP) nurse practitioner (NP) students from Texas Christian University (TCU) has embarked on a journey to make a difference. Through the foot clinic initiative in partnership with True Worth Place, a day shelter for people without housing, they’ve established hope and healing with a compassionate service.

The initiative began in early 2018, following a vision from the leadership at True Worth Place. They conceived of a service where basic yet often neglected aspects of personal health—such as foot care—could be addressed. The idea evolved to include volunteers washing the feet of the guests, which extended to providing the guests vitally important medical services like foot assessments and nail care.

TCU faculty and NP students

Eager to serve, a handful of DNP NP students from TCU volunteered. Their involvement transcended providing care; it embraced the essence of nursing. The initiative expanded as students developed innovative ways to enhance services at True Worth Place, including anxiety reduction strategies and a suicide screening toolkit.

Adapting to COVID-19 challenges and beyond.

The foot clinic faced significant challenges with the COVID-19 outbreak, which led to a temporary suspension. However, this period reinforced the commitment to service, and the clinic was safely restarted last year, adapting practices to continue its mission amidst health concerns. The reopening underscored the resilience of the community and the ongoing need for compassion.

The impact: Over 700 lives touched.

Foot clinic volunteers

Since its inception, the clinic has served an average of 20 guests per month, totaling over 700 individuals. Beyond foot care, guests have received connections to further medical services, early interventions for health conditions, and rare moments of human connection.

Central to the foot clinic’s impact is the experience of the guests themselves. Guests of True Worth Place have expressed immense appreciation for the assessments conducted by the NP students, highlighting the significance of the kind, healing touch the volunteers bring. This humanizing care transcends physical health, acknowledging the humanity of each individual.

For many guests, the foot clinic represents one of the few moments where they feel seen, valued, and treated with dignity and respect. The importance of foot care for this population cannot be overstated; standing for hours and relying on walking as their primary mode of transportation makes foot health essential. Providing care in this area not only addresses immediate physical needs but also addresses their mobility.

Beyond care: a journey of learning and growth.

TCU nursing student

TCU nurse practitioner students have gained invaluable insights into social determinants of health, aligning their values with principles of human dignity and social justice. The clinic has spurred professional growth, advocacy skills, and personal reflection, with students confronting biases and recognizing the transformative impact of their service.

The foot clinic at True Worth Place stands as an exemplar of connection with the local community. TCU’s NP students have provided essential care while forming meaningful connections, often incorporating spiritual support. This initiative reflects TCU Nursing’s values and the nursing profession’s commitment to holistic care and social justice, reminding us that small steps can lead to significant journeys. Through resilience, compassion, and community engagement, lives are transformed, one step at a time.

Foot clinic guests and volunteers

How you can get involved.

The success of the foot clinic is a powerful reminder of the difference a group of committed individuals can make. If you’re inspired by the work of our TCU DNP NP students and the difference they’re making in the lives of those without housing, we encourage you to take action. We have a toolkit available for designing and developing a foot clinic. Reach out to me for details:

Kimberly Posey, PhD, DNP, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, GS-C, associate professor of professional practice and director, graduate nursing studies, Texas Christian University Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences;
k.posey@tcu.edu