Women are often the pillars of strength in their families, providing care and support to their loved ones with unwavering dedication. However, amid their own caregiving responsibilities, women may overlook their own health needs or support because typically, they are the ones responsible in this role.
When facing any health procedure or issue, having the support of a private duty nurse for after-surgery home care can make all the difference in the recovery process.
Let’s delve into why women deserve assistance and advocacy in their own healthcare journey, top services and procedures that may require hiring a nurse after surgery, and the importance of tailored post-op nursing care at home.
Women Need Support
Women often find themselves in the role of caregivers, whether it’s caring for children, aging parents, or other family members. This constant caregiving can lead to neglecting their own health needs, putting their well-being at risk.
And when women undergo medical procedures or face health issues, they, too, require support to ensure a smooth recovery. However, due to societal expectations and the tendency to prioritize others’ needs over their own, women may hesitate to seek help at home after surgery — or simply may not have the right support to turn to.
This is where the assistance from an in-home skilled nurse becomes invaluable, offering personalized care tailored to their specific needs. Women deserve to receive the same compassionate care that they typically give to others.
Women Need Advocates
Women are often advocating for their loved ones, but don’t always have someone who can advocate for them, too. While this may not be something that is spoken of enough, bias in healthcare is a significant issue that can impact the quality of care women receive.
Research has shown that women’s symptoms are often dismissed or downplayed, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment. Additionally, stereotypes about women’s pain tolerance can result in inadequate pain management strategies, which impact recovery and well-being.
In-home skilled nurses serve as advocates for women, ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed in a timely manner. By providing support and guidance along with expert home healthcare after surgery, nurses help women navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health and ultimately receive the treatment they deserve.
Having a private duty nurse as your advocate is one of the most important decisions a woman can make when she is about to have surgery or undergo a procedure.
5 Ways Post-Operative Nursing Care at Home Can Help
Skilled nurses can provide women with expert help at home after surgery or hospitalization in these five distinct ways:
Pain Control
Pain management is crucial for women recovering from surgical procedures or dealing with chronic health issues. In-home skilled nurses are trained to assess pain levels and implement appropriate pain relief strategies, including medication administration, positioning techniques, and relaxation therapies. By effectively managing pain, nurses enhance women’s comfort and promote faster recoveries.
Wound Care
Proper wound care at home is essential for preventing infections and promoting healing after surgery. Private duty nurses have the expertise to assess wound sites, clean, and dress wounds, and monitor for signs of complications such as infection or delayed healing. Through meticulous wound care, nurses ensure optimal recovery outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.
Medication Management
Many women undergo medical procedures that require complex medication regimens for pain relief, infection prevention, disease management, and other purposes. Skilled nurses play a crucial role with at-home medication management during a woman’s post-op nursing care, ensuring they understand their medications, adhere to prescribed dosages, and monitor for potential side effects or interactions.
These nurses can also provide recommendations for changing the regime as needed based on monitoring tolerance. By promoting medication adherence and safety, this in-depth, after-surgery home care helps optimize treatment outcomes and minimize risks.
Emotional Support
Recovering from surgery or managing chronic health issues can take a toll on women’s emotional well-being. Private duty nurses can provide compassionate emotional support, supportive touch, a listening ear, reassurance, and encouragement during challenging times.
By addressing women’s emotional needs, nurses can promote resilience and coping skills, enhancing overall recovery and well-being. Healing is a holistic process that requires a holistic approach.
Education & Advocacy
Empowering women with knowledge about their health conditions and treatment options is essential for informed decision-making in the post-operative nursing care journey. Skilled nurses serve as educators, providing comprehensive information about procedures, medications, self-care practices, and follow-up care.
Additionally, private duty nurses will advocate for women’s rights and preferences within the healthcare system, ensuring that their voices are heard and respected.
Top Surgical Procedures Requiring Extensive Home Healthcare After Surgery
Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy involves the surgical removal of the uterus and may be performed for conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis, or cancer. After care for a hysterectomy can be physically and emotionally challenging, requiring assistance with pain management, wound care, and emotional support.
Mastectomy
A mastectomy is the surgical removal of one or both breasts and is often performed as part of breast cancer treatment or a prophylactic measure. Mastectomy post-op nursing care involves wound care, pain management, and support with emotional adjustments or body image issues.
Hiring a nurse after surgery who comes to your home can help alleviate any isolating feelings, while also helping women adapt to wounds and drains that may impact their movement.
Cesarean Section (C-section)
A C-section is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby when vaginal delivery is not possible or safe. Recovery from a C-section includes pain management, wound care, breastfeeding support, and assistance with newborn care.
In-home skilled nurses are able to provide the new mom with C-section recovery essentials to ensure she is doing okay in the interim while waiting for her postpartum checkup, which could be weeks out.
Nurses can also help ensure that the parents are adjusting well, and can identify signs and symptoms of postpartum depression earlier at home so it can be addressed quickly.
Oophorectomy
An oophorectomy involves the surgical removal of one or both ovaries and may be performed for conditions such as ovarian cysts or cancer. Recovery from an oophorectomy can involve hormone management, symptom control, and emotional support — which often requires after-surgery nursing care from professionals.
Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure used to restore the shape and appearance of the breast following a mastectomy. Breast reconstruction recovery may include wound care, drain care, pain management, and emotional support.
Hiring a nurse after plastic surgery who is well-attuned to women’s unique needs can put women in the best position to heal smoothly after reconstruction. Especially if tissue has been damaged with radiation or prior surgeries, careful monitoring can help ensure the quickest recovery if the skin or tissues have been compromised
Having a specialized nurse support a woman in their post-operative nursing care — from decision-making through recovery — can have a significant impact on their quality of life and outcomes.
Get Post-Op Home Health Services in Phoenix, AZ with Registered Nurses
In-home skilled nurses can play a vital role in supporting women’s recovery from common procedures and health issues, providing personalized care and advocacy where and when women need it most.
Offering home health services in Phoenix, AZ, such as pain control, wound care, medication management, emotional support, education, and advocacy, Navi Nurses empowers women to navigate their healthcare journey with confidence and dignity.
Hiring a nurse after surgery is not only a practical decision, but also a testament to the value of prioritizing women’s health and well-being.
It’s time for women to recognize their own worth and receive the same level of care and support they so readily provide to others. Navi Nurses are available for same-day care, and require only a one-hour check-in. Request on-demand care for yourself or a loved one today by calling us at (480) 482-1891 or reach out here to start co-creating your post-op nursing care plan.
