Use Your Skills To Help Your Patient Recover From A Critical Illness
Pegasus Home Health Care values cultural diversity in our clients and the professionals who serve them. Nurses enjoy the flexibility and variety of home healthcare services. They also increase their professional growth by meeting the challenges presented by their patients’ health conditions.
For example, our skilled in-home caregivers in Reseda and elsewhere assist individuals recovering from critical illnesses. As they learn from helping those patients, some continue to become specialists in that particular illness. Career home health care nurses know that their expert care makes a difference in the lives of others.
Pegasus professionals provide all levels of in-home personal and medical care. Some individuals may only need occasional or temporary help. Others require 24/7 assistance.
Many Factors Can Cause Critical Illness
Depending on a patient’s overall health, even a minor ailment can become a serious illness. And something that seems insignificant can escalate into a problem if not promptly tended to. Or your patient may have a chronic condition that suddenly worsens.
Some individuals may become seriously ill due to disease. Researchers know that “75% of adults over 40” will experience a critical illness during their lifetime. Those who survive often need intensive care, and some may require care for the remainder of their lives.
Regardless of the cause, a critical illness is a life-threatening condition. Vital organs become unable to function without pharmacological or other support. Individuals do not survive without medical intervention.
Thirty or more conditions are generally considered critical illnesses. Cancer, heart attacks, and strokes lead most lists. Others include conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and kidney or liver failure.
No list is exhaustive. Every individual is different. Some conditions may not be life-threatening to someone with a robust immune system.
Nevertheless, most individuals with a critical illness are hospitalized. Pegasus Home Health services include assistance during the hospital-to-home transition. Following up with in-home health care reduces the risk that an individual will require re-admission to the hospital.
Care During Recovery Is Multi-Faceted
Post-discharge patients are often experiencing pain and loss of muscle strength. It is also common for patients to feel anxious or worried about their condition.
During their hospital stay, patients often depend on the staff to meet their daily needs. And many will continue to require assistance for most activities until they’re stronger. Some patients may exhibit frustration about their current state and express despair or resentment about their loss of independence.
Other symptoms commonly observed during a patient’s recovery may include insomnia or other sleep difficulties, depression, and cognitive impairments. Another challenge is in managing and properly taking new medications and learning to use assistive devices.
The level of care you provide will vary depending on your patient’s illness and recovery process. In most cases, you will also be teaching family caregivers how to help with non-medical needs. You are your patient’s advocate, and you’ll be recommending services and treatments that are in their best interest.
Create A Care Plan To Aid Recovery From A Critical Illness
The medical facility may have provided a treatment care plan. If so, you should evaluate and revise it if necessary. If not, you will need to create a customized care plan.
The care plan is based on individual medical conditions and needs. However, all plans should include treatments, goals, and expected outcomes. Nurselabs provides tutorials, detailed instructions, and comprehensive templates for writing a care plan.
Initially, your recovery care will probably start with administering and monitoring medications. You may be responsible for equipment such as:
- Catheters
- Feeding tubes
- IV lines
- Tracheostomy tubes
- Ventilators
These will require varying degrees of monitoring, and most are temporary. All are generally unpleasant for your patient. Use your knowledge of the benefits of each and your skills to reduce discomfort and reassure patients.
Although you are the professional in charge of patient care and recovery, you are not alone. Your team members include physical and occupational therapists and other specialists as needed. Your colleagues and Pegasus staff are always there for you.
Your patient’s family has a significant role in helping your patient recover from a critical illness. Professional in-home care includes educating and supporting family members. Teach them to prioritize self-care as they can’t help their loved one if they are exhausted or sick.
Communication is essential. Your care plan should include a way for families to make a note of anything they observe. Sometimes, their concerns may be inconsequential, but other times, they may provide helpful insights.
Unless your patient objects, arrange for the family to be present during your visit. This ensures that family and caregivers accurately understand their loved one’s condition. Make it an opportunity for individuals to ask questions and clarify any misunderstandings.
Join Our Team And Make A Difference
Our skilled in-home caregivers in Reseda and our other locations tailor their services to meet the needs of each patient. Their care helps individuals remain safe and independent in their home. Our career home health care nurses provide the assistance patients need to recover from a critical illness.
Pegasus, an equal opportunity employer, is a licensed Home Care Organization and a Joint Commission Accredited Home Health Care organization. Diversity, equity, and inclusivity guide our hiring standards. We’re seeking professional caregivers who want to work with an organization that values their abilities and job performance.
