One of the driving forces behind my love for nursing education is the desire to equip women with the information they need to thrive.

Far too often I’ve found that it’s a simple lack of knowledge or understanding that results in a woman having an unnecessary procedure or prescription that doesn’t address the real problem.

Healing takes time, patience and care, your own and that of anyone you welcome into your journey.

I’ve found that there are ways that you can improve the type of care you receive and enhance your overall health and well-being.

So here are the three things every woman should know about her health care

1. You need to take responsibility for your own care

Visiting your healthcare provider should look like a partnership with you leading the way. You shouldn’t hand over your existence or healing ability to someone who may be meeting you for the first time or who’s only getting a snapshot of your total being.

It’s your job to show up prepared with details about what you’re going through and what your personal health and wellness goals are.

And just in case you are unaware of this, your participation means that you get to say no, get second opinions, check side effects, thoroughly read through consent forms and ask as many questions as you need to.

2. You have options

Remember when you searched for those shoes online for an hour?

You should put just as much effort into searching for your healthcare providers.

Although your insurance provider may guide you to the care providers within your network, you are free to visit, consult with and pay any care provider you wish to help you reach your health and wellness goals.

You can search for providers online, get referrals from friends and family or ask your insurance provider to give you a list of available practitioners based on your needs.

Pay attention to the values and beliefs of the care providers you’re researching. Ask yourself if they are in alignment with who you are mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically and if they offer the types of services you’re looking for.

3. You can trust your instincts 

If something feels off about the interaction or the care plan you’ve been recommended, listen to your gut.

Don’t allow yourself to be pressured into making decisions that you don’t feel comfortable with or that you feel aren’t right for you. Listen to your instincts!

Unfortunately, bullying can occur within any type of relationship. Healthcare is no different. This is why it’s critical for you to be informed and take charge of your own healthcare.

Your health and well-being are worth the time and effort it takes to do the research, gather resources, choose providers that’ll help you reach your goals and work toward achieving them.

As a believer in Christ, your faith must be considered as a part of your care plan. Whether you want time to pray and consult with God or or focus on His healing power, your care provider should take your faith and desires seriously.

So tell me, have you ever visited a care provider and felt like you weren’t being heard? Have you ever felt pressured to make a decision or regretted the one you went along with?