Health or casualty? Why you must arm yourself for the healthcare battlefield.

Why trusted allies are your lifelines.

Jan 23, 2025

This Substack is dedicated to all of my military and veteran friends and aquaintenances. You know who you are. May we walk into the battle for proper patient care together.

An abstract image depicting a person arming themselves for the healthcare battlefield, styled with a gritty, rebellious, and industrial aesthetic. The figure wears a punk-inspired outfit with a leather jacket, combat boots, and a bandana, holding medical tools like syringes and a stethoscope as if they were weapons. The hospital setting is dark and industrial, with exposed pipes, flickering neon lights, and graffiti-covered walls. The person’s expression is defiant and determined, symbolizing readiness to confront the challenges of modern healthcare. The scene combines edgy, industrial textures with bold, rebellious energy.

Navigating the modern healthcare system is like walking through a minefield — blindfolded. Between overworked, ego-driven, and often undertrained providers and rushed, profit-first decisions, the system prioritizes dollars over dignity. Getting the care you deserve feels impossible, but here’s the truth: you can take control. With preparation and an advocate by your side, you can make the system work for you — not against you.

Preparation isn’t optional: build your healthcare battle plan

Walking into a hospital unprepared is like charging into enemy territory without a strategy, body armor, or ammunition. Your rights, a Healthcare Power of Attorney, and an Advanced Directive are your tactical gear. These tools protect you from becoming just another target in a system that often treats patients like expendable assets.

Let’s not sugarcoat it: hospitals, Big Pharma, and some doctors are part of a massive psyops operation. Decoding their tactics is crucial to survival. Beyond paperwork, you need intel. Do some research about local facilities, read patient reviews, and understand the terrain before stepping foot on their battlefield.

Without a plan, you’re a sitting duck. With one, you’re a force to be reckoned with.

Advocacy: your strategic lifeline in the chaos

In the fog of the healthcare war, your advocate is your battlefield commander. They translate the chaos into actionable decisions, ensuring your mission objectives (your health and rights) are met. Whether it’s a family member, trusted friend, or professional, their role is essential. They document every interaction, demand accountability, and keep you informed.

When seconds matter, having a skilled advocate by your side can mean the difference between survival and becoming a statistic.

Allies like Remnant Healthcare — a squad of elite nurses with unwavering ethics — are indispensable. These are the ones you want in your foxhole when the system feels like the enemy.

Functional medicine: the tactical advantage most doctors ignore

Many healthcare providers are like soldiers running on empty — reacting to firefights instead of strategizing for the mission. Functional medicine changes the game. It’s about prevention, holistic care, and identifying root causes — like understanding the enemy’s supply lines and weaknesses. Burned-out providers treating the body as isolated outposts miss the bigger picture. Without addressing the underlying issues, healing remains a pipe dream.

If you’re in healthcare, it’s time to step up. Equip yourself with knowledge about nutrition, mindfulness, and lifestyle changes. Well-prepared providers create resilient squads and better patient outcomes.

As a healthcare provider, it’s time to practice what you preach. Dig deeper into functional medicine. Take a course like this one. Learn how nutrition, mindfulness, and lifestyle changes can transform lives — including yours. Well-equipped healthcare soldiers create resilient squads.

An abstract image depicting a patient advocate in a hospital ward, styled with a gritty, rebellious, and industrial aesthetic. The advocate stands confidently, wearing a punk-inspired outfit with a leather jacket, bold patches, and a clipboard symbolizing their role. They are surrounded by patients and medical staff in an industrial hospital ward with exposed pipes, cracked walls, and graffiti-like details. The advocate's presence radiates determination and support, symbolizing a defiance of traditional norms and a focus on empowering patients. Neon lighting adds an edgy contrast to the rugged environment, emphasizing the bold and rebellious theme.

If you’re a patient facing a hospital stay, here’s your strategy.

Before hospitalization: Gear up

Your mission plan is your lifeline. Follow these steps to navigate the hostile environment of healthcare:

1. Research and choose wisely:

Investigate hospitals’ reputations, patient reviews, and care standards.
Understand their protocols and your treatment options.

2. Prepare legal documents:

Healthcare Power of Attorney: Assign someone you trust to make decisions if you can’t.
Advanced Directive: Clearly document your treatment preferences and end-of-life care.
Use resources like the Hospital Hostage Hotline for patient information sheets.

3. Pack a hospital advocacy kit:

Copies of legal documents.
A detailed list of medications, allergies, and medical conditions.
A notebook or device for documenting interactions with staff.
Contact information for trusted advocates and legal resources.

During hospitalization: Advocate like your life depends on it

1. Understand your rights:

Know informed consent laws and patient rights.
Demand full disclosure of risks, benefits, and alternatives before agreeing to treatments.

2. Document everything:

Record names, dates, and summaries of discussions with healthcare providers.
Note any discrepancies or concerns in care.

3. Engage an advocate:

Have a trusted person present during major discussions or decisions.
Request a patient advocate or case manager if issues arise.

4. Stay proactive:

Regularly ask for updates on your condition and treatment plan.
Verify that all procedures align with your consent and preferences.

After hospitalization: Reflect, review, recover

Follow up with your healthcare provider to review your records and treatment plan.
Share your experience with advocacy groups to help others navigate similar challenges.

The bigger picture

Healthcare providers are on the front lines of a failing system. Burnout, rushed decisions, and reactive care are signs of a broken command. Functional medicine is the way forward, emphasizing prevention, holistic strategies, and addressing root causes. This isn’t just better for patients; it ensures providers stay mission-ready and resilient.

Mission debrief

Entering the healthcare system doesn’t have to be a recipe for disaster. With the right strategy and allies, you can navigate the chaos and come out victorious. Providers, too, must adopt better practices — not just for their patients, but for their own survival.

The battle for your health isn’t just about survival — it’s about reclaiming the high ground. Together, we can build a unified force of informed, empowered individuals ready to challenge the system. Share this message, join the mission, and let’s take back what’s rightfully ours. The time to act is now.

Check out the Nurses Out Loud Podcast with Kimberly Overton from Remnant Healthcare!
Join Kimberly and Kristina as they dive into detox practices, practical lifestyle changes, and stress reduction tips that anyone can benefit from. Don’t miss this informative and empowering conversation!
Listen here: https://www.americaoutloud.news/reclaiming-our-wellness-actionable-insights-from-kristina-morros/

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