Amare Medical Network provided this article.
By Jaclyn Neilly, BSN, BA, RN, Director of Clinical Services at Amare Medical Network
What would we do without our pets? I don’t know about you, but my dog Coco is sometimes the sole reason for me getting up in the morning: partially to take her out and partly because if I don’t go to work, I won’t be able to afford dog food. All in all, I would be lost without her. She is my child, and wherever I go, she goes.
Pets have been shown to have positive health effects on their owners, from psychological to physical ones. Animals provide comfort and support and can help be that ear that you vent to, that hug that you need, or that smooch when you walk in the door. They go on hikes and walk with us, which helps keep us moving and active. Pets can help improve our mental well-being in ways we may not think we could achieve. They provide an unbiased, unconditional love that we may not know we need but is so welcome.
Travel nursing can seem like a big step into the great unknown, but what if you were able to bring your precious pet with you? Many travel healthcare professionals bring their dogs, cats, birds – you name it – with them when they are away. This helps provide stability and comfort in a time when the hardships of healthcare are so daunting. Bringing your pet along for the ride can also help ease the nervousness that comes with taking a new assignment in a place that you’ve never been to before.
Nicole Estep, one of our travel nurses at Amare, is a great example of why traveling with a furry companion(s) is so beneficial. “When I come home, I’m covered in dogs. Getting puppy kisses definitely helps cope with stress,” said Nicole. More than two years ago, she sold her home, packed up her 14 dogs, and took off in her RV. Even though Nicole has 14 dogs on her travels, I recommend starting slow! One pet is enough to reap the benefits.
Many housing providers allow pets and even encourage them. One of Amare Medical Network’s partners, Furnished Finder, offers these tips for travel nursing with pets.
Tips for travel nursing with pets:
· Bring your own blankets and furniture covers
· Have your own pet-specific cleaning supplies
· Travel with your pet’s favorite toys and supplies
· Use consistency to help your pet transition
· Don’t be afraid to invest in help
Our pets are a part of us. If your pet is a part of you and you are looking to travel around the US providing top-quality healthcare, then join our other healthcare providers who take their pets along for the ride at https://amaremedicalnetwork.com. Together, you and your pet can provide care worthy of a million smiles!
Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.