This article is provided by Travel Nurse Across America®.
5 Considerations for Travel Nurses
No doubt when you are a travel nurse, it can sometimes feel like a vacation. It’s not all sun, sand, and fun, but it does offer the opportunity to see new places and explore. For most people though, even that sense of adventure can have its share of peaks and valleys. New areas are exciting, the people, the sites, the climate, even the food can bring significant joy. But what about when you first arrive and feel a bit like a fish out of water? Or have been in town a while and newness wears off? For travel nurses, loneliness can sneak up and the desire for some stability often creeps in. Pets can easily fill that void for many travel nurses. The friendship, companionship, and affection of animals have been proven to calm anxiety and boost spirits. In fact, the CDC cites the benefits of pets include decreased blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and even triglyceride levels. So where should you start when it comes to Fido, Rover, Whiskers, or Midnight?
It may seem fairly simple at first, adopt a dog or cat and it’s a win-win for everyone. To help ensure a positive experience all around it’s worth thinking carefully about the big picture. Here are five areas worth investigating before bringing home a furry friend.
1. Housing
Consider where you will live and what the pet policy is regarding the type of animal you desire. Some places have size as well as breed restrictions; you may have to pay a pet deposit as well as monthly pet rent. If there is any damage or wear and tear that can be attributed to the pet, then you will likely forfeit all or some of your pet deposit. Pet rent is a flat fee that basically increases your rental expense.
2. Care
As a travel nurse, you are committed to the well being of your patients. That same philosophy is true as a pet owner. Animals need daily care and some animals have special needs that require more maintenance. Think of the following in terms of your schedule and availability: feeding times, regular walking, temperature, potty breaks, and even the type of animal such that it is not lonely if isolated for a long period of time. What’s more, you will need a backup plan in case you are called away at work unexpectedly.
3. Expenses
Don’t forget the cost of owning and caring for an animal. There are numerous things that add up, be sure you can afford such expenses in your budget. For example, food, wellness veterinary care, periodic sick care, town licenses, litter, cages, and the possible cost of a daily pet sitter or daycare if you are away for extended times.
4. Selection
There are hundreds of choices out there when it comes to pets. Take some time to research the common traits of different breeds of cats and dogs if they are under consideration. Certain dogs are very high energy and will require a lot of exercises to stay healthy and happy. Certain cats shed a lot and will require extra housekeeping. Puppies require a great deal of attention, in the beginning, to train and nurture into a good companion. Older dogs may suffer from ailments.
5. Commitment
Pets rely on their humans for everything to survive. They typically thrive on interaction. Think about your willingness to stick by the animal through thick and thin, to be fair and compassionate to the animal. It is often stressful for animals to change owners, and sometimes to move a lot from place to place. Try to take into consideration as much as possible from those who can’t speak for themselves
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