As a traveling nurse, you are accustomed to an unconventional way of life. Whether this life came naturally to you or not, there are hurdles to overcome with such a travel-heavy profession. Things that the average person may take for granted may be a serious issue for traveling nurses, one of them being pets.
Pets are staples in many households. They can be extremely loving, loyal and therapeutic. Traveling nurses should not have to miss out on these wonderful blessings, but it is important to keep pets at the forefront of your mind as a traveling nurse as though they were your children. If you choose to bring pets into your life, you are responsible for their quality of life. This means, as a traveling healthcare professional, you must be organized and ready to accommodate your pet at all times, especially if your travel can be sudden and sporadic. So what are the best ways to handle your pet as a traveling nurse?
Create a Network
Having a reliable network of people that you can trust to take care of your pet while you are away is imperative for nurses that are required to travel in a moment’s notice. Ideally, you will be able to take your pet with you on your travels but it may not always be feasible. The important thing is to have friends, neighbors, or professionals around you that can take care of your pet the way that they deserve to be taken care of. Boarding your pet while you are away is not an ideal situation. With so many pets to take care of, it’s not always the most caring environment for a pet to be in.
Look for dog-sitting professionals in your area. As this is quickly becoming a large industry, you may be able to find a wonderful and reliable sitter that will take care of your pet in their own home where they are comfortable. Another great way to accommodate your pet is to have friends or neighbors take care of your pet. Seeing a familiar face will make your pet’s life that much more normal while you are gone.
Traveling with Pets
Spending time apart from their owners can create anxiety in pets. As a traveling nurse, it is important to exercise your due diligence in researching pet-friendly hotels and regions around the areas that you work. You may also have to consider your pet when it comes to transit. How would your pet behave if it were on a plane as opposed to being crated in with the cargo? Talk with your veterinarian to see if there is any medication they can prescribe to help ease your pet’s travel anxieties.
If you find the jobs you get are not conducive to your pet’s needs, MRInc. can help you find a job that will be. We specialize in staffing for healthcare and traveling healthcare professionals. So whether you decide that a more stable nursing job would be better or want to find a more pet-friendly travel nursing situation, call MRInc today and we would be delighted to help you and your furry friend find the best possible solution.