Physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants have the chance to enjoy many advantages when they take their expertise “on the road.” Freedom of where—and when—to practice and greater control over your schedule are just some of the benefits you can realize as a locum tenens provider.
Many locum tenens staffing companies offer a special perk that’s popular among animal lovers: the ability to take pets on assignment. Their housing coordinators work closely with hoteliers, complex managers, innkeepers, and property owners throughout the country to secure pet-friendly housing for clinicians who want to take their “creature comforts” along for the adventure.
Still, knowing you may take your dog or cat—or even your horse!—once appropriate lodging has been arranged doesn’t necessarily mean you should do it. While it might be tempting to have your faithful companion with you at all times, you should consider a few factors before you request pet-friendly accommodations and review the options with your consultant.
- Your pet’s “travelability.” There are a number of elements that can affect your animal’s travel experience—from its age and temperament, to the length of a trip and motion sickness, to physical impairments and special needs. Before you make plans to take your pet on assignment, think about its unique circumstances and consult your vet to confirm your animal is fit for the journey.
- Duration of locum tenens opportunity. Certainly, most pets are happiest in their regular settings. If you’ll be on assignment for five weeks—seven days on/seven days off, full-time, 12- hour shifts plus call every other night—you may opt to leave your pet at home in the care of a trusted family member or professional pet sitter. Then again, if you’ve accepted a three-month assignment several states away from your home base, working Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., having your pet travel with you may be a no-brainer. As the length of an engagement can vary from one contract to the next, you’ll probably choose to have your pet go with you on some occasions and stay behind on others.
- Time with your animal. How much time will you be able to actually spend with your pet once you reach your assignment destination? If you agree to a short, weeklong commitment, your pet may often be on its own and will fare better in its normal environment, comfortably awaiting your return. Conversely, if you’ll be on assignment for six months, your schedule may be similar to one you’d have at home as a regular staff member. In fact, you may discover you have more downtime practicing locum tenens full-time, which will, in turn, afford you even more time with your beloved pet.
Whether your pet should join you on a locum tenens opportunity is a personal choice as distinctive as your furry or feathered friend. Though your determination may vary based on the parameters of each, individual assignment, putting your animal’s needs first and carefully weighing your options will help you reach the most prudent decision.
Unfamiliar with locum tenens? Click here to learn more about it and how you can benefit from this practice alternative.
