Being with and staying connected with friends and family during faraway assignments can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation for nurses, which is why it’s a great idea for travel nurses to travel with loved ones whenever possible.
As remote work continues to be the work model of choice for many — a staggering 77% of working professionals say that remote work is conducive to productivity — an increasing number of travel nurses can bring their partners and family members on their assignments.
Gone are the days when people associate the lifestyle that comes with travel nursing with being solely for the young and single. Travel nursing is a dynamic and exciting profession that allows professional nurses to travel to different places, work at various facilities, and enjoy flexible schedules — with families and furry companions joining them in their regular assignments-slash-adventures.
We list some key pieces of advice for travel nurses who would like to explore working in various states with their pets and loved ones in tow.
Choose what’s best for your family and pets
Travel nursing with family and/or pets is not a one-size-fits-all deal. It’s important to take into consideration your family’s schedules and preferences. If your spouse works remotely and your children are not yet in school (or if they’re being homeschooled), it might be easier to bring them wherever your new assignment takes you. However, if your children are in school, it might be better to take them with you during summer vacation. And although your pets can join you on all your assignments year-round, if they have motion sickness or travel anxiety, it might be better if they stay home.
It’s also a good idea to take on a short-term assignment with your family to see if travel nursing life is a stellar fit for them.
Talk it out with your family and make a solid plan
It’s wise to make a solid plan with your family. Before you travel, make sure that you’ve walked your family through what will happen on your new assignment — where you’ll stay (a rented home or an RV are popular choices), what it will be like, what your work hours will be, and what they can do on their free time. It’s also wise to create a checklist of essential things to bring and talk about what each other’s tasks or responsibilities will be in your travel home.
After each assignment, don’t forget to talk about how the experience was for everyone, such as what worked and what could be improved. These experiences can help you determine which travel assignments will work best for your family and pets in the future.
Schedule fun, gastronomic, and educational activities
Make the most of your free time by exploring your new city with your loved ones. Check out local dining and tourist spots — if your new city is known for its great beaches, breathtaking ski slopes, or amazing live music scene, make sure that you schedule time to try activities that you’re all interested in.
Exposing your children to new places and activities is great for taking in new cultures, making new friends, and expanding their knowledge. Don’t forget to visit zoos, museums, and libraries. If they’re interested in sports or social activities, look for local sports and creative groups that they can join. If your partner has a hobby, try to look for social groups that they can participate in.
You can also explore nature by hiking, biking, bird watching, and walking around national parks.
