Reflects All Species Nurse original list of Missions found at All Species Nurse; The Ultimate Patient Advocate
· To serve as a patient advocate for all species (human and animal) in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments.
· To promote support for both the hospitalized human patient and their pets until the owner is able to return home.
These are the targets we want to meet
When ill, many people may refuse treatment in hospitals because of their worry for their pets at home. Others, due to emergencies or having to move out of personal places of residence to nursing home facilities, worry about where their pets are transferred to (i.e., animal shelters) or who will care for their pets if they are unable, possibly placing pets in poor circumstances (Bodek, 2006). People who become ill and/or need to be hospitalized deserve to be relieved of such stressors regarding their pets. Therefore, All Species Nurse (ASN) Patient Pet Care (PPC) is “Ensurance” for pets and owners. Ensurance (not insurance) is focused on the needs of both the human and animal. The goal is to keep the pet in its home and be cared for by responsible individuals that respect the needs of the family and the pet at the beginning of the Ensurance process. Or, in other cases, ASN PPC assists the pet owner in establishing a new (hopefully temporary) home for the pet with family members or friends to prevent the pet from becoming an orphan.
The ideal environment for pets is in their own home since it is stressful enough not having the owner there with them. This is why ASN PPC advocates develop a rapport with the owner and the pet(s) prior to an emergency or other reason the owner may become hospitalized. The advocate makes regular visits to assess the family and their needs. This allows the pet and the owners to meet, greet and develop a sense of trust with the advocate. We call this Ensurance; ensuring in advance that needs are met by developing strategic solutions to assist the family member in caring for pets during times of need.
Reference:
Bodek, H, 2006, Caring for pets of hospitalized patients, In "Hospice for terminal CJD dementia patient participating in phase I clinical trial | Main | Training in Palliative & EOL Care For the Emergency Dept. Setting." Retrieved fromhttp://growthhouse.typepad.com/hillel_bodek/2006/08/caring_for_pets.html