Pause with Paws

Presenter Information

Jasmine Gonzalez

Faculty Mentor

Julie.Elting

Major/Area of Research

Nursing

Description

INTRODUCTION:The demanding nature of nursing education and practice requires effective strategies for stress management and emotional well-being. The Long Island University - Brooklyn Student Nurses Association (SNA) chapter collaborated with The Good Dog Foundation to introduce Pause with Paws, a pet therapy initiative designed to support nursing students, faculty, and staff.

METHODS: This initiative began in 2019 with therapy dog visits to campus and provided comfort and emotional relief to nursing students. Additionally, nursing students would experience the value of therapy dogs in patient care from the perspective of the patient, preparing students for professional practice. Despite an initially small turnout, the sessions were well received. The program was disrupted for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed in 2022-2023 with monthly therapy dog visits, and returned with a much higher turnout of 84 student participants. Therapy dog visits were scheduled on consistent dates to maximize participation. In 2024-2025, the initiative continues with therapy dog Marshall and aims to highlight the value of pet therapy in mental and emotional well-being while reinforcing the importance of self-care for nurses and nursing students.

CONCLUSION: By providing opportunities for interaction with therapy dogs, Pause with Paws fosters a sense of community, stress relief, and emotional support within the academic environment. Nursing students experience therapy dogs first-hand and form an understanding of their value in healthcare for patient wellbeing. Future visits will continue to reinforce the role of pet therapy as a beneficial wellness intervention.

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Pause with Paws

INTRODUCTION:The demanding nature of nursing education and practice requires effective strategies for stress management and emotional well-being. The Long Island University - Brooklyn Student Nurses Association (SNA) chapter collaborated with The Good Dog Foundation to introduce Pause with Paws, a pet therapy initiative designed to support nursing students, faculty, and staff.

METHODS: This initiative began in 2019 with therapy dog visits to campus and provided comfort and emotional relief to nursing students. Additionally, nursing students would experience the value of therapy dogs in patient care from the perspective of the patient, preparing students for professional practice. Despite an initially small turnout, the sessions were well received. The program was disrupted for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed in 2022-2023 with monthly therapy dog visits, and returned with a much higher turnout of 84 student participants. Therapy dog visits were scheduled on consistent dates to maximize participation. In 2024-2025, the initiative continues with therapy dog Marshall and aims to highlight the value of pet therapy in mental and emotional well-being while reinforcing the importance of self-care for nurses and nursing students.

CONCLUSION: By providing opportunities for interaction with therapy dogs, Pause with Paws fosters a sense of community, stress relief, and emotional support within the academic environment. Nursing students experience therapy dogs first-hand and form an understanding of their value in healthcare for patient wellbeing. Future visits will continue to reinforce the role of pet therapy as a beneficial wellness intervention.