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College of Veterinary Medicine

Gratitude Abounds During Veterinary Nursing Appreciation Week

October 16, 2020

Mindy wears a face mask and holds up her subway to go box lunch in Lynn Hall
Purdue University Veterinary Hospital Animal Behavior Technician Mindy Cotton, RVT, receives a Subway boxed lunch as a thank you during Veterinary Nursing Appreciation Week.

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine takes great pride in educating the entire veterinary team, and veterinary nurses are a big part of that team! To show its support and gratitude for veterinary nurses, Purdue Veterinary Medicine held a week-long celebration during Veterinary Nursing Appreciation Week. The series of special activities were thoughtfully planned so the college could safely continue an important tradition.  Meals were served in individually packaged grab-and-go containers as a safety precaution during the pandemic.

“PVM faculty, staff, and students are appreciative of one another every day, but this week provided a special opportunity for everyone to reflect on all the things that veterinary nurses do for our college and hospital, and to say thank you,” said Dean Willie Reed. As part of the planning, some creative energy went into creating fun names for each of the special events.  PVM’s veterinary nurses enjoyed getting well-deserved treats at:

  • You Make Us “Butter” Breakfast for veterinary nurses on Tuesday, October 13
  • You Are Our Heroes! Subway boxed lunches for veterinary nurses on Wednesday, October 14
  • Thanks a Dozen! Baked treats for veterinary nurses on Thursday, October 15
  • You are “Egg-cellent” Breakfast Sandwiches for veterinary nurses held today (Friday), October 16

Additionally, note card stations were placed throughout the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital to encourage faculty and staff to write a note of gratitude to veterinary nurses. Special thanks to the planning committee members who organized the week’s activities:  Megan Brashear, CVT, VTS (ECC); Brandi Maxie, RVT; Pam Phegley, RVT; Donna Tudor, RT; and Jolene Knuth, RVT, VTS (Anesthesia and Analgesia).

Jeannine holds up a bagged breakfast sandwich
Jeannine Henry, RVT, instructional technologist, participates in the Veterinary Nursing Appreciation Week celebration by picking up one of the “You are ‘Egg-cellent'” breakfast sandwiches for veterinary nurses this morning (Friday, October 16).
Linley gives a thumbs up as she holds up a bag of cookies. Brandi looks on leaning against the wall
Veterinary nurse Brandi Maxie, RVT, looks on as Linley Brewer, RVT gets a treat from the “Thanks a Dozen” table that was set-up in Lynn Hall to recognize the contributions of veterinary nurses.

And remember, there’s still time, if you haven’t done so already, to say “thank you” to a veterinary nurse this afternoon, before the conclusion of PVM’s Veterinary Nursing Appreciation Week!

Writer(s): Susan Xioufaridou and Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

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