Gratitude Abounds During Veterinary Nursing Appreciation Week

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).

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

Recent Stories

PVM White Coat Ceremony Celebrates Major Milestone for DVM Class of 2026

The Purdue Memorial Union ballrooms provided a classic setting for an annual event that has become a cherished tradition of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. Members of the DVM Class of 2026 gathered with family, friends and faculty and staff on the evening of April 12 for the annual White Coat Ceremony that signals the transition of the third year veterinary students from the classroom to the clinics.

Breast Cancer Drug Supinoxin Shows Potential for Small-cell Lung Cancer Treatment in New Tests

Purdue University scientists led by co-principal investigators in the Colleges of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine have identified the Supinoxin small-molecule drug as a possible new therapy for small-cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Tail-Wagging Success Characterizes PVM’s Participation in Purdue Day of Giving

As the day dawned Wednesday, April 30, evidence came pouring in that Boilermakers everywhere – whether alumni, friends and/or fans – were answering the call to make the 2025 Purdue Day of Giving our loudest and proudest “All hail!” yet. And Purdue Veterinary Medicine played a part in the success!

PVM’s Oncology Team Buoys Purdue Institute for Cancer Research 5K Fundraising Run

It is no surprise that the members of Purdue’s Werling Comparative Oncology Research Center (WCORC) in the College of Veterinary Medicine would not back down from a challenge, especially when it comes to supporting innovative cancer research. So, true to form, about two-dozen representatives of the center could be found out on the course Saturday, April 12, participating in the 17th annual 5K Challenge fundraising run to support the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research.

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

This week we extend our appreciation to Lisa Hepworth, DVM, who is a senior lecturer and instructor of record for small animal junior surgery.