Week of Special Events Celebrates Contributions of PVM’s Veterinary Nurses

October 18, 2024

Instructional Technologist Jeannine Henry, RVT, displays her new Vet Tech Week T-shirt, complements of the Veterinary Nursing Student Organization (VNSO), as she is accompanied by VNSO President Aaliyah Turner (left) and VNSO fourth-year rep. Kylee Reinhardt.

Recognition and appreciation were emphasized this week in Lynn Hall as the College of Veterinary Medicine celebrated Veterinary Nursing Week (known nationally as Veterinary Technician Week). The college hosted daily events to show appreciation for the important role that veterinary nurses play as vital members of the veterinary team. Across the college, people were encouraged to take time this week to say thank you to PVM’s veterinary nurses, whether in clinics, labs, or the classroom, and to reflect on their significant skills and tireless efforts that are so important in providing excellent, compassionate veterinary care for animals.

Veterinary nurses and veterinary assistants turned-out in force for the Thanks a “Hole” Bunch donuts and coffee event hosted by the college in honor of Veterinary Nursing Week October 14-18.

Fun activities were scheduled throughout the week for the veterinary nurses and veterinary assistants, beginning with the “Thanks a ‘Hole’ Bunch Donuts and Coffee” session bright and early Tuesday morning, October 15. Wednesday brought an afternoon event called, “You’re the Coolest!” – featuring, of course, ice cream treats. Then, on Thursday, the Veterinary Nursing Student Organization (VNSO) sponsored and hosted an event that included adorable treats and a T-shirt give-away. The week-long celebration concludes today, Friday, October 18, with ’You are Our Heroes” Subway Sandwiches, which are being provided until 1:30 p.m. All of the events have taken place in the connecting hallway linking Lynn Hall with the David and Bonnie Brunner Purdue Veterinary Medical Hospital Complex.

The college also promoted the special week on social media by spotlighting PVM veterinary nurses and the great work they do. “Our college is extremely proud of our talented veterinary nurses who work tirelessly, whether they are providing excellent veterinary care, teaching, or supporting scientific discovery,” said Dr. Kathy Salisbury, interim dean. “Veterinary Nursing Appreciation Week provides an important opportunity to celebrate our highly capable and qualified veterinary nursing team.”

And there’s still time to say “thank you” to a veterinary nurse as part of Veterinary Nursing Week if you haven’t done so already!

Thank you and congratulations to all of our veterinary nurses!

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

Recent Stories

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

Today we are highlighting Michelle Schmierer, a technologist in the Clinical Pathology Laboratory who makes intentional efforts to share her kindness with those with whom she works.

PVM Symposium Provides Veterinary Technicians/Technologists Opportunity to Enhance Knowledge and Skills

A day set-aside for veterinary technicians and technologists to gather for learning, sharing, and growing is coming Sunday, March 8, when the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine hosts its annual Veterinary Technology Symposium at Lynn Hall. Registration is open for the program that will give veterinary technology students, veterinary assistants and veterinary technology professionals the opportunity to increase their professional knowledge and skills through both small and large animal educational sessions.

Elegant Evening in Indianapolis Spotlights ADDL’s Importance to Poultry Industry

It’s called “An Evening Under the Stars with the Indiana State Poultry Association” because the yearly event is a celebration of the poultry industry that’s held in downtown Indianapolis at the iconic Indiana Roof Ballroom. Purdue Veterinary Medicine was a Silver sponsor for this year’s January 20 event, which attracted a record turnout and provided an important opportunity for Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) representatives to showcase ADDL services and the laboratory’s important role in supporting the state’s poultry industry.

Purdue Veterinary Medicine Contributes to Purdue’s Top Seven National Ranking for U.S. Patents Received

An innovation to detect heart rate, respiration and oxygen saturation. An adenoviral vector system for gene delivery. A protein-based adhesive. These are among the 172 innovations created by Purdue University researchers for which the Purdue Research Foundation (PRF) received patents in the 2025 calendar year from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, reflecting Purdue’s status as a global leader in protecting and promoting intellectual property.

New Staff Members Join Department of Comparative Pathobiology

Two administrative assistants, Heather Fell and Amanda Scheurich, recently joined the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Comparative Pathobiology (CPB).

Dr. Darryl Ragland Named as Purdue Veterinary Medicine Extension Director

Purdue Professor of Food Animal Production Medicine Darryl Ragland has been selected as the director of extension for the College of Veterinary Medicine. In that role, he will oversee the activities of the college’s extension service, which shares practical applications of Purdue research with livestock producers in Indiana and around the world, and enables Hoosier farmers to raise animals using healthy and sustainable livestock production practices.

Purdue Veterinary Alumnus Jeffrey Harker Receives Indiana Pork Award for Meritorious Service

Indiana Pork recently presented awards to individuals who have dedicated time to advancing the swine industry and one of the recipients is well known to Purdue alumni for his career as a swine practitioner. Dr. Jeffrey Harker of Frankfort, Indiana, received the Indiana Pork Industry Meritorious Service Award.

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

Today we are happy to highlight Dr. Camilla Jamieson, clinical assistant professor of large animal emergency and critical care.

Strong turnout for Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Equine Wellness Forum Demonstrates Value of Equine Health Education

The 2025 Equine Wellness Forum attracted an enthusiastic audience that included additional attendees who participated virtually. The day-long continuing education event hosted by the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine on Saturday, February 8, highlighted the value of the equine health education provided by the college to equine enthusiasts.