Be a Mentor

Clinical mentorships are a vital part of Purdue University's Veterinary Nursing Distance Learning (VNDL) program. As a mentor, you can play an essential role in guiding students through hands-on clinical experiences that help them achieve proficiency in the technical skills required for their education.

Why Become a Mentor?

Your involvement as a mentor makes a significant impact, not just on the students but on the entire veterinary field. Join us in shaping the next generation of veterinary professionals.

• Give Back to the Profession: Mentoring allows you to contribute to the future of veterinary medicine and honor the guidance you've received in your career.
• Gain Fresh Perspectives: Engaging with students can invigorate your practice with new ideas and renewed enthusiasm.
• Support Professional Growth: Assist veterinary assistants in furthering their education, enhancing their skills, and becoming credentialed veterinary nurses, which can benefit your practice.
• Identify Potential Team Members: Mentoring allows you to evaluate students' skills and determine if they would be a good fit for your team.

What Does Mentoring Involve?

As a mentor, you will:

• Coach and Guide: Oversee and support students as they complete clinical tasks in accordance with Purdue's standards.
• Evaluate Skills: Ensure students meet criteria for task proficiency, documented through narrated videos and other materials.
• Provide Access: Make available the necessary equipment and cases to fulfill mentorship requirements.

Mentorships can vary in time commitment based on the student's experience and tasks at hand.

Requirements for Your Practice

Your facility should meet the program's equipment, supplies, and case requirements as outlined in the mentorship-specific logbooks. These requirements ensure students can successfully complete their tasks and demonstrate competence.

View a sample logbook.

Necessary Documentation

Before the student begins their clinical mentorship, certain agreements must be completed:

• Clinical Mentorship and Facility Requirement Agreement: Confirms your practice's commitment to providing equipment, supplies, and cases that are required for completing tasks.
• Clinical Mentorship Supervisor Agreement: Completed by each supervising mentor to affirm their role in overseeing task completion.

Coverage Details

Students are protected by Purdue University's professional liability insurance during their clinical mentorships. This insurance covers:

• Liability for damages incurred while performing curriculum-required duties.
• Legal counsel and court costs related to incidents.

Questions?

For questions or further details about mentoring, please contact the Veterinary Nursing Office at vetnurse@purdue.edu or call 765-496-6579.