Wellness at VEG: Prioritizing Mental Health in Vet Med

The 2025 Mental Health Awareness month theme is, "Turn Awareness into Action." This theme encourages us to not only raise awareness about mental health challenges, but to also take steps toward improving our mental well-being and lending support for those around us.

We spoke with Jordan Jones, a VEG nursing manager who is passionate about making mental health a priority. Here, she discusses the struggles often faced in the veterinary field, how she focuses on her own mental well-being, and supports VEGgies in her hospital.

VEG Nursing Manager and mental health advocate Jordan Jones.

What is your role at VEG?

JORDAN JONES:  I am the Nursing Manager for VEG Murfreesboro in TN. 

What inspired you to become an advocate for mental health in veterinary emergency medicine?

JORDAN: Veterinary emergency medicine is incredibly demanding—emotionally, physically, and mentally. The weight of caring for ill or injured animals, coupled with the heartbreaking reality that not all can be saved, takes a toll. Too many amazing veterinary professionals leave the field—or have taken their own lives—because the burden becomes too heavy. I knew I needed to speak up and be an advocate. 

What are some misconceptions about mental health in the veterinary field that you wish more people understood?

JORDAN: I wish people understood the difference between compassion fatigue and burnout.

PRIORITIZING MENTAL HEALTH IN VETERINARY HOSPITALS

As a nursing manager, how do you create a culture that prioritizes mental well-being for your team?

JORDAN: I try to create a culture that prioritizes my team's mental well-being by fostering a safe space where they feel comfortable being vulnerable and coming to me with any questions or concerns. Psychological safety is a necessity, and I lead by example by sharing some of my own vulnerabilities. As leaders, we aren’t perfect, and it’s important for your team to recognize that. I encourage work-life balance, require breaks, and reject toxic positivity in favor of genuine support. I also maintain an open-door policy to ensure my team feels heard and valued. I encourage the team to utilize the resources provided by leadership and our company. 

What role do you think leadership plays in reducing stigma around mental health conversations?

JORDAN:  We must set an example for our teams by fostering a safe space where mental health can be discussed openly. It's important to recognize that each team member may struggle in different ways and for different reasons. One person's challenges are not less important than another's, and every concern deserves understanding and support.

Veterinary emergency medicine can be intense. What strategies do you use to support your team during high-stress situations?

JORDAN: Being a supportive listener is essential, as well as building resilience among the team so they can ensure our patients receive the care they need in high-stress situations. I prioritize my team's well-being by ensuring they take breaks, encouraging them to step away after difficult cases/interactions, and promoting work-life balance in areas within my control. I make it a priority to regroup as a team and check in frequently when someone is feeling upset or stressed. 

Daily team huddles is one way the vet team at VEG supports and inspires each other.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS IS CRUCIAL IN VETERINARY MEDICINE

How do you recognize when a team member might be struggling, and what steps do you take to support them?

JORDAN: Building relationships with your team and earning their trust is critical. I meet with my team regularly, get to know each team member, check in often, ask them how I can help, and maintain an open-door policy. Understanding your team is key to recognizing when someone may be struggling. I offer resources such as ProQOL assessments and books like When Helping Hurts: Compassion Fatigue in the Veterinary Profession and The Forgotten Nurses: Finding Peace and Purpose in the Stressful World of Veterinary Medicine. I also encourage them to utilize our therapy services if needed. Showing that you care goes a long way. 

What advice do you give to veterinary professionals who struggle with setting boundaries and prioritizing their mental health?

JORDAN: Recognize your limits. It’s okay to say no. As compassionate professionals who love animals, we often put others first. But, you can’t give what you don’t have. Prioritizing your own well-being is essential to being the best version of yourself and providing the highest level of patient care.

What changes would you like to see at an industry level to better support the mental health of veterinary professionals?

JORDAN: For a long time, there was a stigma around discussing mental health in our field, but I’m grateful that companies and individuals are becoming more vocal about it. However, I would like to see more benefits offered that support mental well-being and more companies employing veterinary social workers as an additional resource. I also hope to see more public education on the scope of our profession, as there are many misconceptions. 

If you could give one piece of advice to someone new in the field about protecting their mental well-being, what would it be?

JORDAN: Our jobs are incredibly rewarding, but like any profession, it comes with challenges—some out of your control. Set boundaries. Remember why you chose a career in veterinary medicine, but don’t let your passion lead to burnout. Make time for the people who matter most, prioritize your hobbies, get plenty of rest, and ask for help when you need it.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR ITS VET MED STAFF IS A PRIORITY AT VEG

Looking for a career in vet med where you can thrive doing what you love and feel supported? With over 100 hospitals and growing, VEG is everywhere where you want to us to be. Find the job in veterinary medicine where you can grow where you want to go: VEG.com/careers