If you’ve spent time in Bellarmine University’s Lansing School of Nursing & Clinical Sciences, chances are you’ve already met Vince. With his bright red vest and wagging tail, Vince is more than just a friendly presence in the hallways, he is a trained facility dog with an important mission: supporting our nursing students.
Vince came to Bellarmine through Paws with Purpose, an organization that provides highly trained dogs for service and facility work. Unlike service dogs that assist one individual, facility dogs like Vince are trained at an advanced level to support entire communities. He performs many cues and tasks such as providing comfort during stressful times, engaging with groups in learning and clinical settings, interacting with faculty and staff, as well as participating in simulation and recruitment activities.
A Calming Presence in a Demanding Program
Nursing school can be challenging. Between exams, clinical requirements, and the natural stress of preparing for a career in healthcare, students often carry a heavy load. Vince helps create a calming, supportive environment for students and faculty alike. His presence has been shown to lower stress, foster social connection, and bring a sense of balance to long study days, post-examination debriefings, and intense clinical preparation.
Many students share that a quick visit with Vince brightens their day, eases anxiety before a big exam, or helps them reset after a difficult simulation. He reminds us all that self-care is essential, and that compassion and presence are as vital in healthcare as technical knowledge. We also have fun events like “happy hour” and “selfies on the stairs” with Vince that allow time for students to have dedicated interactions.
A Partner in Learning
Vince is also part of the educational experience at Bellarmine. You’ll often see him sitting quietly in simulation labs, walking through Miles Hall with students, or offering a “paws-on” moment of calm for someone who might be struggling. Nursing is a human-centered profession, and Vince helps demonstrate the importance of therapeutic presence, empathy, and emotional support, which are skills just as critical as charting or physical assessment techniques.
More Than Just a Dog
Behind his wagging tail, Vince represents something bigger. He embodies Bellarmine’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and care for the whole student. He serves as a living reminder that nursing is not only about treating illness but also about healing people. Whether it’s through a gentle nudge, a moment of playful distraction, or the quiet comfort of his companionship, Vince plays a meaningful role in shaping the nursing student experience.
Vince also proudly represents the Lansing School of Nursing & Clinical Sciences at recruitment visits, campus tours, and special university events, where he instantly captures hearts and helps prospective students feel welcome. His warm demeanor makes him a true ambassador for Bellarmine University, connecting with guests, families, and future nurses in a way only Vince can.
So, the next time you see Vince on campus, stop and say hello. To hold you over, you might look him up on social media (Instagram, TikTok and Facebook @VincetheKnightofLansing). You’ll quickly understand why he has become such a beloved member of the Bellarmine community. Vince isn’t just a dog, he’s a teammate, an educator, and a furry friend.
This guest blog about Vince the Facility Dog was written by Leslie Leffler, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, Assistant Professor in Bellarmine University’s Lansing School of Nursing & Clinical Sciences.