Nurses’ Honor Guard
Did you know that nurses’ honor guards pay tribute to nurses at the time of their deaths? They give the nurse a Nightingale Tribute at the funeral or memorial service.
The nurses who participate in the Nurses Honor Guard dress in the traditional white uniform complete with cap and cape. The ceremony is brief, usually taking only a few brief minutes.
The Nightingale Tribute is a recitation of the late nurse’s name three times after which a triangle is struck to ring out after each call.
As nurses, our identity is tied with our career. For a nurse to be honored in this fashion is so beautiful.
The Nightingale Tribute was copyrighted by Dwayne Jaeger RN, MSN and says, “[e.g., Nurse Smith] was there when a calling, quiet presence was all that was needed, Nurse Smith was there in the excitement and miracle of birth, or in the mystery and loss of life, Nurse Smith was there.
When a silent glance could uplift a patient, a family member, or friend, Nurse Smith was there.
At those times when the unexplainable needed to be explained, Nurse Smith was there.
When the situation demanded a swift foot and a sharp mind, Nurse Smith was there.
When a gentle touch, a firm push or an approaching word was needed, Nurse Smith was there.
In choosing the best one from a family’s ‘thank you’ box of chocolates, Nurse Smith was there.
To witness humanity — its beauty in good times and bad, without judgment, Nurse Smith was there.
To embrace the woes of the world willingly and offer hope, Nurse Smith was there and now that it is time to be at the greater one’s side, Nurse Smith was there.”
Many nurses are starting their own Nurse Honor Guard. If you would like to honor nurses in your area, this sounds like an amazing opportunity to make a difference and honor them.
If you are interested in starting a Nurses Honor Guard, contact Julie Murphy at jmury581@gmail.com. I first heard about the Nurses Honor Guard while on a cruise sponsored by Show Me Your Stethoscope, the largest online group for nurses.
Along with learning about the Nightingale Tribute, I had an amazing time on that cruise and met some amazing and truly brilliant nurses. I learned so much in the process.
So, what are your thoughts about a Nurses Honor Guard? Please feel free to post your reactions in the comments below.
