Nurses are the heart of healthcare. The roles and responsibilities of nurses have expanded over the years, but their primary role has always been to care for the patient. Ask a nurse why they chose nursing as their profession, and most will say they wanted to help people. Nurses are an integral part of the healthcare team.
They assess and monitor patients, administer medications, and provide educational and emotional support to patients and their families. Nurses are also advocates for their patients, making sure they are supported throughout their healthcare journey.
The first Nurse Honor Guard began in 2003 in Kansas when a nurse attended a friend’s funeral and was saddened that there was no mention of her lifelong service to others as a nurse. In 2005 the American Nurses Association sanctioned the Nightingale Tribute as a way to honor nurses who have died. Today, there are Nurse Honor Guard chapters throughout the country.
The Nurse Honor Guard of Kalamazoo County is a volunteer-based organization founded in December 2024 by nurses Holly McNally, Trish Wiita, Donna Pennington, and Abbey Greene.
The Honor Guard provides a final tribute for any nurse, active or retired, at memorial or graveside services. They also provide living tributes to honor nurses who are nearing the end of life or are in hospice care.
According to McNally, the Nightingale Tribute is for nurses who have passed away and can be performed wherever a memorial service is held. During the ceremony, the Honor Guard is dressed in traditional white uniforms and caps and draped in blue and red capes. Blue represents service and dignity, while red signifies the compassion and sacrifice that define the heart of every nurse.
During the Final Call to Duty, the Nightingale lamp is lit in honor of the deceased nurse. A tribute is read, and a white rose is presented as a symbol of compassion and comfort. A Tibetan singing bowl is then rung as the nurse’s name is called three times to report for duty. After the third and final call, the nurse is announced as released from their nursing duties.
The flame of the Nightingale lamp is extinguished, and the lamp is then presented to a family member as a lasting symbol of the nurse’s dedication and service.
During a Living Tribute ceremony, the tribute is read, and the nurse is presented with a framed certificate honoring their years of service and dedication to the nursing profession.
Cindy Sears joined the Honor Guard after witnessing the tribute for a friend. She was moved when all nurses in attendance were invited to stand in honor of their fellow nurse during the ceremony.
“Nursing is a hard job, and they put their heart and soul into caring for patients and families. I want to be part of recognizing them and supporting the legacy of our profession.”
The Nurse Honor Guard of Kalamazoo County offers a meaningful way to recognize the dedication, compassion, and lifelong service of nurses. Through these tributes, the organization ensures that a nurse’s commitment to caring for others is honored and remembered.
To join the Nurse Honor Guard or request a Nightingale Tribute, contact Holly McNally at 269-823-3954; Donna Pennington at 269-271-771 or Trish Wiita at 269-598-5258.
