Expressing our deepest gratitude & thanks for those in our profession
Become a Volunteer
As a member of the Nurse Honor Guard,
I stand at the forefront of reverence and respect, honoring the dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment of nurses everywhere. For me, this isn't just a duty; it's a profound privilege. Each step I take in uniform represents a tribute to those who tirelessly serve, often unseen, in the noble pursuit of healing and comfort.
Being part of the Nurse Honor Guard embodies a profound sense of duty and gratitude. It's a symbol of solidarity, acknowledging the sacrifices and tireless efforts of those who choose to dedicate their lives to the care of others. Every ceremony, every gesture, is a solemn recognition of the profound impact nurses have on the lives they touch.
In this solemn role, I find purpose and pride in honoring those who have devoted their lives to the service of others. It's a privilege to stand alongside fellow nurses, paying tribute to their remarkable contributions and ensuring that their legacy of compassion and care endures”.
-Jennifer Quezado, RN
Benefits for our Volunteers
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The Nurses who have participated in the Nurse Honor Guard ceremony have reported they felt proud to be a Nurse.
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The Nurses talk about how the process connected them back to their passion of caring for others.
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The experience to honor other nurses at their passing has provided closure for those who knew the nurse.
FAQs
What do I wear?
Wear a white uniform, white shoes, (or any white clothes and shoes) and white nurse cap to the event. If you do not have a nurse cap, one will be provided at the first time you attend a service. Men do not traditionally wear a nurse cap.
You will be provided a Nurse cape to wear at the event and it will be returned to the assigned leader of the event. Men can elect to wear a cape if they want.
What is the symbolism of the uniform?
At the beginning of the World War II, nurses wore a white ward dress with the white nurse’s cap on the ward. For outdoor use, they were issued a set of “dress blues,” that included a dark blue cape lined with red.
Why white uniforms?
The color white signifies purity, innocence, cleanliness, honesty, and faith. These are qualities of the devoted and caring patient-centered nurse. While white uniforms have been associated with nursing for a long time, this was not the case historically and the uniform has evolved over time.
How do I order a cape?
If you want to own a cape for yourself, the cape can be ordered by Julie Murray at jmury581@gmail.com . The capes cost about $65.00 (plus shipping, approx $9.85) to get them made and sent to your address. Payments can be sent via Venmo or Zelle.
What is the time commitment?
The time commitment involves attending the services in person. You are asked to arrive between 30 – 45 minutes before a ceremony to attend a nurse huddle to get oriented to the event assignment by the Nurse Honor Guard leader.
How many services can I attend?
There is no required number of events per year, as your schedule may not match up with the services offered. Join us when you can.
What if I do not want to speak in public?
During huddle, you will be assigned a task, such as reading a section if you are willing to speak at the event. If you are uncomfortable with public speaking, we have duties with no speaking parts, such as lighting and extinguishing the lamp, or using the chime/triangle.
How will I be notified?
You will get an email notice requesting volunteers for a service with the date, time, and location. If you can attend, inform the leader identified in the email of your intentions to attend.
Resources for our Volunteers
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Establish contact with the family.
Obtain picture of nurse from family if available
Make individualized Nurse Honor Guard tribute programs for printing.
Coordinate emails to volunteers and post updates.
Assign nurse leader, family-site liaison roles and offer support and resources for a successful tribute.
Maintain loan library of supplies.
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Coordinate with the family, on the assembly. Some Nurse Honor Guards assemble at the start of the service and walk in a procession to the front of the audience. Some Nurse Honor Guards assemble at the beginning in front of the audience. It is usually based on the physical attributes of the ceremony location and family/ friends wishes.
Have a sound system for the speakers of the ceremony. Soft music is welcomed to be played prior to the ceremony while people are gathering.
Invite local clergy for general assistance for the ceremony and those in attendance.
Collect information about the nurse and their service. For example, where did she/he/they go to school, how many years was a nurse, where did the nurse work. Collect stories of the nurse being a nurse. What made them special. The information may be used at the beginning of the Nurse Honor Guard ceremony. This part is special and personal. Some families like to join in on this part too, so please extend this opportunity to them to have a speaking role or to collect information about her.
Have a table and tablecloth – A Nurse Honor Guard tablecloth is available through our loan library of supplies, as a focal point for the ceremony.
Have a picture of the nurse, if possible, to be placed on the table. Families are usually good about sharing one. If the nurse had any nurse awards, it is great to display them on the table.
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Print copies of the nursing program.
Purchase and distribute flowers.
Provide assignments to the (1) readings, (2) lamp lighting and extinguishing, and (3) triangle ringing activities.
Email, text pictures to the assembled group and the local chapter.
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Dawn?
Kaiser Permanente
Pasadena