NORTHFIELD, Ohio — It is a touching tribute for those who have dedicated their professional lives to service in fields such as police, fire and the military. In nursing, it exists too in an organization known as the Nurse Honor Guard.
"The first tribute I did was so touching and emotional. I really connected with the nurse that I never met. And the family was just so thankful," said Vanessa Ryks, an oncology nurse.
The Nurse Honor Guard is a volunteer organization with chapters all over the country, including right here in Northeast Ohio.
They perform a ceremonial tribute at funeral, memorial or graveside services of fallen nurses -- as well as honoring those who are in hospice care.
"Nurses are doing an incredible job. They contribute to comfort. They contribute to peoples' health. And I just felt it was a privilege for me now that I am retired to be part of that whole tribute," said Jan Frandsen, a retired nurse practitioner who devoted 22 years to doing hospice and palliative care.
Clad in their distinctive while uniforms, capes and caps - the wardrobe is a nod to nurses of the 1800's as they tended to soldiers on the battlefield.
The Honor Guard performs the Nightingale Tribute and Final Call of Duty officially releasing the nurse from their duties. A lit Nightingale lamp is carried up at the beginning of the ceremony and is then extinguished after the Final Call of Duty and presented to the family with words of condolences.
"The final roll call for duty. We will take over from here. It recognizes a partnership in unity among those we share this noble profession with," said Ryks.
The Northeast Ohio chapter started in January of 2022 with just two nurses. Since then it has grown to 68 members, and performed about 100 services in that time.
"There is such a comradery amongst nurses and it doesn't matter what the title is or where your credentials are in this group. We are all there for the same thing. And that's to honor a nurse no matter what level of training that they have had," said Janet McKinney who is a licensed practical nurse and heads up membership for the Northeast Ohio chapter.
A white rose placed by the casket or urn signifies unity. As the Honor Guard stands watch, it reminds all in attendance how a nurse's legacy is woven into the tapestry of healthcare -- deserving to be celebrated and remembered.
The Northeast Ohio Honor Guard serves eight counties including Cuyahoga, Eastern Lorain, Lake, Geauga, Western Ashtabula, Summit, Medina and Stark counties.
The first annual Nurse Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 11, at 1 p.m. It will take place at Busch Funeral Home at 7501 Ridge Road, Parma. You can find details HERE.
The Northeast Ohio Nurse Honor Guard is a 501c3 non-profit organization accepting donations.
Learn about membership HERE.
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