Angel with a Stethoscope - The Nurse Honor Guard of the Capital District
{From the 2023 Christmas Newsprint Magazine}
Written By Sue Clark | Photos provided (unless Noted)
There are many noble professions out there that we come into contact with, in order to be able to live a healthy lifestyle. One of the most important in our lives is the one that offers us professional medical services, provides comfort in times of need, stands guard when we can't, guides us through the worst health diagnosis, and provides accurate medical treatment -often under difficult circumstances. A nurse is present at our birth. At the end of our lives, a nurse brings relief from pain and is often the last person we see. This profession often acts as our one ally when no one else is in a position to do so. I am speaking of that Nightingale in White - the nurse.
Many of us have nurses in our families or know a nurse personally. And since COVID, we have become painfully aware of how nurses put their lives and comfort on the line when hospitals could not be adequately staffed. Nurses throughout that time also treated many severely infected people, and then were forced to isolate themselves so that their own families remained safe.
Why am I choosing this as a topic? Well, I recently lost a good friend that was a school nurse for many years. My friend Jan saw it all, as most nurses do. Virus, infections, cuts, bruises, blood, head lice, and even contact with Child Protective Services involving abuse cases. Jan had recently passed, and I learned that a memorial was planned. She and I had worked together professionally in different capacities, and she certainly made a positive impression on me. She could do it all and pivot on a dime. I wished there was something I could do to let folks know what a difference she made for all in her nursing career. At the same time, I became aware that a meeting was being held in downtown Schenectady (June / 2023) for all nurses interested in joining something called the Nurse Honor Guard. I read about their amazing mission, and wholeheartedly agreed with what the Nurse Honor Guard stood for; to honor individuals who had dedicated their lives to the nursing profession. Since I was not a nurse, I contacted the person heading up this new initiative in our area - Funeral Director Brittany DeMarco - Furman, LFD, of Glenville Funeral Home. I offered my services as a volunteer photographer, explaining that this is just what the doctor ordered. Brittany explained that she too felt the need to do more for a career nurse that had recently passed on, and that that was the reason she was holding her NHG meeting and welcome party. She also said she was now aware of other NHG hubs in the region and would be working with them. For her party, invitations went out all over the Capital District, and all current and retired nurses were invited to attend the Schenectady NHG meeting. Wow! Did Brittany put on a fabulous NHG welcome party! Champagne, wine, sandwiches, desserts, balloons, and more! She explained to all that came that the Nurse Honor Guard is a group of licensed nurse volunteers that pay tribute to a nurse at the funeral or memorial by performing the Nightingale Tribute. She described the NHG tribute as similar to a military tribute. During the Nightingale presentation, all nurses in the room are asked to step forward to join the core volunteer group (which consists of both current and retired nurses - RN, LPN, AND APRN,) if they feel comfortable doing so. The NHG tribute officially releases the nurse from their earthly nursing duties. The NHG ceremony is short, and specifically honors that nurse’s career, at no cost.
Prior to Jan’s memorial, I was able to speak with her family and direct them to contact the Nurse Honor Guard. They sent the email out, and NHG Volunteer Manager Katelyn Dwon MS, RN, sent out requests for nurses in the Capital District to attend the memorial. When the day came for Jan’s memorial, the volunteer Nurse Honor Guard came and recited the Nightingale Prayer in unison, extinguished the Florence Nightingale Candle flame, presented the Florence Nightingale Candle to the family, and placed a single white rose on the altar to pay tribute to Jan. Thank-you NHG for such a beautiful ceremony. The families were overjoyed with your beautiful service.
Note: The Nurse Honor Guard has performed many ceremonies now for families throughout the Capital District. The NHG honored our beloved Evelyn Fatum, who taught nursing at SCCC for many years. Thank-you NHG again from the family!
To request this for the nurse in your life:
Licensed nurses can join NHG by sending an email to the above address. You get to decide when you would like to volunteer!
Funeral home directors can request Nurse Honor Guard services by emailing also.
Facebook: Nurse Honor Guard of Capital Region NY.
