NJ Nightingale Honor Guard

Nightingale Nurses Honor Guard

The Nightingale Nurses Honor Guard pays tribute to nurses at the time of their death by performing the Nightingale Tribute at the funeral or memorial service. This service is similar to a military tribute and officially releases the nurse from the nursing duties.

The Nurses Honor Guard dresses in the traditional white uniform complete with cap and cape. The ceremony is brief; it takes about 5 minutes, and consists of reciting the Nightingale Tribute and laying of a white rose on the casket or next to the urn, symbolizing the nurses dedication to the profession.

After the Tribute is recited, a triangle is rung after a roll call for the nurse. The nurse's name is called three times and the triangle is rung after each call of the name. After the roll call the words are spoken that the nurse is officially released from their nursing duties.

A lit Nightingale candle is carried up at the beginning of the ceremony and is then extinguished and presented to the family with personal condolences.

The Nightingale Nurses Honor Guard of New Jersey also attends events such as conventions and nurse recognition programs and has participated in the 2023 NJLN Nurse Recognition and Scholarship Award Event and previous NJLN Conventions, including our most recent 2024 Convention in Atlantic City.

If you would like to be part of the Nurses Honor Guard, please email either shericleaves@gmail.com or kirkhamcarole@gmail.com.