The History of the Nurses Honor Guard

NATIONAL

The Nurses Honor Guard began in 2003 by the Kansas State Nurses Association. For a long time, it was a service not offered anywhere else. Gradually nurses began to see this at conferences they attended, and a handful of groups started around the country.

In 2011 one of those nurses attended a conference in Detroit, Michigan and brought the concept back to her Professional Practice group in Lansing, Michigan. Julia Godby Murray saw her presentation and decided she needed to take this to nurses all over the country. She slowly began reaching out to groups through social media and at this point has helped organize over 250 groups get their start.

When Covid surfaced, many groups had to pause for a time as funeral attendance was being limited. She encouraged groups to video the service, and have it shown at funerals they were not able to attend. At this time, the groups are back to in person attendance and new groups are forming at a rapid rate.

Nurses have been able to bring back the dignity and respect for their profession that has been much needed and the service they provide helps families heal after the loss of their loved one. As nurses are natural healers this just adds another opportunity to continue doing what they love to do and that is to heal.

The first conference for the National Nurses Honor Guard Coalition was held in May 2024 in Northern KY. Contact nnhgc2024@gmail.com to find a chapter in your area nationwide.

OHIO

Currently there are 67 counties covered by 14 Chapters in Ohio so that means 21 counties do not have a Nurse Honor Guard available YET!!! We are steadily working to make sure every nurse in Ohio is honored. Contact nhgcoordinatorofohio@gmail.com to locate a chapter in Ohio.

LOCAL

The Cincinnati Nurses Honor Guard was started by Brenda Heile in early 2021. Through her persistence and devotion the chapter has grown to over 90 volunteers.

We provide a tribute honoring a licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, or advanced practice nurse for his/her commitment and dedication to their patients and the nursing profession. It is a way to honor that nurse and show respect for our profession, much like a Military Honor Guard.

Our Chapter serves Hamilton, Clermont, Butler, and Warren counties. We have also provided tributes in 2 neighboring counties in Indiana. We provide tributes at a deceased nurse’s visitation, funeral service, graveside, or celebration of life – the family chooses the placement of the tribute. We also provide Living Tributes for nurses in their later years especially if she/he is receiving hospice care.

Our chapter will provide presentations similar to this one for Nursing School Alumni groups in our area. We are sharing our program with students at the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science so that as they enter the field as Funeral Directors, they are aware of tributes for nurses, similar to military, fire, and police ceremonies.

Soon we will be seeking opportunities to pay tribute to nursing students from area nursing programs at the beginning of their careers at pinning or white jacket ceremonies. We also enjoy marching in local parades to publicize our organization. We are regularly volunteering at community charitable organizations. Contact: https://cincinnatinurseshonorguard.org/

Why might this information be of interest to you:

• If you are interested in joining a Chapter – retired or working
• If you are interested in starting a Chapter – tell your in & out of state nurse classmates/friends
• If you are interested in requesting a tribute for a deceased nurse
• If you are interested in advance care planning to include a tribute for yourself