The SOUTHWEST GEORGIA NURSE HONOR GUARD is a designated 501 (c) (3) nonprofit that recognizes those nursing colleagues who have dedicated their lives to the profession of Nursing.
We are nurses who volunteer our time to pay tribute to the nurse at the time of their death by performing the Nightingale Tribute and Last Call of Duty at the funeral, memorial, or graveside service. This ceremony is similar to a military tribute (without guns) and officially releases the nurse from their nursing duties. This ceremonial tribute lasts about 5 minutes . Our goal is to provide dignity and respect in recognition to our fellow colleagues (free of charge) at the time of their passing and provide comfort and support to the grieving families.
“I cannot express enough gratitude for the compassionate and dignified services provided by Nurse Honor Guard. The team’s professionalism and respect for the nursing profession were evident in every aspect of their service. Nurse Honor Guard truly honored their colleague in a way that reflected the care and dedication she showed to her patients. Their presence provided comfort and a sense of solidarity to the family during this challenging time. I wholeheartedly recommend Nurse Honor Guard to honor a Nurse or family seeking a meaningful and respectful tribute for a nurse who has passed away. Thank you for your outstanding service.”
Joshua G Barnes Licensed Funeral Director Barnes & Greer Funeral Services
MAY 12 DESIGNATED GEORGIA NURSE HONOR GUARD DAY!
Georgia Nurse Honor Guard has received a Commendation from Governor Brian Kemp recognizing May 12 (Florence Nightingale’s birthday) as “Georgia Nurse Honor Guard Day” in the State of Georgia.
Thank you to Southwest Georgia Living Magazine, the region’s premier lifestyle magazine, for the great article in the July / August 2024 issue highlighting our organization.
(Nurse Honor Guard Tribute February 2024)
The Southwest Georgia Nurse Honor Guard considers it a privilege to honor our fallen colleagues. To request a tribute please contact us at SWGAnurse@outlook.com
Proud to introduce some of our volunteers
After attending several colleagues’ funeral services throughout the years, we felt led to create a local chapter modeled after the National Nurses Honor Guard Coalition to serve our fallen colleagues. Considering the military, police, and firemen have ceremonial honor guards at the time of their passing, we feel it is important to honor nurses in a similar fashion.
Our first service
Pinning with Honor Guard pin at our first service
First service Honor Guard pinning
“We believe nursing is a calling, a way of life. With over 86 combined years of nursing service, we have dedicated our lives to our profession. We believe nursing is an honorable profession and therefore our colleagues should be recognized not only during their professional lives but also at the end of their journey.”
Jennifer Heyer, RN, MSN, FNP Founder, Board of Directors Chair, and State Coordinator Dona Whitfield, RN, CPAN-C Founder, Board of Directors Secretary / Treasurer
Services offered within a 60 mile radius of Albany GA
The SOUTHWEST GEORGIA NURSE HONOR GUARD is a designated 501 (c) (3) nonprofit. We are a member group of the Georgia Nurse Honor Guardnetwork, sanctioned by the National Nurse Honor Guard Coalition and are funded solely through donations. Your support and contributions will enable us to provide families a free service at their loved one’s funeral. Your generous donation will fund our mission. We accept PAYPAL donations by clicking the link above.
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS TO VOLUNTEER WITH OUR CHAPTER
Voluntary membership shall be open to all RNs, NPs, CRNAs, nurse midwives, and LPNs, active or retired, in good standing by the GA Board of Nursing. Members seeking induction will provide proof of licensure from the GA BON.
Members must renew application annually.
Membership fee is $50 annually. This fee will cover the cost-of-service equipment, one pair of white gloves to be used during services, clasp (for cape), and member pin. Pin will be awarded after completion of first service.
Members are responsible for purchasing the following:
White nursing cap from designated source
Nursing cape from designated source
White nursing uniform and white nursing shoes
Members must attend training.
Members will attend funeral, memorial, or graveside services per their availability and follow the outlined tribute.
Members shall attend at least one tribute per year.
Membership is voluntary, and no reimbursements will be made for uniforms (including capes or caps), transportation, mileage, or annual membership dues.
Outside our service area? Try the STATE SITE!
If you require an Honor Guard service and are outside our service area, please visit the GEORGIA NURSE HONOR GUARD website or Facebook page. The website contains a map (by county) of the areas served by each chapter as well as contact info for each group.
SOUTHWEST GEORGIA NURSE HONOR GUARD 