The Buena Vista Regional Healthcare Foundation is sponsoring a Nursing Honor Guard, a program where volunteer nurses attend the funeral of nurses who have dedicated their life to the profession. The local group is being organized by Amanda Thompson, RN, who works in BVRMC’s First Embrace Obstetrics Department.
“There is a program in Fort Dodge and I really wanted to bring it to the Storm Lake area,” Amanda explains.
The Nursing Honor Guard has volunteers attend the funerals of nurses wearing traditional white uniforms, nursing caps and blue capes. They offer to read the Nightingale Pledge, a statement of ethics and principles of the nursing profession.
“Nursing is a profession where you work holidays, snow storms, or whenever is needed to care for your patients. It’s our honor to celebrate and provide a final farewell to fellow nurses,” says Amanda.
The program is still working on details. Brochures will be sent to local funeral homes so families are aware of the program. At this time, you can contact Katie Schwint, Executive Director of Community Development, at 712.213.8601 with your questions.
Pictured: The first funeral attended by the Nursing Honor Guard was for former Storm Lake school nurse, Twyla Becker-Kleen.