Honoring those who have dedicated their lives to the nursing profession in the Northern Shenandoah Valley.
Honoring those who have dedicated their lives to the nursing profession in the Northern Shenandoah Valley.
The NSV Nurse Honor Guard is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Your donation helps us honor the legacy of nurses in our community.
Donate ♥NSV Nurse Honor Guard members at a graveside ceremony
Nurses Recognizing Nurses
Nurse Honor Guards recognize and honor men and women who have dedicated their professional lives to nursing. This is done by reciting the Nightingale Tribute at the funeral, memorial, or graveside service of a deceased nurse. Steeped in tradition and similar to a military tribute, the ceremony officially releases the nurse from their nursing duties, a meaningful farewell for a profession that gives so much.
The Nurse Honor Guard was created in 2003 to recognize a nurse's career-long dedication, similar to military or first responder honors. In 2022, Jacqueline Fields founded our local chapter to serve five counties of the Northern Shenandoah Valley: Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Fauquier and Page.
Florence Nightingale
The Nightingale Tribute was based on the life and principles of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. She significantly reduced death rates during the Crimean War by improving hygiene and living standards, gave nursing a favorable reputation and became an icon of Victorian culture, especially in the persona of the "Lady with the Lamp," making ward rounds for wounded soldiers at night.
In recognition of her pioneering work in nursing, the Nightingale Pledge is taken by new nurses, and the Florence Nightingale Medal is the highest international distinction a nurse can achieve.
Founded on a tradition of honor, the movement began in 2003 via the Kansas State Nurses Association. In 2011, Julia Godby Murray established the National Nurses Honor Guard Coalition, which has since grown to over 200 chapters. Our tribute is officially sanctioned by the American Nurses Association (ANA).
A solemn and beautiful ceremony rooted in the traditions of the nursing profession, performed with reverence, dignity, and love.
Members of the Nurse Honor Guard enter in their traditional white uniforms, caps, and capes, standing as honorary pallbearers for their fallen colleague. Their presence is a silent testament to a shared calling and a life devoted to care.
A symbolic Nightingale lamp is ceremonially lit in the nurse's honor. The flame represents the light they carried throughout their career: their dedication, compassion, and the irreplaceable warmth they brought to every patient in their care.
The nurse's name is called aloud, once, twice, three times. When there is no response, they are officially and lovingly released from their nursing duties. It is a final, profound acknowledgment of a life given in service.
Northern Shenandoah Valley
A collective 209+ years of nursing experience, united in honoring those who gave their careers to care.
Chapter Leadership
President & Founder
50 Years of Service
Vice President
28 Years of Service
Secretary
40 Years of Service
Treasurer
Bio coming soon
Chapter Members
40 Years of Service
Bio coming soon
Bio coming soon
Bio coming soon
43 Years of Service
Bio coming soon
Bio coming soon
Bio coming soon
Bio coming soon
Bio coming soon
48 Years of Service
Serve Those Who Served
The NSV Nurse Honor Guard is composed of any active or retired Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist or Licensed Practical Nurse in good standing.
Upon request, the Northern Shenandoah Valley Nurse Honor Guard will:
Attend all services wearing the traditional white uniform, cap and cape
Recite the Nightingale Tribute at the funeral or memorial service
Stand guard at the casket or urn at the service
Perform the last call to duty
Present the Nightingale lamp to the family, if desired
Serve as honorary pallbearers
Join our dedicated team of nurses providing ceremonial honors for deceased nurses.
Mark Your Calendar
No upcoming events at this time.
Please check back soon or contact us for more information.
To view past events, please visit our Facebook page.
Support Our Mission
The Shenandoah Valley Nurse Honor Guard is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization. All donations to the Shenandoah Valley Nurse Honor Guard help us honor and celebrate the legacy of our fellow nurses.
Our volunteer nurses give their time freely — your generosity helps cover the costs of uniforms, ceremony materials, and outreach so that no nurse passes without being honored.
Donate Now ♥All donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
The Nightingale Tribute
Our services are provided at no cost, a labor of love for those who gave their lives to care.
Nurses We Have Honored
We are honored to have stood alongside these dedicated nurses at their final call to duty. Each life represented here touched countless others through a career of compassionate care.
Memorial records will be added as tributes are performed.
If you would like to honor a colleague or loved one with the Nightingale Tribute, please complete the form below. Our services are a labor of love and provided at no cost.
Because our volunteers coordinate schedules and travel from across the Valley as a team, we kindly ask that you reach out to us as early as possible once service details are known. The more notice we have, the better we are able to ensure that your loved one receives the full, beautiful tribute they deserve.
Serving Frederick, Clarke, Warren, Fauquier and Page Counties in the Shenandoah Valley