Patsy Gleim, RN, MA, is passionate about honoring the legacy of her fellow nurses. Her career as a nurse spans over 40 years, primarily in Lincoln. Since 2020, she has been actively involved with the Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard, a nonprofit organization that pays tribute to nurses at funeral services. To date, the Nurse Honor Guard has participated in more than 500 services across the state, according to Patsy who serves as the State Community Liaison, Fundraising Director, and Board Member.
What is the Nurse Honor Guard?
After attending a funeral in Michigan and experiencing the Nurse Honor Guard for the first time, Deb Zobel, RN, president and founder of the Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard, started the state’s organization in Omaha in 2019. Today, the Nurse Honor Guard provides services in almost every county throughout Nebraska.
Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard’s mission is to recognize and honor the everyday heroes who dedicate their lives to the nursing profession. Every member of the Nurse Honor Guard is a volunteer; there currently are 228 members statewide with a growing waiting list in Omaha and Lincoln. The members receive a cape and cap that is worn at every funeral service.
“The organization and what we do is gradually getting more known,” Patsy said. “We work closely with funeral homes and licensed Nebraska nurses to let them know about the services we provide free to families.”
What happens at the service?
The ceremony at every nurse’s funeral is the same and typically takes about six minutes; for Catholic funerals, it is usually done at the Rosary or prior to the Mass. “We ask all nurses to stand so the family can see the respect that is being shown to their loved one. We present the family with a white rose signifying the nurse’s devotion to their profession which is placed on the casket or by the urn, depending on the type of funeral service. We say the nurse’s name three times and ring the triangle each time. Then we say, ‘We officially release you of your nursing duties,’” Patsy noted.
At the beginning of a nurse’s career, a Florence Nightingale lamp is lit. At the funeral, the Nurse Honor Guard recites a Florence Nightingale tribute, then extinguishes the lamp and presents it to a member of the family. Many families are so moved by the tribute at the service that they will often send a thank you note along with a donation to the Nurse Honor Guard, Patsy added.
Following the service, each nurse’s name is added to the Honor Wall on the Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard website. Any family can also add a nurse to the Honor Wall even if they didn’t have the Nurse Honor Guard at their loved one’s funeral.
Who is eligible for the Nurse Honor Guard service?
Individuals who have a Nebraska nursing license are eligible for the Honor Guard. This is verified through the State’s licensing database.
- Let your Funeral Director know
- Talk with an Officiant or someone at the church
- Go to the Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard website and fill out the Honor Guard form which goes to the community leader in their area
- Request it during your funeral pre-planning meeting
It’s important to continue to honor nurses well into the future and the Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard actively welcomes new members, usually in the spring and fall. “It is a privilege to honor our nursing colleagues. It is extremely emotional, but I’m filled with gratitude as family members are so appreciative of the honor guard services,” Patsy said.
Roper & Sons is proud to work with the Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard. If you would like to ensure that this is part of your loved one’s service, please speak with your funeral director or contact us at 402-476-1225 so we can coordinate those services for you.