The Nurse Honor Guard is a dedicated group of nurses and nursing students who pay tribute at meaningful milestones throughout a nurse’s journey, including graduation, retirement, and end-of-life services. Through these ceremonies, we honor the dedication, compassion, and lifelong service of fellow nurses.

Any nurse (RN, LPN/LVN, or advanced practice nurse) who has served in the profession is eligible to be honored. Nursing students may also be eligible to receive a tribute, depending on the nature of the request.

A Nurse Honor Guard tribute often includes a ceremonial presentation, the reading of the Nightingale Tribute, a lamp lighting or candle ceremony, and other symbolic gestures recognizing the nurse’s service and impact. This tribute is often performed at a funeral/memorial service. 

Families, hospice providers, or funeral homes can usually request a tribute by contacting their local Nurse Honor Guard chapter directly or through a participating hospice or funeral home partner.

The Nurse Honor Guard of Northern California is a volunteer organization and does not charge families for the tribute service.

Participation is open to nursing students currently enrolled in an RN or LVN/LPN program, as well as licensed nurses, including RNs and LPNs/LVNs. Both practicing and retired nurses are welcome to serve as part of the Nurse Honor Guard.