Reid Health Richmond Nurse Honor Guard provides end-of-life tribute for nurses

Nursing is a profession rooted in compassion and dedication to caring for others. In recognition of their commitment, a group of volunteers established the Reid Health Richmond Nurse Honor Guard to recognize a nurse at the end of their life.

In its first year, the honor guard has paid tribute to nurses at all stages of their careers, from those just beginning their journey to seasoned leaders who left a lasting impact on the field and others. Today, the group has grown to nearly 50 members across the region.

Initiated by Lori Dafler and Brenda Coates, the two had long wanted to start an honor guard, and a connection through a funeral home finally gave them the opportunity. Dafler, a retired RN from Reid Health, lives in Eaton, Ohio, while Coates, an LPN at Forest Park Health Campus, resides in her hometown of Liberty, Indiana.

"Nursing is a hard but rewarding profession requiring compassion and dedication, so what better way to honor our colleagues who gave so much than to honor them at their last phase of life," Coates said.

Dafler agreed, adding much is expected of a nurse, leading their families to often feel the impact of the occupation.

"Caring for sick and often critical patients isn't for the faint of heart," Dafler said. "This is a beautiful way to pay tribute to the life of a nurse who has passed away and to give thanks to the family who shared their loved one with others so they could care for another person."

Misti Foust-Cofield, Reid Vice President/Chief of Nursing, met with Coates and Dafler in 2023 to establish the honor guard. She also welcomed Angie Ketron, an RN for Reid Perioperative Clinic, to offer her expertise as a volunteer with the Dayton Ohio Nurse Honor Guard. Ketron is a resident of New Paris, Ohio, and now a member of the Richmond guard.

Foust-Cofield said Reid is proud to sponsor the Richmond Nurse Honor Guard, a group close to her heart as both a nurse and a volunteer.

"Reid recognizes the professionalism, dedication, and commitment of all nurses to care for others," Foust-Cofield said. "It's an honor to support this group of volunteers who are working diligently to recognize their colleagues' contributions to their profession and in their personal lives. Being a part of the Nurse Honor Guard is a true honor to pay respect to the lives of fellow nurses."

"Caring for sick and often critical patients isn't for the faint of heart. This is a beautiful way to pay tribute to the life of a nurse who has passed away and to give thanks to the family who shared their loved one with others so they could care for another person." -- Lori Dafler, retired Reid Health RN

The Richmond honor guard offers tributes for nurses or medical physicians at the time of their passing or after. During the service, the Nightingale Tribute and Last Call to Duty are performed and the Florence Nightingale lamp is presented to the family. Members wear a traditional nurse uniform with cap and cape.

Ketron said it's an honor to be present for the nurse's final call bell and to release them from their earthly nursing duties as part of the guard's ceremony.

"I feel it in my heart to honor nurses that have given so much of their lives caring for others," Ketron said. "The nurses we're providing services for deserve to be recognized for spending countless hours caring for others."

Joy Bowlin, a nurse practitioner with Reid's Heart & Vascular Center, is an honor guard member.

"I felt very grateful for all of the nurses who've been a part of my teaching and training and for all of the founders of nursing through the eons of time," said Bowlin, a Richmond resident.

"Nurses can touch people's lives in such a special way. I believe that legacy can live on long after we're gone."

All nurses in good standing within Reid's service region can join the Nurse Honor Guard join as a dedicated volunteer. Members don't have to be employed by Reid Health to participate.

"We welcome any nurse who is interested in joining," Coates said. "The commitment is small, but the reward is huge."

To participate or for information on the Reid Health Richmond Nurse Honor Guard, visit https://www.reidhealth.org/richmond-nurse-honor-guard.