STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A new group of Staten Island nurses will soon offer moving tributes at the wakes, funerals and memorial services of peers who have served the local community.
Still in its infancy, the Richmond County Nurses Honor Guard Inc. was established in December 2023 by several Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) nurses. Staten Island’s only chapter of a 250-strong national group, members expect to conduct the group’s first ceremony at a memorial service next month for a former SIUH nurse.
Staten Island’s funeral homes have been informed of the group, and will inform family members of the optional, free service while they are making arrangements, said Donna Williams, president of the honor guard and an oncology educator in staff development at SIUH. At the request of family members, the Richmond County Nurses Honor Guard will perform the Florence Nightingale Tribute during funerals of registered nurses, nurse practitioners and licensed practical nurses who’ve served the Staten Island community. “It’s very beautiful,’' said Williams.
During the ceremony, nurses proceed into the funeral home wearing a traditional white uniform, Navy blue cape and nurse’s cap. After calling the late nurse’s name and ringing a triangle three times, the flame is extinguished in the nurse’s lamp, a tribute is read and the lamp is presented to the family along with a white rose. “The white rose is a symbol of the nurse’s commitment to the profession,’' sa.
