by Duane Jaeger, RN, MSN, 2004

Nursing is a calling, a lifestyle, a way of living. Nurses here today honor _______________ and his/her life as a nurse. _______________ is not remembered by his/her _____ years as a nurse, but by the difference he/she made during those years by stepping into people’s lives . . . . by special moments:

S/he Was There When a calming, quiet presence was all that was needed, S/he was there.

In the excitement and miracle of birth or in the mystery and loss of life, S/he was there. When a silent glance could uplift a patient, family member or friend, S/he was there.

At those times when the unexplainable needed to be explained, S/he was there.

When the situation demanded a swift foot and sharp mind, S/he was there.

When a gentle touch, a firm push, or an encouraging word was needed, S/he was there.

In choosing the best one from a family’s “Thank You” box of chocolates, S/he was there.

To witness humanity’s beauty, in good times and bad, without judgment, S/he was there.

To embrace the woes of the world, willingly, and offer hope, S/he was there.

And now, that it is time to be at the Greater One’s side, S/he is there.

___________________ we honor you this day and give you a white rose to symbolize our honor and appreciation for being our colleague.

The attending nurses’ names are called with each answering “present”.  The honoree’s name is called three times, followed by the ringing of a triangle for each call 

At the end of the roll call, the group says the nurse is “released from their nursing duties” or “released from their shift” 

The white rose is then placed on the casket or given to the family, and the Nightingale lamp is extinguished.