Salem Nurse Honor Guard formed

Oregon’s first chapter offers beautiful tribute

If you would like to honor a colleague in the nursing profession who passes away, a group of local nurses created the Salem Nurse Honor Guard — the first of its kind in Oregon.  

The Honor Guard began as an inspiration of RN Dana Hart who partnered with RN Lori Phillips, then later clinical nurse advisor Nancy Dunn. In September 2023, Krista Seaton, an RN in Salem Hospital’s ED, passed away at age 43. Her death had a profound effect on all who knew her — so when Dana learned about the nurse honor guard movement, the seed was planted.

Thanks to Salem Health Foundations, the guard wears the traditional white caps and dark blue capes over white uniforms. Honor guards began forming in 2003, and have grown to 250 chapters across the U.S.

Their five-minute beautiful ritual is now offered to the community to honor nurses who have passed — or as a living tribute for nurses in hospice. Each ceremony is personalized to the nurse being honored. Like a military honor guard, nurses perform the “Nightingale Tribute” to officially discharge the nurse from their duties. Watch a mock ceremony here.

Area funeral homes know to offer this ceremony (at no charge) when families contact them for services.  If you know nurses who would like to volunteer for the guard, or would like to request a tribute, email salemnursehonorguard@gmail.com.