Cartersville, Ga. (May 5, 2025) – At Piedmont Cartersville, the dedication to patient care extends beyond the hospital walls. Through the Georgia Nurse Honor Guard-Allatoona Chapter, nurses volunteer their time to honor the lives and legacies of their late colleagues. This initiative, led by Heather Clement, Director of Emergency Services at Piedmont Cartersville, embodies the values of compassion, respect, and community service that are central to Piedmont Cartersville's mission.
The Allatoona Chapter, founded by Clement, consists of over 40 nurses who participate in funerals and living tributes across Northwest Georgia. The chapter conducts about 5 funerals monthly having 14 similar chapters across Georgia which cover the entire state. Inspired by a social media post from the National Nurse Honor Guard, Clement researched the organization and discovered the profound impact of their tributes. Realizing the absence of a local chapter in the Cartersville area, she took the initiative to establish a chapter, recruiting colleagues from Piedmont Cartersville and other local healthcare organizations.
A Tradition of Respect and Honor
The Nurse Honor Guard's services are steeped in tradition, reflecting the deep respect for the nursing profession. Volunteers attend services in traditional white uniforms, stand guard at the casket, recite the "Nightingale Tribute" poem, and present the Florence Nightingale lamp to the family. The ceremony concludes with the placement of a white rose on the nurse's casket or next to the urn, symbolizing their devotion to their profession.
"Through each service we perform, we learn a lot about the nurses’ lives, what they did for their community, and how they served their patients," said Clement. "It’s an honor to provide this service for families to help honor their loved ones who have passed away."
Extending Compassion Beyond Patient Care
In addition to funerals, the Georgia Nurse Honor Guard participates in National Nurses Week events, such as the "Blessing of the Hands" ceremony. During this event, they visit various units at Piedmont Cartersville to read a poem and anoint the nurses' hands in oil, symbolizing their commitment to providing quality and compassionate care.
"It only takes one service to inspire you to return," said Clement. "Once you witness the impact on the families and loved ones, you are eager to continue."
Piedmont Cartersville's Values in Action
Piedmont Cartersville is committed to honoring the legacy of nurses who have dedicated their lives to caring for others. The Georgia Nurse Honor Guard - Allatoona Chapter exemplifies the hospital's values of compassion, respect, and community service. By providing these heartfelt tributes, Piedmont Cartersville nurses ensure that their colleagues' contributions are remembered and celebrated.
For more information about the Georgia Nurse Honor Guard, please contact Heather Clement at ganursehonorguardallatoona@gmail.com.