05/29/2026
ZOOM simulcast meeting (for those not able to attend in-person) at IC Pizza Ranch (located at 171 Hwy 1 W) with Bunny Morrison, R.N. (retired from Mercy Hospital) who spoke in-person about the Nurses Honor Guard. Bunny along two other nurses began forming this service organization honoring deceased nurses in Sep 2024 and it now consists of 40 nurses. She told us about the history of the Guard beginning with the Nightengale Tribute started by the Kansas State Nurses Association in 2003. In 2014, the first actual Guard unit was formed. There are now 24 Guard units in Iowa with each covering about a 50–60-mile range. A nurse (both R.N.& L.P.N.) can request the Guard service before death or a family member can arrange it during funeral planning. The 5-10 minute service is provided without cost to the nurse or family. A minimum of 3 nurses if needed to perform the honor rites but usually there are 10 or so in attendance. This honor means so much to the family of the nurse and is very moving to all in attendance