Honor guard lauds late nurse with Nightingale Tribute
The Northeastern Illinois Nurse Honor Guard, a group founded by Advocate Condell Medical Center nurse Elizabeth Ramirez, held its inaugural Nightingale Tribute at the recent celebration of life for Janet Hyder.
Wearing white scrubs, hats and capes with a red lining that nods to the historical uniform nurses used to wear during wartime, six members of the Northeastern Illinois Nurse Honor Guard were on hand to celebrate Hyder's 58-year career and contributions to her community over a lifetime.
"We've all been called to serve others and we, as nurses, support each other," Ramirez said. "At the time of their death, we want to thank them for being our colleague, to express gratitude to have worked beside them and to honor them, their communities and their families."
Hyder earned her nursing license in 1957 and retired in 2015. She passed away on July 26, 2023, at 83, and her family said she was always someone who wanted to give back to people and provide them with care and kindness.
"When we were looking for photos of (Hyder), we found her nursing photo and the funeral home called me to tell us about an organization that wants to honor nurses," said Pam Lagerhausen, the fiancé of Hyder's son, who helped organize the celebration of life. "I knew she would love that."
Hyder's celebration of life was held at Angelo's Pizza in Harvard, where members of the Northeastern Illinois Nurse Honor Guard performed the Nightingale Tribute.
Beginning with a processional, a member of the honor guard held a lit Florence Nightingale Lamp. Then, a poem called "She Was There" was read and a white rose was laid next to Hyder's photo before a bell was rung three times to signal the end of Hyder's nursing duties. At the end of the tribute, the Florence Nightingale Lamp was given to the family.
"I'm very grateful that they took the time to come out, drop their own stuff and help us get through a tough time," Lagerhausen said. "It was just really touching. You feel that someone cares enough to recognize what people have done."
For the nurses giving the tribute, it was equally moving.
"It brought some of us to tears at the end," Ramirez said. "I'm so proud of all of them, and I'm glad it's something we can bring to people."
She Was ThereDuane Jaeger, RN, MSN
When a calming, quiet presence was all that was needed,
She was there.
In the excitement and miracle of birth or in the mystery and loss of life,
She was there.
When a silent glance could uplift a patient, family member or friend,
She was there.
At those times when the unexplainable needed to be explained,
She was there.
When the situation demanded a swift foot and sharp mind,
She was there.
When a gentle touch, a firm push, or an encouraging word was needed,
She was there.
In choosing the best one from a family's "Thank You" box of chocolates,
She was there.
To witness humanity - its beauty, in good times and bad, without judgment,
She was there.
To embrace the woes of the world, willingly, and offer hope,
She was there.
And now, that it is time to be at the Greater One's side,
She is there.