On Wednesday and Thursday, the Evansville black nurses held a 2-day briefing for the Southern Indiana Nursing Honor Guard. Any active or retired, RN, NP or LPN can join. They say they are even looking to join nursing students.

The purpose of this program is to recognize and honor fellow nurses at the end of the journey of life. The service is similar to a military tribute and officially releases the nurse from her duties.

“When you see a military honor guard at a funeral, it’s so emotional to me. I just thought we could do it for our nurses and honor their legacy, ”said retired nurse Terri Graham.

Nurses dress in their white uniforms, caps and badges to perform a five-minute shift. They can provide the presentation at any time Visitor to Indiana, funeral or memorial, at the request of families.

Organizers say this has been going on for almost two years, and to see it emerge is unreal. “I’m just thrilled and in tears. It’s finally happening,” said Arlinda Payne.

Both meetings had a huge turnout, and they hope others will express their interest soon. They plan to finalize everything by the new year.