The Nightingale Tribute

Nursing is a calling, a lifestyle, a way of living. Nurses here today honor _____________________________ and his/her life as a nurse.

_____________________________ is not remembered by his/her ____________ years as a nurse, but by the difference he/she made during those years by stepping into people’s lives… by special moments:

She Was There

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.

_____________________, we honor you this day and give you a white rose to symbolize our honor and appreciation for being our colleague.

Note: Pronoun can be changed.
© 2004 by Duane Jaeger, RN, MSN