School of Nursing Logo

The "N" is fashioned from two geometric forms, a triangle and a trapezoid, which represent the missions of Purdue and the characteristics of professional nursing, respectively.

The three sides of the triangle represent the mission of Purdue: learning, engagement, and discovery. The base of the triangle represents learning, the fundamental educational purpose. The vertical edge represents engagement through practice that is evidence-based, extending upward from the educational function. The diagonal edge represents discovery, which informs and guides both learning and engagement.

The four sides of the trapezoid represent four characteristics of professional nursing. The two parallel sides represent the characteristics of providing leadership in the delivery of quality client care and promoting health in its many aspects.

The diagonal edge of the trapezoid represents the characteristic of nursing scholarship, which supports both client care and health promotion. This edge parallels the edge of the triangle that represents the discovery function of the University.

The fourth side of the trapezoid represents the characteristic of responsibility for professional growth that is essential to the continuing contribution by nursing to the health and well being of individuals, families, and communities.

The circular field upon which the stylized N is set symbolizes both the universality of human efforts to achieve dignity, optimal health, and general well being, and the continuity between nursing practice and nursing education to support these efforts. The perimeter circle represents the local to global nature of healthcare.