About the BSN Logo

Malama I Ka Poʻe O Ka ʻAina

Caring for the People of the Land

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Baccalaureate Nursing Pin was designed by the Class of 1996 to depict the strength and perseverance symbolized by the snow-capped mountains of Maunakea and Maunaloa on the Island of Hawaiʻi, home of Pele (volcano goddess) and Poliʻahu (snow goddess of Maunakea). The taro plant symbolizes the ʻohana (family) as the basic social unit providing the intimacy, love, caring protection and teaching that enables people to function within the community. This plant generates its own keiki (children) as offshoots. The rainbow represents the diversity of colors in the Universe and humankind, providing the nurturing ua (rain).

This pin is earned after the successful demonstration of critical thinking and the provision of culturally congruent care on the recommendation of the UH Hilo Baccalaureate Nursing faculty. A replica of the pin made of koa wood as well as a real pin may be viewed in the Department of Baccalaureate Nursing Lab in UCB 200.