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Popular nurse symbols are influential icons born from the early traditions of healing. Yet, to say it bluntly, they seem to have lost some of their “pizazz”—which is a huge drag, considering how rich in history some of these nursing symbols are.
Because really, how cool is the staff of Asclepius? The staff of what, you ask?
The staff of Asclepius is one of the most authentic and historical symbols of medicine. According to the International Journal of Medical Science and Dental Research, this symbol of medicine is known as the staff and snake from ancient mythological narratives to the present day.
This particular symbol is represented by a single serpent entwined around a staff.
Some interpret the staff as a plain wooden cane that Asclepius used while he traveled long distances on foot to care for the sick. But we will jump more into that in just a moment.
From early traditions to modern-day healthcare branding, symbols play a powerful role in representing the nursing profession. These nursing icons aren’t just for decoration or added flair. They carry meaning and history deep-rooted in healing.
Pay attention; here are 15 icons every nurse should know.
Comparison table of nursing symbols
The table below compares common nursing symbols, outlining their origin, meaning, and modern uses to highlight how each plays a role in healthcare communication.
1. Staff of Asclepius: The authentic symbol of medicine
Origin: Greek mythology
Appearance: A single serpent entwined around a staff
Meaning: Healing, medicine, and rejuvenation
The staff of Asclepius, also known as the rod of Aesculapius, is widely recognized as the true emblem of medicine. It comes from Greek mythology, where Asclepius was revered as the god of healing and medicine. The snake symbolizes renewal and life because snakes shed their skin, while the staff represents authority and support.
One Reddit user interprets the staff of Asclepius in the following way: “Asclepius's staff kind of represents renewal or rejuvenation. In Greek mythology, Asclepius was known for his healing. A snake sheds its skin and starts over again, so maybe it has to do with cycles of life, too.”
Modern use of this symbol:
- Featured in the World Health Organization (WHO) logo
- Adopted by major medical associations globally
- Often seen in nursing insignias, public health logos, and textbooks
2. Caduceus: The misused medical symbol
Origin: Greek/Roman mythology
Appearance: A staff with two snakes and wings
Meaning: Historically associated with commerce, negotiation, and Hermes (the messenger god)
Since we are still talking about snakes, what’s the difference between the caduceus and the staff of Asclepius? Understanding the difference between caduceus vs. staff of Asclepius in healthcare is important; let’s break it down:
The caduceus is one of the most well-known symbols associated with medicine. It depicts a staff entwined by two snakes, topped with a pair of wings. With roots tracing back to Ancient Greece, this ancient emblem frequently appears on nursing gear and medical-related items.
Modern uses of this symbol:
- Appears in hospital logos and medical materials
- Featured on some military and private healthcare insignia
There is a huge misconception around the caduceus symbol. While 76 percent of healthcare organizations use the caduceus, 62 percent of professional associations use the staff of Asclepius. Yet, most people are unaware that there are two distinct symbols used with very different meanings.
The difference between the Caduceus and staff of Asclepius in healthcare is that the caduceus is often mistaken for a medical emblem in the US. Its original meaning, however, relates to trade and diplomacy, not healing.
Its adoption in the medical field was a historical error, yet it remains widely used in healthcare branding, especially in the US military and some private hospitals.
Plenty of healthcare logos still feature these symbols, and some even stick with the caduceus as a sign of professionalism and peace (which isn’t a bad thing per se), but if you want to be precise, the true medical emblem is the staff of Asclepius.
Okay, but why the snake?
Both the caduceus and the staff of Asclepius use the snake, which, for some, seems a bit ominous or scary. “Things you don’t learn in medical school: Caduceus,” published in the National Library of Medicine, explores this topic and poses the following question:
“Have you ever wondered why a snake, which is a symbol of destruction, is used ironically as a symbol of healing?
Well, the answer lies deep in history, as Moses, around 1400 BC, used the bronze serpent erected on the pole to cure the people who were bitten by snakes. The other reason why the serpent has been used is the shedding of the skin, which indicates longevity and immortality.”
So there you have it: Although the snake can have a rather formidable presence, it is also a symbol of transformation and renewal in many cultures.
Even in Indonesia, the lambang keperawatan (Indonesian for nursing symbol) refers to the rod of Asclepius, which features a staff with a single serpent, symbolizing health and healing. In Indonesia, this emblem often includes a green circle with the rod of Asclepius and sometimes a red cross, representing the nursing profession, care, and medical ethics.
3. Florence Nightingale’s lamp: The “Lamp of Learning”
Origin: Legacy of Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing
Appearance: A classic oil lamp, often stylized
Meaning: Light, vigilance, compassion, and knowledge
If you are a nurse, at one point, you have undoubtedly been asked, “What does the Florence Nightingale lamp symbolize in nursing?” Do you know the answer? If you do, that’s awesome. If you don’t, that’s okay too. You have to memorize a lot in nursing school. Here’s a reminder:
The meaning and symbolism of the Florence Nightingale oil lamp in nursing pinning ceremonies is dedication, compassion, and selfless service.
Florence Nightingale famously carried a lamp as she cared for wounded soldiers during the Crimean War. This image became iconic, symbolizing hope and commitment. The lamp is often referred to as the “Lamp of Learning” in nursing schools.
Today, it is a central symbol in nursing pinning ceremonies, reminding new nurses of their commitment to care and professional responsibility.
Modern uses of this symbol:
- Featured in nursing pinning ceremonies
- Incorporated into nursing organization logos
- Symbolic gift items for nurses
4. Red Cross: A universal sign of care and neutrality
Origin: Established under the Geneva Convention of 1864 to identify medical personnel and facilities providing aid during armed conflicts, ensuring neutrality and legal protection under international law
Appearance: A simple red cross on a white background, instantly recognizable worldwide
Meaning: Represents humanitarian aid, emergency care, and medical neutrality, signifying protection and assistance in crisis situations
So, what is the meaning of the Red Cross symbol in nursing? The Red Cross symbol signifies neutrality, impartiality, and humanity. It serves as a universal sign of protection and care for those in need during times of crisis or conflict.
Modern uses of this symbol:
- Emergency response vehicles: Displayed on ambulances and rescue units to signal medical assistance
- Healthcare facilities: Seen in hospitals, first-aid stations, and field clinics during conflicts or disasters
- International humanitarian missions: Used by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Red Crescent societies for global relief efforts
- Medical packaging & kits: Appears on first-aid kits, emergency supplies, and survival gear for easy identification
- Disaster relief branding: Featured in campaigns and shelters to guide victims to safe medical care
It’s important to note that crosses in different colors may be used in other medical settings. However, the Red Cross is a universal sign.
5. Star of Life medical symbol
Origin: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (1970s)
Appearance: Blue six-pointed star with the staff of Asclepius in the center
Meaning: Emergency medical care and readiness
So, why is the Star of Life important for emergency medical services?
This nurse pin's meaning represents all the branches of care that occur in medical emergencies and the critical role that EMS professionals play in saving lives. Each of its six branches represents a phase of care:
- Detection
- Reporting
- Response
- On-scene care
- Care in transit
- Transfer to definitive care
Modern uses of this symbol:
- Seen on ambulances, paramedic uniforms, and emergency kits
- Used in medical alert IDs and EMS certifications
This symbol is used to identify ambulances, emergency medical equipment, and EMS clinicians.
6. Biohazard symbol in healthcare environments
Origin: Developed in 1966 by Dow Chemical
Appearance: Three interlocking crescents forming a trefoil
Meaning: Presence of hazardous biological material
Civilians and nurses will both recognize this widely used symbol that represents “danger” in dramatic terms. Really, though, the biohazard symbol is a label that is made of three interlocking crescents that form a trefoil. The trefoil represents three hazards:
- Microorganisms
- Toxins
- Bioactive materials
Let’s put it this way: You would find a heck of a lot of these symbols if you toured Chernobyl. Scenes with abandoned laboratories, contaminated zones, warning signs, and cautionary symbols are scattered throughout the abandoned city, serving as a stark reminder of the disaster that occurred there in 1986.
Essentially, the biohazard symbol's meaning in nursing environments is a universal warning sign for potential health hazards. These emergency medical symbols remind healthcare workers to take necessary precautions when dealing with potentially harmful materials.
In nursing environments, the biohazard symbol's meaning is far more than just a cinematic scare tactic—it plays a vital role in protecting people from exposure to biological threats.
Modern uses of this symbol:
- Sharps containers in hospitals and clinics
- Waste bins designated for contaminated materials (like blood or body fluids)
- Isolation rooms in healthcare facilities
- Lab equipment used to handle infectious agents
- Hazmat suits and PPE worn by professionals in high-risk areas
- Transport packaging for biological samples (like test swabs or cultures)
Even school science labs and dentist offices may use the symbol where there is a risk of exposure to potentially infectious materials.
7. Syringe icon: Representing vaccination & injections
Appearance: A simple icon of a barrel and needle, often shown at an angle with a drop at the tip
Meaning: Represents injections, vaccinations, or medical procedures involving needles
The syringe symbol is commonly used to indicate immunization, injections, or medication administration. While not an ancient emblem, its significance in modern nursing is undeniable—especially in vaccination campaigns and digital health communication.
Modern uses for this symbol:
In the current medical landscape, the syringe icon has become a visual shorthand for public health, nursing intervention, and preventive care. You’ll see it used in various settings:
- Vaccination campaigns (posters, apps, social media)
- Medical and healthcare graphic symbols in apps
- Hospital signage to direct patients to injection or flu shot clinics
- Infographics and health education materials
8. Hourglass symbol: Expiration warning
Appearance: A narrow-waisted glass vessel with sand flowing from the top chamber to the bottom
Meaning: Represents the passage of time, deadlines, or expiration
The hourglass has long been a symbol of time running out. In healthcare and nursing contexts, it signals expiration—whether of medications, medical supplies, or patient monitoring intervals. Unlike other symbols rooted in modern technology, the hourglass carries an ancient legacy as a visual reminder of time’s limits.
Modern uses for this symbol:
In today’s medical and digital environments, the hourglass icon serves as a universal alert for time-sensitive concerns. Common contexts include the following:
- Medication packaging and electronic alerts signaling expiration dates
- Medical software reminders for shift tasks or time-sensitive procedures
- Warning labels for single-use medical supplies with strict usage windows
- Health apps and wearable tech highlighting countdowns or treatment timelines
9. Nurse cap: Symbolism & professional identity
Origin: Evolved from 19th-century religious head coverings and early nursing uniforms, especially influenced by Florence Nightingale’s reforms
Appearance: A crisp, white, folded fabric cap, often starched, with variations based on nursing schools or regions
Meaning: Symbol of discipline, professional identity, and commitment to patient care
For decades, the nurse’s cap served as a visible badge of honor, representing a nurse’s training, dedication, and ethical responsibility.
Rooted in tradition, it also conveyed cleanliness, respectability, and the structured professionalism expected of the nursing field. Though it has largely disappeared from daily wear, its symbolic power remains deeply respected.
Modern uses of this symbol:
While no longer part of standard clinical uniforms, the nurse cap continues to appear in the following scenarios:
- Graduation and pinning ceremonies
- Historical reenactments and educational displays about nursing history
- Nursing-themed logos for schools, organizations, and apparel
- Commemorative artwork and posters honoring nurses' contributions
- Heritage campaigns highlighting the evolution of the nursing profession
Today, the nurse cap is less about utility and more about legacy. It reminds us of the strong, principled foundation on which modern nursing was built.
10. Nursing pin: The Maltese cross connection
Appearance: A small metal pin, often circular or shield-shaped, featuring the nursing school’s insignia and sometimes a Maltese cross
Meaning: A symbol of academic success, professionalism, and commitment to ethical care, representing a nurse’s entry into the profession
The Maltese cross nursing pin reflects a deep historical and symbolic connection to the background of the nursing profession. Many nursing pins incorporate the Maltese cross in their design to honor the values of courage, service, and dedication that have guided nurses for generations.
Modern uses of this symbol:
While its role as a daily identifier has faded, the nursing pin remains deeply significant in the following settings:
- Pinning ceremonies marking the transition from student to nurse
- Commemorative keepsakes for graduates and alumni
- Heritage displays in nursing schools and museums
- Logo inspiration for programs and organizations
- Recognition awards for excellence in nursing practice
- Personalized jewelry or framed pieces celebrating milestones
Today, the nursing pin is less about functional identification and more about symbolic pride. It connects nurses to a legacy of service and compassion and symbolizes nurse professionalism, achievement, and dedication to patient care.
On Reddit, nurses admit to hardly using their pins anymore; one recommends upcycling them to use as something else, like a golf marker—clever!
Another Reddit user says,
“I keep my pin on my RN badge, which everyone did at my first hospital. I’m not sure if it’s a different culture or if they don’t have pins at my current hospital, but I seem to be the only one to wear mine. But I still keep it pinned to my badge proudly, because I worked … hard for it. It’s just your preference. If you would like to donate yours to a student who cannot afford it, that is very generous of you, and I’m sure it will be greatly appreciated!”
11. Bowl of Hygeia: The pharmacy symbol
Appearance: A bowl with a serpent coiled around its rim, often shown poised as if to dip into the vessel
Meaning: A symbol of pharmacy, medicinal science, and safe preparation of remedies, honoring the principles of health and hygiene
While the Bowl of Hygeia is most commonly associated with pharmacists, it also holds symbolic meaning in nursing. It represents the profession’s dedication to healing, compassion, and the safe, responsible administration of care and medication.
Modern uses of this symbol:
- Pharmacy logos and emblems worldwide
- Educational materials for medication safety and pharmacology
- Professional association insignias for pharmacists and allied health fields
- Commemorative pins and awards recognizing excellence in pharmaceutical care
- Heritage artwork and health institution branding
Today, the Bowl of Hygeia continues to represent safe and ethical medication practices, a responsibility shared by both pharmacists and nurses.
12. Rx symbol: Prescription abbreviation
Appearance: The letters “Rx” are often stylized on prescription pads, labels, and pharmacy signage.
Meaning: Derived from the Latin word “recipere,” meaning to take or to receive, this symbol represents medical prescriptions and the preparation of medications.
Today, the RX symbol is widely recognized in digital platforms, mobile health apps, and online pharmacies as a universal indicator of prescription services.
Modern uses of this symbol:
- Prescription pads and medication labels for doctors and nurses
- Pharmacy signage and branding to indicate drug dispensing services
- Healthcare marketing materials related to medication and treatment
- Digital health platforms for e-prescriptions and medication management
- Educational resources for pharmacology and nursing students
The Rx symbol continues to serve as a universal shorthand for prescriptions, reinforcing the critical role nurses play in safe and accurate medication administration.
13. Registered nurse badge symbol
Origins: Registered nurse badge symbols trace their roots to the early 20th century when nursing schools began issuing pins and badges to graduates as marks of professional achievement.
Appearance: A registered nurse badge or emblem features the letters “RN,” often paired with a caduceus, cross, or state-specific design.
Meaning: The RN symbol represents licensure, professional identity, and authority to practice nursing, ensuring patients and colleagues can easily recognize registered nurses.
Today, this symbol remains a trusted indicator of qualification and accountability, reinforcing the nurse’s role in safe, competent patient care.
Modern uses of this symbol:
- Name badges and ID cards for hospital and clinical staff
- Nursing badge symbols in merchandise
- Official emblems issued by state boards of nursing
- Professional association logos for registered nurses
- Certification documents and pins signifying RN status
- Custom merchandise such as scrubs, lanyards, and accessories
14. Common nursing icons: Modern graphic shortcuts
Appearance: Simple, easily recognizable graphics, such as stethoscopes, hearts with crosses, medical clipboards, and syringes, often used in digital and printed materials
Meaning: Represents nursing tasks, healthcare services, and patient care, serving as a quick visual shorthand for clinical concepts and professional tools
The increasing use of technology in medical settings reflects how nursing symbols are used in modern healthcare. For example, electronic health records often incorporate these symbols to streamline communication and documentation processes.
Additionally, these symbols are commonly used in educational materials for healthcare professionals to enhance understanding and retention of key concepts.
Modern uses of this symbol:
- Healthcare graphic symbols in apps, signage, and marketing
- Hospital signage and wayfinding to guide patients and visitors
- Marketing materials for clinics, hospitals, and health campaigns
- Instructional resources for nursing and medical students
- Infographics and presentations to visualize medical concepts clearly
Today, these icons provide intuitive, universal communication, helping both patients and professionals quickly understand essential healthcare information.
15. Medical cross: The universal healthcare symbol
Origin: Initially utilized in Europe in the 1980s
Appearance: A blue or green cross, typically displayed on hospital signs, first-aid kits, and healthcare apps
Meaning: Represents medical care, healthcare services, and accessibility, serving as a universal sign that help is available
While a red cross is more common to mark medical resources, green and blue crosses are still used in some facilities. Today, the medical cross functions as a widely recognized symbol of care, ensuring that patients and the public can quickly locate medical resources when needed.
Modern uses of this symbol:
- Hospital and clinic signage to indicate treatment areas
- First-aid kits and emergency supplies for easy identification
- Telemedicine and health apps to symbolize virtual care services
- Healthcare marketing and informational materials for quick recognition
- Public awareness campaigns promoting health and safety
Keep in mind that the Red Cross is the exception: It's not a generic symbol for medical care but rather a distinctive mark for humanitarian aid and emergency medical services. The Red Cross emblem is protected under international law to ensure its exclusive use by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
Visual resources & downloads
There are literally dozens—if not hundreds—of popular nurse symbols that exist from earlier times. It’s impossible to memorize all of them and their origins. However, there are a few symbols that every nurse should know. Finding healthcare symbols explained in layman's terms and with visuals isn’t exactly a walk in the park.
To make it easier, here are some resources to keep you up to date on the meanings of some medical symbols:
- Scribd Symbols Nursing
- Symbol Usage in Health Care Settings for People with Limited English Proficiency (HABLAMOS JUNTOS REPORT PART ONE)
- Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences: Common Nurse Symbols Reel
Nursing symbols are not just for decoration
Symbols in nursing are more than decorative. Nursing emblem history tells stories of compassion, science, and dedication. From ancient mythology to digital icons, these emblems connect the profession’s past with its future.
Nurses who have graduated or moved up in a specialty will tell you how good it feels to receive a nursing pin that symbolizes all their hard work, determination, and tears—both the good and the bad—to get to where they are as nursing professionals.
Being familiar with other nursing symbols can help nurses overcome obstacles on this exciting but challenging career path. Whether it’s a glowing lamp, a coiled serpent, or a simple cross, these symbols serve as beacons of pride, reminding every nurse that they are truly changing the lives of patients one shift at a time.
Are you a nurse wanting to make a difference in a patient’s life? Pick up a shift or two with Nursa, and enjoy flexible per diem jobs that make a difference.
Sources:
- The International Journal of Medical Science and Dental Research: Historical and Ethical Origin of the Medical Symbol: Which is the Staff and How Many Snakes?
- National Library of Medicine: Things you don’t learn in medical school: Caduceus
- International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: Emblems and Logos
- Reddit: What does the Staff of Asclepius symbolize in the occult?
- Reddit: Nursing School Pins
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