The 2019 NCSBN Annual Theme

This year’s theme, “Formulating Strategy and Aligning Influence,” uses the celestial compass rose as its central design element. Historically called the “Rose of the Winds,” the compass rose has been a symbol for orientation in uncharted places and guidance in unknown waters since the Middle Ages. NCSBN’s interpretation of this compass bisects the illustration into two equal sides. The complete graphic balances both strategy and influence and embodies all possible directions in a navigationally guided journey.

The centerpiece of the compass is a globe. It represents the universal nature of nursing regulation. All jurisdictions across the world have many of the same challenges. There is a growing recognition that solutions can best be found in the mutual exchange of thoughts and ideas among colleagues both near and far.

The left side illustrates the concept of formulating strategy. It begins with an analysis of the environment, moves toward developing an assessment and concludes in setting guiding principles. The arrows winding around each other portray potential paths considered. The longitude/latitude lines depicted in the drawing are broken to suggest a maze or the roadmap of the “guiding policies” that lead to the fully formed strategy.

Aligning influence is represented on the right side of the design with a planetary system contained within the half-sphere. Much like the gravitational pull that one heavenly body can have on another, the actions of one jurisdiction can influence another. Here the dotted lines show communication, interaction and exchange. Outwardly emanating rays show the expanding influence of NCSBN on the world’s stage as it serves as both teacher and student. NCSBN shares its experience and expertise but willingly explores ideas beyond its natural borders to gain knowledge from other global regulatory leaders to enhance public safety in its member jurisdictions.