Discussion: Strategies for Academic Portfolio

There are many strategies for incorporating academic activity and accomplishments into my professional development goals. First, it is essential to adopt a goal evolution mindset. As we grow and learn, our goals will evolve. Academic activities and accomplishments should constantly contribute to professional development goals. It is essential to determine what steps must be taken to achieve professional development goals (Walden University, LLC, 2018). Modern-day advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) must develop a portfolio of evidence of professional development activities and achievements and how they contribute to professional practice as a visual representation of their experience, strengths, abilities, and skills (Casey & Egan, 2013). The benefits of portfolios include skill development, promoting active learning, improved clinical competency, and improved academic assessment and achievement (Dehkordi & Ghiasvandian, 2019). The portfolio will represent who I am, what I am passionate about, and the strengths I have obtained during my education at Walden University.

A strategy I could use to include academic activities and accomplishments in my professional development is to join professional nursing organizations. It is crucial to serve the community and profession (Walden University, LLC, 2018). I could connect with various professional organizations to participate in activities aligned with my career goals (Hannans & Olivo, 2017). Professional organization bring nurses together and empowers nurses to have a voice (Walden University, LLC, 2018). Nurses can also become certified in areas that may contribute to their professional development goals. The American Nurses Credentialing Center outlines steps for APRNs to expand their focus to meet expanded practice roles (Melander et al., 2020).

Another strategy is to record specific moments where I used my education and research to change a patient’s life. Casey and Egan (2013) suggested regularly accounting for incidents that have occurred in practice and using these instances in a portfolio, showcasing the application of knowledge learned. Collecting patient accounts evidencing competence in advanced practice will highlight academic activities contributing to professional development goals. Portions of my portfolio will highlight educational activities and accomplishments contributing to my professional development goals (Casey & Egan, 2013). I could specifically select evidence highlighting a skill I have obtained throughout my education. Nurses can also attend seminars and apply the knowledge learned in practice (Casey & Egan, 2013). I will attend conferences specific to my areas of interest, including aesthetic nursing, healthcare access in underprivileged communities, and healthcare policy. Clear ideas of education and certification must help you meet your professional development goals (Walden University, LLC, 2018).

Walden University is committed to social change by empowering change-makers, building communities, and maximizing social change outcomes (Walden University, 2022). Serving the community will align the University’s social change goals with my own. I want to affect positive change by improving access to care, especially in underserved and underprivileged communities, minimizing the healthcare disparity gap. I also want to promote social change through healthcare policy. By joining professional organizations that promote my development in these areas, I will develop from a student to a change-maker. The knowledge I gain throughout the Walden University program will assist me in making that possible.

References

Casey, D. & Egan, D. (2013). The use of professional portfolios for career enhancement. British Journal of Nursing, 15(11), 547-552.

Dehkordi, L. M., Ghiasvandian, S. (2019). Application of Portfolio in Nursing Education and Assessment of Learning. Journal of Medical Education and Development, 14(2), 136–143.

Hannans, J. & Olivo, Y. (2017). Craft a positive nursing digital identity with an ePortfolio. American Nurse Today, 12(11), 48-49. Retrieved October 13, 2022, from https://www.americannursetoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ant11-Digital-Identity-1017a-1.pdf

Melander, S., Hardin-Pierce, M., & Howard, P. B. (2020). Meeting the challenges of expanded practice through postgraduate APRN certification. Nurse Practitioner, 45(6), 8–10. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NPR.0000666212.83911.d3

Walden University. (2022). Social Change. Walden University. Retrieved October 16, 2022, from https://www.waldenu.edu/why-walden/social-change

Walden University, LLC. (Producer). (2018). The Walden Journey to a Masters in Nursing: Your Professional Development Plan [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

In the realm of marketing, a successful branding strategy is one of the most important contributors to organizational success. A solid branding strategy can help add visibility and credibility to a company’s products.

Similarly, nurse-scholars can build a personal brand to add visibility and credibility to their work. You can begin building your brand by developing and maintaining an academic portfolio. Such an activity can help share the results of your efforts and contribute to your success. This week’s Discussion asks you to consider and share strategies for building your portfolio.

To Prepare:

Reflect on strategies that you can pursue in developing portfolios or portfolio elements that focus on academic achievements.
Review one or more samples from your own research of resources focused on portfolio development.

By Day 3

Post an explanation of at least two strategies for including academic activities and accomplishments into your professional development goals. Then, explain how those goals may align with the University’s emphasis on social change. Be specific and provide examples.

Support main post with 3 of more current, credible sources and cite source within content of posting and on a reference list in proper APA.

By Day 6

Respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days, by offering additional ideas regarding academic achievements to include or offering alternative ways of presenting the current achievements.

Be sure to offer support from at least 2 current, credible sources in each required response to classmates’ main post and cite per APA.

Submission and Grading Information

Grading Criteria

To access your rubric:

Week 5 Discussion Rubric

Post by Day 3 and Respond by Day 6

To participate in this Discussion:

Week 5 Discussion

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RE: Discussion – Week 5
COLLAPSE
This week\’s discussion is geared towards including strategies of academic activities and accomplishments into your professional development goals. One way I would incorporate my academic activities and achievements into my professional development goals is with a professional nursing portfolio. A professional nursing portfolio is a documentation of accomplishments, professional nursing experience, and skills you are proficient in (Burns, 2018). Having a professional nursing portfolio is an incredible tool. It displays nurse\’s academic and professional achievements as well as highlights expertise in their realm of study. Creating a portfolio is also a building platform for change/growth, advancements, career goals, and specialty pursuits (Cope et al., 2018).

Participation in evidence-based research is another great strategy, as well as being involved in facility/organization training opportunities. Continued education allows for personal and professional growth, learning new techniques and alternative ways to think and address situations that arise. The knowledge and skills gained from research and training are all valuable assets to add to a practitioner\’s academic and professional future.

Walden University provides its students with the necessary tools to create disciplined, ethical, and knowledgeable scholars, creating a positive social change for our society\’s betterment (Walden University, n.d.). Walden\’s vision of social change fits well into what I envisioned my higher education program would resemble. Teaching and allowing me to become a nurse practitioner that values all individuals in the community and raising healthcare standards among them. I have recently have become a leader in a new department at my facility, allowing me to use the knowledge and skills Walden has taught me thus far to positively impact my patients and fellow employees.

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References

Burns, M. K. (2018). Creating a nursing portfolio. Ohio Nurse Review, 93(3). 16-17.

Cope, V., & Murray, M. (2018). Use of professional portfolios in nursing. Nursing Standard, 30, 55.

Walden University. (n.d.). Vision, Mission, and Goals. Retrieved January 31, 2021, from https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=178&navoid=63595
Please respond to this discussion using proper APA format and please also follow the rebric

Reply here K…

Hello Kristen,

I agree with you that the participation in evidence-based research is a great way of improving one’s academic and professional portfolio. The evidence-based research in nursing is crucial in generating new skills, knowledge and techniques that will help in improving the nursing practice and promote better patient outcomes and satisfaction. According to WHO, the improvement of healthcare among communities, promoting safe care and health promotion measures that help people stay healthy and reduce the burden and cost on healthcare systems (Li et al., 2019). The incorporation of EBP has been the most salient feature in the new approach to nursing that has helped the nursing professional to continue their education, add more skills, knowledge and techniques that have backing from the research evidence. The nurses who have actively taken part in the successful initiation and implementation of EBP in their practice have a higher professional value and expertise and this will help them in their future career progression and academic work. Such accomplishments are crucial to helping the nurse rise up the ladder of professional growth and take up senior management positions in healthcare organizations and promote change projects that would positively impact societies

I do also agree with you that institutions of higher learning, more specifically Walden University are better placed in providing the necessary infrastructure and framework that helps professionals pursue their dreams and improve their skills and knowledge for better practices. The institutions of higher learning are the avenues through which one can develop their academic and professional portfolio. They are melting pots of knowledge, innovations and exchange of ideas (“Studies in Higher Education,” n.d.).

References

Li, S., Cao, M., & Zhu, X. (2019). Evidence-based practice. Medicine, 98(39), e17209. https://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000017209

Studies in Higher Education. (n.d.). Taylor & Francis. Retrieved February 11, 2021, from https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/cshe20/0/0

Learning Resources
Required Readings

Burns, M. K. (2018). Creating a nursing portfolio. Ohio Nurses Review, 93(3), 16-17.

Casey, D. & Egan, D. (2013). The use of professional portfolios for career enhancement. British
Journal of Nursing, 15(11), 547–552.

East, R. (2015). Developing a nurse practitioner portfolio. ACORN: The Journal of Perioperative
Nursing in Australia, 28(4), 35.

Hannans, J. & Olivo, Y. (2017). Craft a positive nursing digital identity with an ePortfolio.
American Nurse Today, 12(11), 48–49 https://www.americannursetoday.com/wp-
content/uploads/2017/11/ant11-Digital-Identity-1017a-1.pdf

Leahy, R., & Filiatrault, A. (2017). Employers’ perceptions of the benefits of employment
electronic portfolios. International Journal of ePortfolio, 7(2), 217-223.

McMillan, L. R., Parker, F., & Sport, A. (2014). Decisions, decisions! E-portfolio as an effective
hiring assessment tool. Nursing Management, 45(4), 52-54.

Spear, M. (2016). Taking charge of your professional growth and development: Where do I
start? Plastic Surgical Nursing, 36(3), 100–102. Retrieved from
https://www.nursingcenter.com/journalarticle?Article_ID=3764611&Journal_ID=496448&Issue
_ID=3764599

Walden University. (n.d.). Walden University catalog. Retrieved October 4, 2019, from
https://catalog.waldenu.edu
Select College of Health Professions, then Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Review the
MSN Learning Outcomes on this page.

Walden University (2018). Creating your curriculum vitae: A building block to your future.
Retrieved from
https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/careerservices/careerwebinars/resumesandCVs

Walden University. (2018). Curriculum Vitae guide: Build your curriculum vitae (c.v.).
Retrieved from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/careerservices/cvguide

Walden University Writing Center. (n.d.). Walden templates: Overview. Retrieved October 12,
2018, from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/templates

NOTE: Download and review the College of Nursing template by navigating to “Program-
Specific Templates,” “College of Nursing,” and selecting “College of Nursing Writing Template
With Instructions.”

Document: APA Basics Checklist: Citations, Reference List, and Style (PDF)

Document: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Template (Word document)

Document: PDP Sample Paper (PDF)

Required Media
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2018). Scholars of Change: Reis Woolen [Video
file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2018). Scholars of Change: Jackie Kundert
[Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2018). Scholars of Change: Joan Kempagno
[Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Optional Resources
American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological
Association (7th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000
Note: If the print editions of these books are referenced here, electronic versions also may be
available and may be acceptable for use in this course. If electronic versions are listed, no print
versions are available.

Walden University. (n.d.). Subject Research: Nursing. Retrieved November 9, 2018, from
https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/library/subject/nursing

Discussion: Strategies for Academic Portfolio