Discussion: Strategies for Academic Portfolios NURS 6003

Discussion: Strategies for Academic Portfolios NURS 6003

Discussion: Strategies for Academic Portfolios NURS 6003

Professional development is a concept for career-based nurses.  In professional development, nurses take the steps necessary to advance their practice through education, volunteering, networking, attending seminars, and gaining credentials.  Nurses should keep a portfolio to document their achievements to market themselves for professional organizations and jobs in professional development.  Portfolios are a way of charting your progress and achievements in nursing.  According to an article by Margaret Burns (2018), there are two different types of portfolios, one that showcases the nurse’s specific achievements and another that is broader than documents everything the nurse has accomplished. A specified portfolio of accomplishment is more conducive for job and professional organization applications, while the more common portfolio keeps track of the nurse’s clinical, educational, and volunteer experiences (p. 15).

For my undergraduate degree, a nursing portfolio was required to be completed before graduating.  I constructed my portfolio on a website and included my background, current nursing position, future goals, and artifacts from each of my courses that people who reviewed my portfolio could read.  I have used this portfolio during interviews, especially for travel nursing agencies, because it encompasses all of my time and experiences as a nurse. 

Travel Nursing Experience

My first strategy for building a sound portfolio is to document my experience as a nurse.  To do this, I have joined a travel nursing agency to become a temporary nurse at different facilities.   I have a background in medical-surgical, intermediate, and critical care nursing so that I can float between these three disciplines at various facilities.  This will help articulate my vast experience as a nurse when I become a nurse practitioner and apply for a job.  Each hospital organization is set up differently, so I will learn their competencies, nursing workflow, and different management styles of disease processes.  In future practice, I will be able to use these skills when I manage a patient’s plan of care.  An article by Jan Daubener (2001) provides anecdotes from different travel nurses to explain the pros and cons of the career field.  One account from a nurse demonstrated their increased competency and comfort level managing critical drips and ventilators in an ICU that differed from their home unit.  As such, the nurse was adaptable and learned the processes at the new hospital he traveled to and was successful.  As a result, he gained more experience and comfort level handling a different management style and could use this knowledge in future travel contracts. Traveling to new agencies means that I will have to be comfortable with not knowing everything and adapt quickly to new situations.  This measurement of self-assessment relates to a critical aspect of nursing portfolio development.  

In an article by Casey and Egan (2010):

Evidence used within the portfolio can be used to undertake a personal review of where a practitioner currently is in terms of their development and consider where they want to be.  A SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis can be a simple but useful tool to analyze professional strengths, skills, knowledge, and ability) and weaknesses (areas for development.) These can then be considered in the context of the opportunities for development and the potential threats or barriers to development (p. 550).

Travel nursing will require me to constantly assess my current knowledge and experience level, narrow down what I need to improve, and then reflect on what I have learned.  This skill will be used constantly in my future practice as a nurse practitioner. 

Professional Certifications

My next strategy for constructing a solid portfolio of my nursing practice is to gain credentials or competencies in my chosen practice area.  Currently, I am pursuing a specialization in acute care practice for adults and geriatrics.  My eventual goal is to work as a nurse practitioner in endocrinology and diabetes management. One specific nursing credential I am actively trying to achieve is certified diabetes educator (CDE).  This is awarded to nurses who have the required amount of hours managing and counseling patients on diabetes and successfully passing the proctored exam. 

If I have this credential, it will represent my interest and passion for diabetes management and supply me with the knowledge necessary to make critical decisions when managing this disease.  According to an article presented on the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (2019), certified nurses gain more respect, possess increased knowledge and competency, have more job opportunities, are more reliable and make fewer errors, decrease healthcare costs, and provide better patient outcomes, (pp. 2-3).  By gaining a credential, shows my commitment to the profession and drive to advance my knowledge.

Social Change

My strategies to obtain my goals of nursing excellence relate to Walden University’s social change initiative.  According to Walden University (2021), “ …Walden supports positive social change through the development of principled, knowledgeable, and ethical scholar-practitioners, who are and will become civic and professional role models by advancing the betterment of society” (para. 6).  My experience from different nursing facilities and my credentials from my CDE exam will allow me to have an advanced perspective on nursing.  I will have more knowledge and experience caring for patients, be more credible based on my certifications, and be able to transition into the nurse practitioner role where I can use my knowledge to act ethically and advance the health of my community, thus creating positive social change.

Conclusion

Nurses use professional portfolios to showcase the critical aspects of their career journey as proof for career development.  A strong portfolio will give a background of nursing experience, education level, credentials, and letters of recommendation so that employers and professional organizations can assess the nurse’s abilities.  By gaining expertise from travel nursing and achieving certifications, I can add these to my portfolio as evidence of my nursing expertise to eventually create positive social change. 

Discussion: Strategies for Academic Portfolios NURS 6003 References

American Association of Neuroscience Nurses. (2019). Impact of nursing certification on nurses, healthcare employers and patients [PDF]. American association of neuroscience nurses. Retrieved October 17, 2021, from https://aann.org/uploads/Meetings/2020/WhitePaper_ACU_Certification.pdf

Burns, M. K. (2018). Creating a nursing portfolio. Ohio Nurses Review, 93(3), 16–17. Retrieved October 17, 2021, from https://doi.org/https://eds-b-ebscohost-com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=5&sid=4ee231f2-c0ff-440a-9d82-4c18e2e9ee28%40sessionmgr102

Casey, D., & Egan, D. (2010). The use of professional portfolios and profiles for career enhancement. British Journal of Community Nursing, 15(11), 547–552. Retrieved October 17, 2021, from

Daubener, J. (2001). A look at travel nursing: Two sides to the coin. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 27(5), 507–510. Retrieved October 17, 2021, from https://doi.org/10.1067/men.2001.118574

Walden University. (2021). Mission, vision, and goals. Walden University catalog. Retrieved 2021, from https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=181&navoid=66193

Professional strategies are techniques for achieving individual performance goals which include areas such as leadership, decision making, problem-solving, influencing, motivation, and navigating office politics that are often a strategic challenge for a career. Enrolling into Walden University to advance my education is one huge step of an individual performance goal towards my portfolio. Congratulations to all my colleagues for taking the initial step of enrolling at Walden University to advance our education.

However, as a Registered nurse and a wife of an entrepreneur in a healthcare business. The strategy for my portfolio is to gain a more active approach to professional networking. Nursing is a highly dynamic field. Patient care protocols are constantly evolving. New technology and medical advancements are developing at an ever-increasing pace (Schmidt n.d.). The scope of the nursing practice continues to expand as different diseases & viruses continue to erupt, for example, Covid-19, with new rules & regulations, and guidelines to adapt. Professional networking can be a big help in this endeavor.

Developing professional relationships, attending professional conferences and utilizing professional networking websites, attending meetings and workshops. Professionally networking with other healthcare departments such as therapies, physicians, social workers, etc., all these serve to facilitate the exchange of ideas and information that are vital to keeping a nurse’s knowledge fresh and relevant. Building bonds with professionals of all types enhances an active networking approach which establishes a relationship that is mutually beneficial and more palatable.  I plan to use professional networking on my academic activities, my accomplishments in my professional portfolio, and enhancing the family business.

Another strategy I plan to add to my portfolio is to turn to someone whose career I admire. “A Mentor”. A person who can give objective advice. As Tony Robbins would often say, “Success leaves clues.” Studying a career path of those who have already achieved massive success and mimic their actions. Engaging and shadowing a mentor who has been in your position and grown from it. They would be able to answer your questions without judgment. It’s a matter of physics; engaging a mentor creates a soft counterforce to balance the sometimes-rock-hard path of professional growth (Robbins).

The Institute of Physics reports that, in addition to cultivating new skills and an understanding of one’s career trajectory, engaging a mentor also provides a sense of stability, constructive feedback, and an unbiased perspective on the mentee’s goals, strengths, and challenges. Mentorship is a safe space for exploring one’s weaknesses and practicing new skills without fear of reproach. Thanks to the week 7 assignment (Medtrek) that forces us to find our preceptor(s) earlier and I plan to explore the site more to familiarize myself with the preceptorship goals.

There are other strategies for academic activities and accomplishments that I could add to my professional portfolio in other to obtain my optimal goal. I will not only have a mentor but would surround myself with positive people with the same or similar goals to encourage and boost one another. Utilizing Walden’s Center for Social Change as a networking hub with three major commitments: empowering change-makers, building community, and elevating social change outcomes (Walden (n.d.). would strengthen and add to my developing skills at Walden University.

Discussion: Strategies for Academic Portfolios NURS 6003 References:

Schmidt, K. (n.d.). 5 reasons nurses should engage in professional networking

bluepipes.com/5-reasons-nurses-should-take-professional-networking-seriously Retrieved October 17, 2021

Robbins, K. 8 professional Development strategies Retrieved October 17, 2021

Business Cycle

Zaniewski, A.M., Reinholz, D. Increasing STEM success: a near-peer mentoring program in the physical sciences. IJ STEM Ed 3, 14 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-016-0043-2

Walden University. (n.d.). Walden 2020 A Vision for Social Change. https://www.waldenu.edu/-/media/walden/files/about-walden/walden-university2017-social-change-report

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Nursing portfolios are a way to show achievements throughout one’s nursing journey. “A professional portfolio is evidence of the nurse’s skills, achievements, and professional experience” (Burns, M.K., 2018). There are many ways to demonstrate a nurse’s personal growth in a nursing portfolio. An ePortfolio is a way to keep track of academic activities and accomplishments throughout one’s career on a virtual platform. “ePortfolios are a well-established practice to demonstrate progress, archive coursework through college, and provide evidence of meeting learning outcomes” (Hannahs, J. & Olivo, Y., 2017). There are many ways to outline and demonstrate the achievements one has made in an ePortfolio. Two strategies to provide this information is by, “Outline your short- and long-term goals and share your clinical experiences” (Hannahs, J. & Olivo, Y., 2017).

Discussion: Strategies for Academic Portfolios NURS 6003Social Change

“At Walden University, we define positive social change as a deliberate process of creating and applying ideas, strategies, and actions to promote the worth” (Walden University, n.d.). By receiving my education from Walden University, I know that I will have the training to ensure my portfolio inhibits social change. My long and short-term goals can outline how I will achieve a positive social change. Clinical experience will increase my professional growth through my academic successes. An example of this would be, working as a nurse executive I will be faced with many decisions. In order to provide a positive social change, my clinical experiences will help me work cohesively with a preceptor to learn how to promote a positive atmosphere.

Module 5 (Weeks 8–9): Professional Development Plan

Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). The Blueprint to Success [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

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

Learning Objectives
Students will:

Analyze strategies for including academic activities and accomplishments into professional portfolios
Develop professional development goals
Align professional development goals to Walden’s social change initiatives
Identify concepts and requirements for the MSN Practicum

Due By
Assignment
Week 8, Days 1–2
Read the Learning Resources.
Compose your initial Discussion post.
Week 8, Day 3
Deadline to post your initial Discussion post.
Week 8, Days 4–5
Compose your peer Discussion responses. (Make sure to participate in the Discussion on three different days.)
Week 8, Day 6
Last day to post Discussion responses.
Week 8, Day 7
Begin to check your knowledge with the Quiz.
Week 9, Days 1–6
Continue to check your knowledge with the Quiz.
Week 9, Day 7 Final day to complete the Quiz.

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. Retrieved November 14, 2018, from 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.

Walden University. (n.d.). Walden University catalog. Retrieved October 4, 2019, from https://catalog.waldenu.edu

Select College of Nursing, then Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Review the MSN Learning Outcomes on this page.

Walden University. (n.d.). Field experience: College of Nursing: Student resources – Graduate courses. Retrieved from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/fieldexperience/son/applicationprocess?preview=628dc4af1964e1228ef523827b9733ab#s-lg-box-3870501

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

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

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

Required Media

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

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

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

Discussion: Strategies for Academic Portfolios NURS 6003 Rubric Detail

Select Grid View or List View to change the rubric’s layout.
Content
Name: NURS_6003_Module05_Week08_Discussion_Rubric

Grid View
List View

Excellent Good Fair Poor
Main Posting

Points Range: 45 (45%) – 50 (50%)

Answers all parts of the discussion question(s) expectations with reflective critical analysis and synthesis of knowledge gained from the course readings for the module and current credible sources.

Supported by at least three current, credible sources.

Written clearly and concisely with no grammatical or spelling errors and fully adheres to current APA manual writing rules and style.

Points Range: 40 (40%) – 44 (44%)

Responds to the discussion question(s) and is reflective with critical analysis and synthesis of knowledge gained from the course readings for the module.

At least 75% of post has exceptional depth and breadth.

Supported by at least three credible sources.

Written clearly and concisely with one or no grammatical or spelling errors and fully adheres to current APA manual writing rules and style.

Points Range: 35 (35%) – 39 (39%)

Responds to some of the discussion question(s).

One or two criteria are not addressed or are superficially addressed.

Is somewhat lacking reflection and critical analysis and synthesis.

Somewhat represents knowledge gained from the course readings for the module.

Post is cited with two credible sources.

Written somewhat concisely; may contain more than two spelling or grammatical errors.

Contains some APA formatting errors.

Points Range: 0 (0%) – 34 (34%)

Does not respond to the discussion question(s) adequately.

Lacks depth or superficially addresses criteria.

Lacks reflection and critical analysis and synthesis.

Does not represent knowledge gained from the course readings for the module.

Contains only one or no credible sources.

Not written clearly or concisely.

Contains more than two spelling or grammatical errors.

Does not adhere to current APA manual writing rules and style.
Main Post: Timeliness

Points Range: 10 (10%) – 10 (10%)

Posts main post by day 3.

Points Range: 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)

Points Range: 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)

Points Range: 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Does not post by day 3.
First Response

Points Range: 17 (17%) – 18 (18%)

Response exhibits synthesis, critical thinking, and application to practice settings.

Responds fully to questions posed by faculty.

Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by at least two scholarly sources.

Demonstrates synthesis and understanding of learning objectives.

Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues.

Responses to faculty questions are fully answered, if posed.

Response is effectively written in standard, edited English.

Points Range: 15 (15%) – 16 (16%)

Response exhibits critical thinking and application to practice settings.

Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues.

Responses to faculty questions are answered, if posed.

Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by two or more credible sources.

Response is effectively written in standard, edited English.

Points Range: 13 (13%) – 14 (14%)

Response is on topic and may have some depth.

Responses posted in the discussion may lack effective professional communication.

Responses to faculty questions are somewhat answered, if posed.

Response may lack clear, concise opinions and ideas, and a few or no credible sources are cited.

Points Range: 0 (0%) – 12 (12%)

Response may not be on topic and lacks depth.

Responses posted in the discussion lack effective professional communication.

Responses to faculty questions are missing.

No credible sources are cited.
Second Response

Points Range: 16 (16%) – 17 (17%)

Response exhibits synthesis, critical thinking, and application to practice settings.

Responds fully to questions posed by faculty.

Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by at least two scholarly sources.

Demonstrates synthesis and understanding of learning objectives.

Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues.

Responses to faculty questions are fully answered, if posed.

Response is effectively written in standard, edited English.

Points Range: 14 (14%) – 15 (15%)

Response exhibits critical thinking and application to practice settings.

Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues.

Responses to faculty questions are answered, if posed.

Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by two or more credible sources.

Response is effectively written in standard, edited English.

Points Range: 12 (12%) – 13 (13%)

Response is on topic and may have some depth.

Responses posted in the discussion may lack effective professional communication.

Responses to faculty questions are somewhat answered, if posed.

Response may lack clear, concise opinions and ideas, and a few or no credible sources are cited.

Points Range: 0 (0%) – 11 (11%)

Response may not be on topic and lacks depth.

Responses posted in the discussion lack effective professional communication.

Responses to faculty questions are missing.

No credible sources are cited.
Participation

Points Range: 5 (5%) – 5 (5%)

Meets requirements for participation by posting on three different days.

Points Range: 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)

Points Range: 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)

Points Range: 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Does not meet requirements for participation by posting on 3 different days.
Total Points: 100

Starting a master’s degree program is a perfect time to start building a professional portfolio. By doing this, you will have a portfolio of work ready to be presented to future employers, credentialing agencies, or future doctoral programs. The process of building your portfolio will encourage you to evaluate the contributions of your courses and clinical experiences to the development of knowledge and skills needed to be successful in your advanced nursing career.

I intend to use two strategies when developing my portfolio to ensure success. These strategies will develop a strong base that shows an attitude of confidence and competence. First, I will provide evidence of professional knowledge, skills, expertise, work experience, clinical experience, professional accomplishments, and scholarly work (Casey & Egan, 2013). Second, I will prepare documents that convey the significant worth of advanced practice nurses and their contributions and impact in the health care environment. This will include documents on standards and scope of practice, guidelines, procedures, professional development, references, job descriptions, and advanced practice documentation. The most positive impact will be presenting the portfolio in an organized and professional manner.

In reviewing samples, I found that no strict rules or techniques apply. Therefore, the advanced practice nurse should reflect on which factors are most important to the target audience or organization. An example of documents in a sample included their degree with graduation date, professional employment, licensure and certifications, research, courses, lectures, and presentations.  “This provided self-promotion, evidence of outcomes, structure and direction “(Burns, 2018).

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.

Davis, C. (2015). Developing a professional nursing portfolio. Nursing made incredibly easy, 13(1), 4.

One strategy to pursue in developing a portfolio would be to focus on academic achievements. This could include documenting my clinical rotations, presenting case studies and poster presentations, or publishing research papers. Another strategy could be to highlight leadership & management experience by showcasing managerial roles within various organizations or detailing committee work/leadership positions I have held. Additionally, emphasizing community involvement can demonstrate a dedication to helping others which can be an important attribute for future clinicians. Finally, highlighting professional development & continuing education shows a commitment to lifelong learning and growth which is essential for any clinician.

Developing a portfolio that showcases ones academic achievements and demonstrates their alignment with the University’s emphasis on social change may be strategic in pursuing admission to various learning institutions (Doeze et al., 2019). One of the elements in the portfolio/ goals focuses on community-based projects which emphasizes on the university’s goals or plans on social change. As an example, one of my recent community-based projects was developing a training curriculum for volunteers working with refugees. This experience was important to me because it demonstrated my ability to think critically about complex social issues and develop strategies for addressing them. The experience is also in line with the university’s emphasis on social change.  

A university’s emphasis on social change can be a powerful impetus for portfolio elements that align with its mission. For example, a university may focus on experiential learning and civic engagement as key components of their undergraduate experience (Doeze et al., 2019). This focus is evident in the many opportunities students have to work with local organizations and businesses and to take part in meaningful community service projects. Graduates should thus be well-prepared to make a difference in the world. They should understand the importance of working collaboratively toward common goals.

Discussion: Strategies for Academic Portfolios NURS 6003 References

Doeze Jager‐van Vliet, S. B., Born, M. P., & van der Molen, H. T. (2019). Using a portfolio‐based process to develop agility among employees. Human Resource Development Quarterly, 30(1), 39-60. https://doi.org/10.1002/hrdq.21337

For nurses, academics and professional development go hand-in-hand. According to Mlambo et al. (2021), “Healthcare professionals need to update their skills regularly and continuing education, or continued professional development (CPD), enables the renewal and updating of skills in health care settings.” CPD goes beyond bedside nursing, and there are a few strategies to achieve and maintain this. One is through the membership and participation in professional nursing organizations, such as the American Nurses Association (ANA).

ANA offers continuing education in the following categories; organizational excellence, certification review, leadership, and work environment. Nurses can apply the education and skills they gain from professional memberships in their daily practice to improve patient outcomes. This is aligned with Walden’s social change vision (n.d.), “to empower students to make a difference by confronting those challenges where they live, in their professions, and on a global scale.”

Participation in institutional leadership committees is another way to include academic activities and accomplishments into professional development goals. For example, I am a member of two committees at the hospital I work, the nurse practice council and the ICU mentorship committee. Through these engagements, I can share my skills, experiences, and challenges with my colleagues, and they share theirs with me. In addition to improving patient care and our workplace environments, these committees also provide professional growth opportunities. Each member of the committee has their own professional network, which we share and expand on during committee events and our day-to-day practice. 

I agree that it is a very competitive job market for Family Nurse Practitioners in many different areas and regions. Due to this specialty being competitive, it is essential to have your accomplishments and achievements highlighted for your own professional development plan. As you mentioned in your discussion post, professional portfolios help you present your goals, skills, knowledge, and credentials. Moreover, portfolios can also be transferred into an e-portfolio to help aid employers for potential job candidates. For example, a study was conducted that showed how employers showed a high level of interest in applicants who had an e-portfolio and that “the ePortfolio, along with a strong resume and references, could be used as a great reason for an employer to bring you in and interview you” (Leahy & Filiatrault, 2017, p. 221).

In addition, using and joining numerous organizations and initiatives focused on improving nursing education across the country is another strategy that can help further your academic and professional achievements. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners is an organization that offers its members to further their careers by providing leadership opportunities, continuing their education, aiding in the advancement of their networking, being recognized for achievements, providing business resources, and aiding in funding for education (American Association of Nurse Practitioners, n.d.). Utilizing organizations can help advance your career by providing more networking opportunities, professional development, and career advancement opportunities. These organizations also provide their members with peer-reviewed articles and research that pertain to their specialty. Great post!

Thank you, 

References

American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (n.d.). Professional Development: Growth in Knowledge, Skill, Reputation and Responsibility. American Association of Nurse Practitioners. https://www.aanp.org/practice/professional-development