NURS 6003 Discussion Strategies for Academic Portfolios

NURS 6003 Discussion Strategies for Academic Portfolios

NURS 6003 Discussion Strategies for Academic Portfolios

Building a brand and maintaining an academic portfolio is excellent for contributing to one’s success. “They are considered an essential tool in demonstrating professional accomplishments and documenting professional growth for various professions (Williams, & Jordan, 2007). I would include my transcripts in my portfolio. This will show the different courses I have taken and how well I have done in these courses. It will also provide them with an understanding of my level of education. I would also include my state of Michigan nursing license. This will provide them with the understanding that I am board-certified and qualified to perform as a licensed registered nurse. This will benefit achieving my professional developmental goals because they are steppingstones to furthering my academic level from a bachelor’s to a master’s degree.

My goals align with the university’s emphasis on social change on improving the human condition, cultures, society toward an impacting future. I plan to do that with my master’s degree working with patients with mental health illnesses being culturally sensitive, aligning with social change at Walden University. It is critical for health care providers to be culturally sensitive to provide high quality of care. As a Mental health NP, I will also be helping improve the mental well-being of individuals, which is another example of aligning with the university’s goals for social change. I plan to do that by ensuring patients are following their medical care treatment. I also ensure that they are receiving the level of care needed for patients’ success.

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.

NURS 6003 Discussion Strategies for Academic Portfolios

Another strategy I intend to incorporate into my portfolio is to approach someone whose career I admire. “A Guide.” Someone who can provide objective advice. “Success leaves clues,” as Tony Robbins often said. Studying and imitating the career paths of those who have already achieved enormous success. Engaging and shadowing a mentor who has been in your shoes and grown as a result of it. They would be able to answer your questions objectively. Engaging a mentor creates a soft counterforce to balance the sometimes-rock-hard path of professional growth (Robbins).

According to the Institute of Physics, in addition to developing new skills and understanding one’s career path, working with a mentor provides a sense of stability, constructive feedback, and an unbiased perspective on the mentee’s goals, strengths, and challenges. Mentorship provides a safe environment for exploring one’s weaknesses and practicing new skills without fear of being judged. Thanks to the week 7 assignment (Medtrek), which requires us to find our preceptor(s) sooner, I plan to explore the site more to become acquainted with the preceptorship goals.
Other strategies for academic activities and accomplishments that I could incorporate into my professional portfolio in order to achieve my optimal goal exist. I will not only have a mentor, but I will surround myself with positive people who share similar or identical goals in order to encourage and boost one another. Using Walden University’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.

NURS 6003 Discussion Strategies for Academic Portfolios 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
https://www.tonyrobbins.com/business

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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I would recommend this article for use to inform decision on professional practice at the emergency department of care facilities. This is because the article was published in 2019 and therefore it is relevant for present health practice (Lefebvre et al., 2019). Nonetheless, information present in the material relate with my areas of interest a family nurse practitioner with a specific interest in the emergency care. Notably, findings from the publication provides information to leadership of health organizations on the necessity of scheduling shift days and nights for nurses in ways that guarantee satisfaction for the professionals (Tricco et al., 2018). While this article was intended for emergency department, I would recommend it in all other departments because of its necessity to address shift hours which is always a bone of contention in most care facilities occasioned by shortage of health staff.

Discussion: Strategies for Academic Portfolios

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 Module’s Discussion asks you to consider and share strategies for building your portfolio.
Note: Unless otherwise noted, initial postings to Discussions are due on or before Day 3, and response postings are due on or before Day 6. You are required to participate in the Discussion on at least three different days (a different day for main post and each response). It is important to adhere to the weekly time frame to allow others ample time to respond to your posting. In addition, you are expected to respond to questions directed toward your own initial posting in a timely manner.

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 of Week 8

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.

By Day 6 of Week 8

Respond to at least two of your colleagues’ posts by offering additional ideas regarding academic achievements to include or offering alternative ways of presenting the current achievements.

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Initial Post: Discussion – Week 8
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The growing need for more practitioners joining general and family practices calls for advanced practice nurses to establish and maintain work portfolios to present to future employers. Portfolios are considered an essential tool in demonstrating professional accomplishments and documenting professional growth for a variety of professions (Burns, 2018). Maintaining a robust portfolio of material evidencing professional development activities and how they have informed and influenced practice is therefore a mandatory requirement (Casey & Egan, 2010). Evidence used within the portfolio can undertake a personal review of where a practitioner currently is in terms of their development and consider where they want to be (Casey & Egan, 2010).

I plan on creating and maintaining a work portfolio so that I can become visible and credible to my future employers. A portfolio is used as a marketing tool that showcases an individual’s skills, achievements, and goals. My portfolio will list all current achievements, education, specialty certifications, career goals, and learning plan. The professional work portfolio aligns with Walden’s vision of social change. Walden describes the positive social change as a deliberate process of creating and applying ideas, strategies, and actions to promote the worth, dignity, and development of individuals, communities, organizations, institutions, cultures, and societies (Walden, n.d.).
I also plan to use social networks such as LinkedIn to stay connected to other practitioners who also use the site to collaborate, educate, and stay informed. A social network allows everyone to participate in the discussion and contribute to the overall initiative (Barton, 2010). Joining nursing student groups such as Facebook and LinkedIn allow for formal and informal introductions and discussions in these groups that may benefit students. All academic and professional students may find this form of communication helpful and imperative in search of a job in the nursing field.

NURS 6003 Discussion Strategies for Academic Portfolios References

Barton, A. (2010). Using Technology to Enhance the Effectiveness of Social Networks to Promote Quality Patient Care. Clinical Nurse Specialist, 24 (1), 6-7.
doi: 10.1097/NUR.0b013e3181c4ac01.
Burns, M.K. (2018). Creating a nursing portfolio. Ohio Nurses Review, 93(3), 16-17.
Casey, D.C. & Egan, D. (2010). The use of professional portfolios and profiles for career enhancement. British Journal of Community Nursing, 15(11), 547-552.
Walden University. (n.d.). Field experience: College of Nursing: Student resources- Graduate courses. https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/ld.php?content_id=45260984

NURS 6003 Discussion Strategies for Academic Portfolios

A nursing portfolio is a collection of brochures highlighting a nurse’s accomplishments, experience, participation, and abilities (Burns, 2018). Burns (2018) explains the functions of nursing portfolios. Burns noted that a portfolio’s reason should contain self-promotion, evidence of the outcome, structure, and the individual’s intended direction. Through the portfolio, nurses will demonstrate their accomplishments, competencies, and ambitions to future employers. The professional portfolio will not replace a resume or curriculum vitae (CV), but it will augment them by highlighting a candidate’s professional achievements (Alfred, 2016).

Strategies

To include academic activities and achievements in my professional portfolio, I will describe the educational program coursework I have completed along with the degrees I have received, including the school name, dates attended, and study field (East, 2015). I will list all awards, distinctions, and professional growth experiences. I will include certificates of continuous education from agency, regional, state, and local programs. I will identify my certification number by identifying the certification, the certifying body, and the certification date, and I will ensure that it is current.

Lastly, I will make it simple to update my portfolio with new information, if necessary; I will create an electronic portfolio. As my career progresses, I will revise my portfolio and present myself with my most recent accomplishments and objectives (Casey & Egan, 2010). As I market myself to prospective companies, I will provide all pertinent facts in a clean and straightforward fashion.
As I indicated at the beginning of this class, I work in a mental health facility, and my aim is to acquire a mental health nurse practitioner degree. Some people refer to mental health nursing as “another type of nursing,” or they ask me, “Why did you choose to deal with insane individuals?” This field of nursing is extremely stressful for patients, their families, and us nurses as well. Fortunately, I am passionate about working in mental health care. To create societal change is to alter how individuals perceive mental health nursing and mental disease. To achieve this, I provide my patients with comprehensive treatment by listening to them and responding to their needs. I advocate on their behalf and treat them without prejudice.

NURS 6003 Discussion Strategies for Academic Portfolios References

Theodore, L. (2016). enhancing one’s professional portfolio 87-88 in Radiation Therapist, 25(1).
Burns, M. K. (2018). Creating a portfolio in nursing. 16-17, Ohio Nurses Review, 93(3).
https://eds-b-ebscohost-com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?
Casey, D. C., and D. Egan (2010). Utilizing professional portfolios and profiles to advance one’s career. British Journal of Community Nursing, 15(11), pages 547-550. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjcn.2010.15.11.79625
East, R. (2015). Developing a portfolio for a nurse practitioner. ACORN: The Australian Journal of Perioperative Nursing, 28(4), 35.

I thoroughly liked reading your piece, which, in terms of techniques, approaches, and areas of particular concern – mental health – was remarkably similar to my own. There is a proverb that goes, “When you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” A nursing portfolio is a component of the blueprint that guides the student nurse from school to a professional career. When set out and accompanied by a plan for achieving them, goals lead to achievement. The key is to strive for excellence (Laureate Education, 2018). The nursing portfolio aligns with the good social change promoted by Walden University.
The objective of positive social change at Walden University is to produce graduate students who are ready and eager to reform society via their actions and projects that directly influence the concerns of regular people (Walden University, 2017).

NURS 6003 Discussion Strategies for Academic Portfolios References

The Laureate Education Corporation (2018). The Walden Path to a Master of Science in Nursing: Your Professional Development Strategy (Video file). Baltimore, MD Author.
https://class.content.laureate.net/7662f63590d86b02553e8d697c93fa05.html
The university Walden (2017). 2017 Report on Walden 2020: A Vision for Social Change https://www.waldenu.edu/-/media/walden/files/about-walden/walden-university-2017-social-change-report-final-v-2.pdf?rev=5ded98a6d84e4a0096d02c9ec0f458af&hash=3CBA4D20AF7FA7F23BC21D69B2A9EB37

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.  

Nurses acquire numerous skills and values in the course of their education journey, enabling them to provide competent care and make positive changes in society. Portfolios offer a detailed highlight of nurses’ competencies. A vital part of portfolio development is academic activities and accomplishments demonstrating a nurse’s competencies in a particular specialty. The purpose of this section is to describe strategies for including academic activities and accomplishments in my professional development goals and how the goals align with the University’s emphasis on social change.

Including Academic Activities and Accomplishments

Academic activities and accomplishments include a nurse’s engagements and success areas as a learner and professional. A service section in my academic portfolio can highlight my notable contributions to my colleagues and the broader nursing profession during the learning process. A suitable example is volunteer work in counseling different patients and health promotion programs. Besides a service portfolio, I should ensure that my curriculum vitae (CV) provide adequate information about my academic qualification, values, and accomplishments. A good CV should be precise and tailored to the job that a candidate is interested in (Huber, 2021). The service portfolio and the CV will enable me to highlight my academic achievements and accomplishments in detail.

Goals Alignment with University’s Emphasis on Social Change

Social change is crucial for the progressive growth of society. Walden University (2022) describes social change as real people working to improve others’ lives. This change can be evolutionary (slow) or revolutionary (rapid). My professional development goals are centered on progressive development as a nurse practitioner to improve the health of individuals and communities. Achieving this goal requires me to acquire adequate skills to offer competent care and empower people to live healthily. Nurses can also achieve social change by helping people respond to evolving social norms and values (Nilsen et al., 2020). As a healthcare professional, I should also improve my skills over time to prevent illnesses and ensure people can effectively cope with chronic diseases and mental disorders.

Conclusion

 Nurses should be adequately qualified to provide competent and patient-centered care. Academic portfolios should explicitly highlight nurses’ competencies and accomplishments. The desire to promote social change should be universal among nurses. Accordingly, I have an innate desire to acquire adequate skills to succeed as a professional and social change agent.

NURS 6003 Discussion Strategies for Academic Portfolios References

Huber, A. C. (2021). With the “new focus approach” to a successful CV: Make a real sales document. BOD- Books on Demand.

Nilsen, P., Seing, I., Ericsson, C., Birken, S. A., & Schildmeijer, K. (2020). Characteristics of successful changes in health care organizations: An interview study with physicians, registered nurses and assistant nurses. BMC Health Services Research, 20(1), 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-020-4999-8

Walden University. (2022). 5 things that everyone should know about social change. https://www.waldenu.edu/why-walden/social-change/resource/five-things-that-everyone-should-know-about-social-change

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.

NURS 6003 Discussion Strategies for Academic Portfolios 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

            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. 

NURS 6003 Discussion Strategies for Academic Portfolios 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

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Portfolios are very essential and are defined as “…a visual representation of the individual, their experience, strengths, abilities, and skills” (McCready, 2007 p.144).  A portfolio represents the documentation of significant experiences as it relates to specific competencies. The purpose of a portfolio is meant to demonstrate that one didn’t merely acquire experience but how one has been transformed through the experiences.

 As a nurse, I am required to possess the necessary competencies and skills in carrying out my duties in society. These skills are acquired through professional development, clinical experiences, and educational advancement. One important aspect of a portfolio is to provide evidence of how an individual has developed both professionally and personally. It also provides a basis for future career and development planning (Egan, and Casey, 2010).

Portfolios are structured based on experiences, achievements, and professional development goals. When including academic activities and professional accomplishments in professional development goals, one strategy to use is to include notes outlining the learning and growth derived from each activity and how it has contributed to and influenced one’s practice. For example, when including my employment history, I will outline the roles and responsibilities in the various nursing positions I have held and how each one has informed and influenced my practice as a nurse. This strategy will add value to the development activity that was undertaken.

Another strategy is to include those professional activities that have contributed to building others such as precepting, mentoring, or teaching, and also those activities undertaken that have contributed to bringing positive change in a system or work environment. For example, highlighting a new protocol that was initiated and adopted at work and how it has positively contributed to the outcome of patient care.

Walden University has an emphasis on social change and this change comes as a result of putting knowledge to greater use. One’s professional development goals will serve as good pointers to social change initiatives. Being able to identify those significant activities and achievements that made a difference in one’s life will be very important to bring about social change. Professional growth and accomplishments better equip us to give back to our community and practice. For example, after acquiring my PMHNP degree, I will be better equipped to provide a higher standard of care and this will definitely bring about change in my practice as a nurse, with better patient care outcomes. Also, being able to do a presentation on certain experiences relating to my area of study will add value to those who are either aspiring to advance their career or provide information to other professions.

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, 

Amber Fox 

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

NURS 6003 Discussion Strategies for Academic Portfolios Rubric

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	Excellent	Good	Fair	Poor
Main Posting	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.	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.	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.	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	10 (10%) – 10 (10%)Posts main post by day 3.	0 (0%) – 0 (0%)	0 (0%) – 0 (0%)	0 (0%) – 0 (0%)Does not post by day 3.
First Response	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.	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.	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.	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	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.	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.	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.	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	5 (5%) – 5 (5%)Meets requirements for participation by posting on three different days.	0 (0%) – 0 (0%)	0 (0%) – 0 (0%)

 Sample Answer: Discussion: Strategies for Academic Portfolios

Branding is a critical aspect in professional practice. In the healthcare system, there is always the need for the healthcare professional to develop a professional brand that makes them unique. Developing a personal brand involves the incorporation of different skills and abilities in their field of specialization. Personal brand should always include both the professional and educational qualifications. Nursing scholars can always build personal brands to add creativity and visibility to their work (Tashiro et al., 2018). Building and maintaining academic portfolio is critical in ensuring the development of appropriate and effective brand. The above activity can enhance the sharing of one’s success.  

The two essential strategies that a nurse professional should include in their professional portfolio include growth and development, and the evidence-based practice work. When it comes to the professional growth and development, nursing professionals ought to include knowledge, professional goals, educational progress, as well as the general professional development (Miraglia & Asselin, 2015). Nursing professionals can evaluate their competence and at the same time, review the progress. The documentation of the evidence-based practice work indicates the level of competency and the review of the whole progress. Also, the documentation of the evidence-based practices may show the nurse’s expertise in their different field of work. The whole process may include annual performance reviews, ongoing continuation in education, reviews provided by other professionals, accreditation which may enhance further development of the career promotion. 

The above strategies used in the professional development are in line with the university’s emphasis on social change. Evidence-based practice and growth and development are often emphasized by the university in an attempt to produce competent and effective nursing professionals in different specialization.  

References 

Miraglia, R., & Asselin, M. E. (2015). Reflection as an educational strategy in nursing professional development: An integrative review. Journal for nurses in professional development, 31(2), 62-72. DOI: 10.1097/NND.0000000000000151  

Tashiro, J., Shimpuku, Y., Naruse, K., & Matsutani, M. (2018). Concept analysis of reflection in nursing professional development. Japan Journal of Nursing Science, 10(2), 170-179. DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-7924.2012.00222.x