Evidence of your commitment to
lifelong learning, personal growth
and professional excellence.
Oermann, M., (2002) Developing a Professional Portfolio in Nursing. Orthopaedic Nursing , 21- 2. pp73-78
 Document
nursing competencies
 Illustrate expertise
 Monitor professional development
 Plan nursing career goals
 Reflect on development of knowledge
and skills over time.
 Market self in quest for employment
 Compliments resume and curriculum
vitae
 Best
work
• Career ladder promotions
• Job applications
• Annual performance review
• Accreditation
• Initial and continuing certification
 Growth and Development
 Monitor progress toward personal and professional goals
 Self evaluation
 Working document from which a best work portfolio can
be developed.
 Learning
Needs ASSESSMENT/DIAGNOSIS
• Evaluate personal knowledge and skills
• Identify personal and professional goals
 Develop
a PLAN to meet learning needs
• Inservice/Continuing Education
• Completion of selected clinical experiences
• Learning Activities
• Independent practice of skills
• Reading articles/Research to fill gaps in knowledge
 IMPLEMENT the plan
• Schedule/complete activities and record dates
• Make a list of materials to be collected for the
portfolio that provide evidence of the completion of
these activities.
 EVALUATION & revision
• Assess progress
• Determine areas for continued professional
development
• Focus on how each employment position fits into
career plans
• Maintain portfolio for career transitions
 Annual
Performance Appraisal
 Accreditation Survey
 Applying to Nursing Education Programs
 Continuing Competence Documentation
• Relicensure/Certification (Required in England)
• Skills assessment inventories/Individual abilities
• Testing at specified intervals
• Computer simulated testing
• Role expectations, proof of competency
 Documents
are selected according to the
purpose of the portfolio…
• Differ based on type of portfolio, clinical specialty,
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unit, responsibilities, required competencies.
All documents should be labeled and dated
Save more materials than are needed for the current
portfolio – the purpose of the portfolio may change
over time
Create a filing system for documents not included in
the current portfolio
Maintain and update portfolio periodically to
monitor growth and development and to document
progress in meeting career goals.
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Resume
Plan for professional
development
Academic Transcripts
Health
Records/Immunizations
Job Description
Competency Checklists
Curriculum Vitae
Formal Education
License # & State
Certifications with titles and
organizations
Awards
Performance
evaluations/appraisals
Reference letters
Commendations
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Community Service
Nursing Organizations
List of Committees with
summary of responsibilities
Continuing & Inservice
Education with documentation
CEU’s with contact hours
received
Outcomes of learning
Materials produced for
patients and staff
Quality improvement projects
Presentations: unit, clinical,
community
Writing samples – especially
published articles