Centre for Nursing and Health Studies

A convenient system to tell the story of your career which includes:

• Original documents (remember to get copies or certified copies)
• Supporting materials
• Collateral pieces

This is a storehouse of historical information about the professional you. A portfolio is the perfect place to save and remember your career benchmarks, accomplishments and important events.

A template for a Professional Portfolio is provided here. This is is a Microsoft Word document (.doc).

Creating a Professional Portfolio

Rationale for Creating a Portfolio

By utilizing this portfolio nurses will be able to demonstrate how they can contribute to positive health outcomes through the provision of safe and effective nursing care. In addition, the portfolio will identify the knowledge and skills the individual nurse has as well as a guideline to assist the nurse to reflect on the complex nature of nursing activities.

Each nurse's portfolio belongs to the individual and is therefore a personal document. It may be necessary at times to share components of the portfolio with others, for example as part of the peer review process. Like other forms of documentation related to professional activity it is the individual nurse's responsibility to ensure the ethical requirements of client and peer confidentiality are adhered to.

A professional portfolio folder creates a valuable resource that could also be used for promotion and/or future job applications. A curriculum vitae (or resume) containing personal, educational and professional qualifications, and information about the individual's professional practice as a registered nurse needs to be developed. Along with the curriculum vitae is a section (usually in an appendix) where certified copies of records related to employment, for example job descriptions, qualifications and references should be kept.

What Goes Into a Professional Portfolio?

Contents of a portfolio can be diverse, depending on the nurse's history of practice and education. Generally, the following are included:

• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Professional association memberships
• Awards
• Continuing education including attending lectures
• License/Board results
• Letters of commendation and recommendation
• Publications
• Presentations
• Certifications
• Job descriptions
• Evaluations
• Special projects
• Thank you letters
• Articles and books read
• Any other records appropriate, such as volunteer activities

Grammar, Writing Style, and Editing

Spelling, punctuation, grammar, as well as the overall appearance and readability of the page, will also significantly influence your grade. Every written product or presentation you turn out, now and in the future, will be judged on both its content and appearance. As such it will reflect directly on you as a professional and will influence the effectiveness of your presentation. Do not submit any product that you would not be willing to give a client or your manager. Prepare your portfolio carefully and turn in a quality product.