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A professional portfolio is a collection of carefully selected materials that document the nurse's competencies and illustrate the expertise of the nurse. Since a portfolio is developed over time, it also provides a way of monitoring professional development. By periodically reviewing the portfolio, nurses can assess their progress in meeting personal and professional goals and can better plan their careers in nursing. This article describes professional portfolios, their uses in nursing, and how to develop and maintain one.
All nurses should maintain a professional portfolio to reflect on their own development of knowledge and skills over time, present evidence of competencies, and market themselves when applying for career ladder positions or new jobs in nursing.
A professional portfolio contains materials that document the nurse's competencies and experiences and illustrate the career path of the nurse. Artists, photographers, designers, and other professionals use portfolios to showcase their work for clients and potential employers. Portfolios in nursing accomplish the same purpose -- they showcase the nurse's background and expertise for others to review. This article describes professional portfolios, their uses in nursing, and how to develop and maintain one.
Professional Portfolios
A professional portfolio is a compilation of carefully selected materials that document the nurse's competencies. The materials placed in a portfolio illustrate the background, skills, and expertise of the nurse (Trossman, 1999). The portfolio also provides a way of monitoring the nurse's own professional development. By periodically reviewing the portfolio, nurses can assess their progress in meeting personal and professional goals and can better plan their careers in nursing.
The portfolio does not replace the resume or curriculum vitae, but provides information not available from these alone. A resume and curriculum vitae list the educational institutions attended, the positions held, and other background information about the nurse. The portfolio provides evidence of the competencies and expertise of the nurse developed as a result of these experiences.
Types of Portfolios
There are two types of portfolios, bestwork and growth and development (Gaberson & Oermann, 1999; Oermann & Gaberson, 1998). Best-work portfolios provide evidence of the nurse's competencies and expertise. These portfolios are used as documentation for career ladder promotions, job applications, annual performance reviews, accreditations, initial and continuing certification, and situations in which other people will...