Burns M. K. 2018 Creating A Nursing Portfolio Links To An Ex

Burns M K 2018creating A Nursing Portfoliolinks To An External

Review the article by Burns (2018) titled "Creating a Nursing Portfolio" and examine the referenced external sources that discuss the development, benefits, and application of professional and digital portfolios in nursing. The assignment requires an in-depth analysis of how nursing portfolios enhance career development, serve as effective assessment tools during hiring processes, and support professional identity formation. Consider the role of electronic portfolios in today’s healthcare environment, their perception by employers, and their integration into nursing education and practice. Also, explore how portfolios align with the learning outcomes of advanced nursing programs, particularly at institutions like Walden University, and how they can be utilized in clinical education and career advancement.

Paper For Above instruction

Creating a comprehensive nursing portfolio has become an instrumental component in fostering professional development, career advancement, and identity formation within the nursing discipline. Burns (2018) emphasizes the importance of constructing an effective portfolio that showcases a nurse’s skills, experiences, and competencies. This process not only serves as a reflection of professional growth but also as a strategic tool during job applications and career transitions. The significance of portfolios is further reinforced by an array of scholarly sources highlighting their multifaceted role in contemporary nursing practice.

The utilization of professional portfolios for career enhancement is extensively discussed by Casey and Egan (2013), who advocate for their role in illustrating competencies, educational achievements, and ongoing professional development. They argue that well-organized portfolios can distinguish a nurse in competitive employment markets, offering tangible proof of qualifications and specialized skills. Moreover, they emphasize that portfolios foster self-assessment, which promotes continuous improvement and reflective practice—a key tenet in nursing professionalism (Casey & Egan, 2013).

In the realm of advanced practice nursing, specifically for nurse practitioners, the development of targeted portfolios is crucial. East (2015) underscores how nurse practitioner portfolios serve as comprehensive repositories that document clinical skills, scholarly activities, and contributions to patient care. These portfolios are also pivotal during certification renewal processes and serve as evidence of compliance with regulatory standards. The inclusion of demonstrated leadership, research, and evidence-based practice projects can substantively bolster a nurse practitioner’s professional profile (East, 2015).

The emergence of digital technology has led to the rise of electronic portfolios (ePortfolios), which offer dynamic, accessible, and versatile platforms for nurses to showcase their professional trajectory. Hannans and Olivo (2017) explore how nurses can craft a positive digital identity through ePortfolios that integrate multimedia elements such as videos, infographics, and hyperlinks to scholarly work. This digital presence not only facilitates visibility among peers and employers but also enables ongoing updates and reflections, aligning with social media and online professional networking trends (Hannans & Olivo, 2017). The transition to electronic portfolios is particularly relevant in healthcare environments that rely heavily on informatics and digital communication.

The perception of electronic portfolios by employers has been investigated by Leahy and Filiatrault (2017), who found that many employers view ePortfolios as valuable tools for evaluating a candidate’s practical competencies, professionalism, and lifelong learning commitment. Employers appreciate portfolios that are tailored to specific roles and demonstrate continuous professional development, which can be critical in selecting suitable candidates for specialized positions. This perception underscores the importance for nursing professionals to curate well-organized and content-rich portfolios aligned with targeted positions (Leahy & Filiatrault, 2017).

Furthermore, ePortfolios are increasingly employed as assessment tools in graduate nursing education, such as those offered by Walden University. The university’s curriculum emphasizes that portfolios are essential for students to demonstrate mastery of MSN learning outcomes, including leadership, quality improvement, and ethical practice. Walden’s integration of portfolio development into coursework promotes critical thinking, self-assessment, and reflective learning—core competencies for advanced practice nurses (Walden University, n.d.). These educational approaches recognize portfolios as central to fostering reflective practitioners capable of adapting to evolving healthcare demands.

The effectiveness of ePortfolios as hiring assessment tools has been supported by McMillan, Parker, and Sport (2014), who highlight how portfolios enable healthcare organizations to evaluate candidates beyond traditional interviews and résumés. Through detailed documentation of clinical experiences, project work, and professional growth artifacts, portfolios provide a comprehensive view of a candidate’s capabilities, soft skills, and readiness for practice. They facilitate a more equitable and transparent hiring process, aligning candidates’ demonstrated competencies with organizational needs (McMillan, Parker, & Sport, 2014).

In addition to career benefits, portfolios support ongoing professional development and lifelong learning. East (2015) advocates for nurses to regularly update their portfolios to reflect new skills, certifications, and leadership roles, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Similarly, Walden University’s resources emphasize that structured portfolio review processes are integral to reflective practice, encouraging nurses not only to collect credentials but also to critically analyze their experiences, challenges, and achievements (Walden University, n.d.).

In conclusion, the development and utilization of nursing portfolios, especially digital and electronic versions, have significant implications for career advancement, professional identity, and assessment in nursing. As highlighted by Burns (2018) and complemented by multiple scholarly sources, portfolios serve as dynamic tools that portray a nurse’s evolving competencies, promote reflective practice, and demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning. Future directions suggest integrating portfolios more systematically into nursing education and organizational hiring processes, leveraging technology to enhance visibility, and fostering a culture of continuous professional growth.

References

• 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.
• Leahy, R., & Filiatrault, A. (2017). Employers’ perceptions of the benefits of employment electronic portfolios. International Journal of ePortfolio, 7(2).
• 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.). Field experience: College of Nursing: Student resources - Graduate courses. Retrieved from [Walden URL]
• Walden University. (n.d.). Walden templates: Overview. Retrieved from [Walden URL]
• Walden University. (n.d.). MSN Learning Outcomes. Retrieved from [Walden URL]