What goes in a nursing portfolio???

Question

I'm a student nurse, one week away from becoming a 3rd year student. I am concerned that no one at my uni has mentioned our nursing portfolio's. Can anyone give me an idea of what should be included. Many thanks xxx

Answer 1

You might keep a record of work and qualifications as well as any courses you do after training is completed. We had to keep a 'learning journal' which was used to reflect on practical experience and assess what we learned and therefore consider what we might need to learn and how to go about that. It's really just solid evidence that you are a reflective practitioner and that you strive to keep improving your skills and ability. It will show awareness of your strengths and weaknesses. When you qualify you will keep track of the work you do to maintain your qualification, and some basic record of on the job learning.

I don't know what nurses do now but fifteen years ago it was a fairly new concept and most nurses portfolios were pretty sketchy. That said, it sounds a lot but doesn't actually take much time to do.

I used to keep copies of any certificates, record of work, plans and aims for the future ( and how to achieve them) and of course the all important learning journal but that was private and not for any body to look at.

Your teachers should be able to give advice as these things may be a bit different now. Talk to nurses on the wards and find out what they do.

Answer 2

I believe it's a history of your experiences and how you might reflect on them. Hope this is of some use but ther's probably people out there who can tell you more.