NURS 6003 Discussion: Strategies for Academic Portfolios
Discussion: Strategies for Academic Portfolios
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As I became a nurse, I had no idea exactly where I would end up. To be honest I have always thought I would have worked in OB. I have always loved the atmosphere of pregnancy and newborn babies. I remember when I had my first child thinking my midwife had the best job ever. As time went on, I remembering wondering what road life would take me on. I had some hiccups in my career path which led me to home health nursing. After my spouse passed away unexpectedly, I needed to be around more flexibly with my young children. I remember feeling that I was getting so far away from what I had always thought I would be doing in my career path. I have since learned that I have been on the path that was exactly right for me the whole time. I have continued to add to my professional goals by continuing my education. It was a large win for me professional and academically speaking when I completed my Bachelors degree. Having this added diploma to my profession has allowed for me to become more self-aware as to what I can truly accomplish in life and especially add to better quality of care for my patients. As I continue on down this amazing journey of professional and academic goals, I plan to change career paths and find my way back into the OB field of practice. I believe I could best utilize my Master’s Degree in this field of study because it has been a passion of mine and I plan to capitalize on my passion to best impact this field of study. This has become a blueprint of what my academic and portfolio will look like. “A portfolio should also provide evidence of how an individual has developed both personally and professionally.” (Casey & Egan, 2010).
In addition to advancing my degree and continuing education I plan to actively play apart in ongoing research studies and programs to better provide care. It is important to me to be part of the bigger picture of the profession. We provide care to our community and because of that I want to be apart of the political side and the implementation process of policy to provide excellent care.
Walden’s goal of positive social change aligns with my professional goals as well as my academic goals. I feel that I will receive the best mentoring through my professors in each course as well as the team that guides us through our master’s process. They have the same goal as students, which is to provide “students, alumni, and faculty are committed to improving the human and social condition by creating and applying ideas to promote the development of individuals, communities, and organizations, as well as society as a whole.” (Walden University, n.d.). Walden prides themselves on providing the student body with knowledgeable information to allow them to practice in their fields with safety, advocacy and vital tools to serve each and every community.
Portfolio development is like a palm print, each individual has a different one. Each one is unique in that each path is important and continues to grow.
In the realm of marketing, a successful branding strategy is one of the most important contributors to organizational success. A solid branding strategy can help add visibility and credibility to a company’s products.
Similarly, nurse-scholars can build a personal brand to add visibility and credibility to their work. You can begin building your brand by developing and maintaining an academic portfolio. Such an activity can help share the results of your efforts and contribute to your success. This Module’s Discussion asks you to consider and share strategies for building your portfolio.
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To Prepare:
- Reflect on strategies that you can pursue in developing portfolios or portfolio elements that focus on academic achievements.
- Review one or more samples from your own research of resources focused on portfolio development.
By Day 3 of Week 8
Post an explanation of at least two strategies for including academic activities and accomplishments into your professional development goals. Then, explain how those

NURS 6003 Discussion Strategies for Academic Portfolios Slayers
goals may align with the University’s emphasis on social change. Be specific and provide examples.
Discussion: Strategies for Academic Portfolios SAMPLE 1
Strategies for Nursing Portfolios
Nursing portfolios are a way to show achievements throughout one’s nursing journey. “A professional portfolio is evidence of the nurse’s skills, achievements, and professional experience” (Burns, M.K., 2018). There are many ways to demonstrate a nurse’s personal growth in a nursing portfolio. An ePortfolio is a way to keep track of academic activities and accomplishments throughout one’s career on a virtual platform. “ePortfolios are a well-established practice to demonstrate progress, archive coursework through college, and provide evidence of meeting learning outcomes” (Hannahs, J. & Olivo, Y., 2017). There are many ways to outline and demonstrate the achievements one has made in an ePortfolio. Two strategies to provide this information is by, “Outline your short- and long-term goals and share your clinical experiences” (Hannahs, J. & Olivo, Y., 2017).
“At Walden University, we define positive social change as a deliberate process of creating and applying ideas, strategies, and actions to promote the worth” (Walden University, n.d.). By receiving my education from Walden University, I know that I will have the training to ensure my portfolio inhibits social change. My long and short-term goals can outline how I will achieve a positive social change. Clinical experience will increase my professional growth through my academic successes. An example of this would be, working as a nurse executive I will be faced with many decisions. In order to provide a positive social change, my clinical experiences will help me work cohesively with a preceptor to learn how to promote a positive atmosphere.
Discussion: Strategies for Academic Portfolios
Conclusion
By understanding how to implement a thorough nursing portfolio, I will be able to demonstrate achievements in academia and professional growth. As a Nurse Executive student at Walden University, I know that I am learning the essential skills to evolve my nursing portfolio. Through this development, I will be able to strive for positive social change.
References:
Burns, M. K. (2018). Creating a Nursing Portfolio. Ohio Nurses Review, 93(3), 16–17.
Hannans, J. & Olivo, Y. (2017). Craft a positive nursing digital identity with an ePortfolio. American Nurse Today, 12(11), 48-49. Retrieved October 19, 2020, from https://www.myamericannurse.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ant11-Digital-Identity-1017a-1.pdf
Walden University. (n.d.). Social change. Walden University – Acalog ACMS™. https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=122&navoid=34904
By Day 6 of Week 8
Respond to at least two of your colleagues’ posts by offering additional ideas regarding academic achievements to include or offering alternative ways of presenting the current achievements.
Discussion: Strategies for Academic Portfolios Peer Responses
Hello K…,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts regarding ePortfolios. As you have mentioned, ePortfolios is an innovative way to integrate our skills, achievements, and professional experiences (Hannans, J. & Olivo, Y., 2017). Incorporating our academic achievements is essential in creating a professional portfolio. One strategy I use is to integrate elements in my educational growth and professional development, such as my educational background and certifications I have achieved, ensuring to include the name of the certifying organization and renewal dates (Sherrod, D., 2005).
An alternative way of presenting a professional portfolio is by creating your own website. Doing so gives it a more individualized and unique design. I have yet to explore creating an ePortfolio and developing my own website (Hannans, J. & Olivo, Y., 2017).
Discussion: Strategies for Academic Portfolios
References
Hannans, J. & Olivo, Y. (2017). Craft a positive nursing digital identity with an ePortfolio. American Nurse Today. 12 (11), 48-49. https://www.americannursetoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ant11-Digital-Identity-1017a-1.pdf
Sherrod D. (2005). Career scope: south Atlantic. The professional portfolio: a snapshot of your career. Nursing Management, 36(9), 74–75. https://eds-b-ebscohost-com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=1&sid=f15cb16a-80fb-4fd3-8fdf-eaac4420bb89%40pdc-v-sessmgr02
K..,
I appreciate your post on ePortfolios and how they can be useful as we build our academic and nursing professional portfolios. In today’s world, more and more information is obtained online. Employers are now researching potential job candidates prior to the interviewing and hiring process begins. It is important now, more than ever, to create a positive online brand for yourself that employers, coworkers, friends, family, and even patients may discover. Digital footprints are left every time we log on, attention must be paid to what material you are posting (Hannans & Olivo, 2017).
Academic and professional portfolios are visual representations of your strengths, academic success, nursing skills and knowledge, community involvement, and experiences. The resume and/or curriculum vitae are only a piece of the portfolio. Nurses should include degrees obtained, licensures, certifications, continuing education credits, conference attendance, and any presentations or education lectures they presented (Burns, 2018).
Walden University is preparing students to be social change agents (Walden University, n.d.). Showcasing achievements for community involvement should be included as a part of your portfolio. Volunteer services, organizing or participating in health screenings, and lobbying for health policy changes are all opportunities to add to your professional portfolio (Burns, 2018).
References
Burns, M. (2018). creating a nursing portfolio. Ohio Nurses Review, 93 (3),16-17
Hannans, J. & Olivo, Y. (2017). Craft a positive nursing digital identity with an ePortfolio. American Nurse Today, 12(11), 48-49. Retrieved October 22, 2020, from https://www.myamericannurse.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ant11-Digital-Identity-1017a-1.pdf
Walden University. (n.d.) Social Change. Retrieved on October 22, 2020, from https://www.waldenu.edu/why-walden/social-change
Practicum Quiz
It is essential that you understand the Practicum requirements that are necessary to complete the Master of Science in Nursing. This quiz is designed to engage you with the Practicum Manual and to help you become more familiar with the Practicum Requirements. It will cover many of the essential topics related to the Practicum. However, it is important that you continue to learn more about the Practicum Requirements after this course is completed.
This quiz includes 10 questions in various format: true/false and multiple choice. If you score 8 or below, please retake the exam. You may retake the exam as many times as you would like to achieve the desired score. Your highest score will be recorded. To retake the quiz, click on “take test again” (this does not appear as a hyperlink but works as a hyperlink when you click on the area).
To view the questions you answered correctly and incorrectly, click on your score in the My Grades area.
To Prepare:
- Review the College of Nursing Practicum Manual found on your Walden College of Nursing Field Experience website.
By Day 7 of Week 9
Complete the quiz.
Submission and Grading Information
Submit Your Quiz by Day 7 of Week 9
To submit your Quiz:
Week 9 Quiz
Next Module
To go to the next module:
Module 6
Module 5 (Weeks 8–9): Professional Development Plan
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). The Blueprint to Success [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). The Walden Journey to a Masters in Nursing: Your Professional Development Plan [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Learning Objectives
Students will:
Analyze strategies for including academic activities and accomplishments into professional portfolios
Develop professional development goals
Align professional development goals to Walden’s social change initiatives
Identify concepts and requirements for the MSN Practicum
Due By
Assignment
Week 8, Days 1–2
Read the Learning Resources.
Compose your initial Discussion post.
Week 8, Day 3
Deadline to post your initial Discussion post.
Week 8, Days 4–5
Compose your peer Discussion responses. (Make sure to participate in the Discussion on three different days.)
Week 8, Day 6
Last day to post Discussion responses.
Week 8, Day 7
Begin to check your knowledge with the Quiz.
Week 9, Days 1–6
Continue to check your knowledge with the Quiz.
Week 9, Day 7 Final day to complete the Quiz.
Learning Resources
Required Readings
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.
Discussion: Strategies for Academic Portfolios Hannans, J. & Olivo, Y. (2017). Craft a positive nursing digital identity with an ePortfolio. American Nurse Today, 12(11), 48–49. Retrieved November 14, 2018, from https://www.americannursetoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ant11-Digital-Identity-1017a-1.pdf
Leahy, R., & Filiatrault, A. (2017). Employers’ perceptions of the benefits of employment electronic portfolios. International Journal of ePortfolio, 7(2), 217-223.
McMillan, L. R., Parker, F., & Sport, A. (2014). Decisions, decisions! E-portfolio as an effective hiring assessment tool. Nursing Management, 45(4), 52-54.
Discussion: Strategies for Academic Portfolios Walden University. (n.d.). Walden University catalog. Retrieved October 4, 2019, from https://catalog.waldenu.edu
Select College of Health Sciences, then Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Review the MSN Learning Outcomes on this page.
Walden University Writing Center. (n.d.). Walden templates: Overview. Retrieved from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/templates
Note: Download and review the College of Nursing Template by navigating to “Program-Specific Templates” and then “College of Nursing,” and selecting “College of Nursing Writing Template With Instructions.”
Document: APA Basics Checklist: Citations, Reference List, and Style (PDF)
Document: Academic Success and Professional Development Plan Template (Word document)
Required Media
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Scholars of Change: Reis Woolen [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Scholars of Change: Jackie Kundert [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018). Scholars of Change: Joan Kempagno [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.