NURS 6003 Week 8 Discussion: Approaches to Academic Portfolio Strategies

NURS 6003 Week 8 Discussion: Approaches to Academic Portfolio Strategies

Main Question Post

My primary objective in professional growth is to enhance patient outcomes through the application of evidence-based practices in my role as an acute care nurse practitioner. There are various strategies to integrate my academic endeavors and achievements into my professional development target. In this discussion, I will explore two key approaches – the development of a professional portfolio and the practice of self-reflection.

Bodhi Brown iHuman Case Scenario

A professional portfolio serves as a dynamic tool for documenting and showcasing professional growth (Casy & Egan, 2013, pp. 550). It allows professionals to demonstrate their competence by assembling current certifications, achievements, awards, projects, educational background, and how each has positively impacted their professional practice (Casy & Egan, 2013). Given the increasing use of e-portfolios by recruiters and hiring managers (Leahy & Filiatrault, 2017), I will create an e-portfolio to illustrate how my academic pursuits and achievements align with my professional development objective. This e-portfolio will also serve as evidence of my competence as both a professional nurse and a student nurse practitioner (Biedermann, et al., 2022) while highlighting how my academic endeavors influence my practice and contribute to my goal (Casy & Egan, 2013).

Reflection is another valuable strategy that I plan to employ. It will enable me to contemplate each activity and achievement, gaining a deeper understanding of how they support my professional development and contribute to my goal (McMillan, et al., 2014). Self-reflection not only enhances my engagement in learning but also underscores the significance of academic activities in my professional growth (Biedermann, et al., 2022). Moreover, it fosters self-awareness, helping me identify areas for improvement (Casy & Egan, 2013).

East (2015) underscores the importance of initiating a professional profile early, facilitating reflection, and recognizing the relevance of each academic pursuit in relation to professional goals. I intend to adopt this early initiation strategy for my e-portfolio, allowing ample time for reflection on each academic endeavor, their alignment with my objectives, and areas for self-improvement.

Alignment with Walden University’s Emphasis on Social Change

My professional development goal aligns seamlessly with Walden University’s commitment to positive social change. It resonates with Walden’s vision of nurturing principled, knowledgeable, and ethical scholar-practitioners who contribute to enhancing patient outcomes and transforming health outcomes (Walden University, 2022a). By championing evidence-based practice, my goal embodies the essence of positive social change as advocated by Walden University (2022b).

References

Biedermann, N., Ahern, T., & Harrison, H. (2022). Professional portfolio development: personally and professionally rewarding and satisfying. Australian Nursing and Midwifery Journal, 27(6), 41.

Casy, 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.

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.

Walden University. (2022a). Master of science in nursing (MSN). Retrieved July 15, 2022, from https://catalog.waldenu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=193&poid=77329&returnto=75376

Walden University. (2022b). Vision, mission, and goals. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://catalog.waldenu.edu/content.php?catoid=193&navoid=74971

By Day 3 of Week 8

Share at least two strategies for integrating academic activities and achievements into your professional development goals. Additionally, explain how these goals align with the University’s emphasis on social change, providing specific examples.

By Day 6 of Week 8

Respond to a minimum of two peers’ posts by offering suggestions for additional academic achievements to include or suggesting alternative ways to present their current accomplishments.