Nursing 50

PORTFOLIO PREPARATION Guidelines

One three ring black binder (1/2-1 inch size with

plastic covering for insertions of name page
in front and name on side)
Subject dividers 8.5x11 or larger
High quality typing paper – cream or white

Introductory Page:
Full name and title, e.g., Registered Nurse
Applicant Address
Phone numbers and email address – simple – not “cutiepiebaby” or similar
as email address – create a new email just for job search?
RN Registration Number: (Pending)
Formal Education (including secondary (high school) and post secondary)
college. If you graduated on the Dean’s list or had high GPA, mention it – if
not, don’t mention. You may want to refer to Preceptorship as “Senior
Practicum” of 100 hours in 40 bed medical surgical unit in large teaching
facility.

Contents:
Introduction Page
Statement of beliefs about nursing (not to
be done in first person) Not “ I believe this about nursing” Instead say
“Nursing is a science and an art”
Why I would make a valuable employee – one or two paragraphs
Employment Application Form (if appropriate
or required) Keep a copy of the forms for yourself.

Career goals – use time frames (perhaps in one year) (five years (ten
years) (twenty years)

Employment experiences – may include non-nursing experiences if they

demonstrate your ability to supervise other people or organize – anything
which might also be applicable to nursing.

Patient care experiences – don’t list every clinical rotation – but highlight
those that might be unique or you felt were special to you. Could be a
“special patient” you took care of. Be sure to mention specifically any
experience you might have had in the particular hospital where you are
applying.
Statement of competencies – what can you do well? – what have you had
some experience with? Have you knowledge of clinical pathways, concept
maps, care plans? Have you prepared a report on some special subject that
interests you? Consider the presentation you will be involved in for Nursing
50? Did you use simulation to prepare it? Did you prepare a Power Point
Presentation? If so, explain it and your part in the presentation. In N28 –
what did you do for your community assessment and power point
presentation? What community agency did you visit? Do you have
knowledge of some electronic documentation system that others may not
have? If so, explain it.
QSEN core competencies, National Patient Safety Goals and so forth

Professional experiences – Did you serve as a class officer? Did you go

to SNAC convention? Serve as tutor to lower level students? What
distinguishes YOU from everyone else applying for this job? Other
experiences? Club Row?

Community involvement – Are you an eagle scout? Did you volunteer in a

hospital or other facility? Have you spent extra volunteer time at Venice
Family Clinic? Anything else? Are you involved in your church? Have you
taught Sunday School or? Are you a member of Professional Nursing
Organizations?

Certificates and Awards

Employment interests – What area of nursing interests you most? Don’t

just say “any” – I need a job. You are fascinated with the geriatric
population and want to make a positive contribution or??? Eventually you
may want to work in L & D but are applying for M/S? What do you say? You
can indicate you want an “all around, thorough preparation” for a later
employment goal? Do you eventually want an educator or management
position? Above all – you want to state that you intend to pursue
obtaining your BSN or higher degree in the near future!!!!!!!!!

Letters of recommendation – may want to get letters from clinical

instructors before you leave SMC – may be hard to locate later on as they
may move on to other positions. Need to be current – may need to “ask
again later” or request a date of “Fall, 2013” as it implies a longer time
frame.

Additional references – may state that these will be provided as needed.

Please feel free to add other items that will make you more marketable !!!!