Posted: March 31st, 2023

Strategies for Building an Academic Portfolio for Nurse-Scholars

Discussion post: 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 Week’s Discussion asks you to consider and share strategies for building your portfolio.

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.
Post an explanation of at least two strategies for including academic activities and accomplishments into your professional development goals. Then, explain how those goals may align with the University’s emphasis on social change. Be specific and provide examples.

Reference

Burns, M. K. (2018). Creating a nursing portfolio. Ohio Nurses ReviewLinks to an external site., 93(3), 16-17.
Casey, D. & Egan, D. (2013). The use of professional portfolios for career enhancement. British Journal of NursingLinks to an external site., 15(11), 547–552.
East, R. (2015). Developing a nurse practitioner portfolio. ACORN: The Journal of Perioperative Nursing in AustraliaLinks to an external site., 28(4), 35.
Hannans, J. & Olivo, Y. (2017). Craft a positive nursing digital identity with an ePortfolioLinks to an external site.. American Nurse Today, 12(11), 48–49 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 ePortfolioLinks to an external site., 7(2), 217-223.
McMillan, L. R., Parker, F., & Sport, A. (2014). Decisions, decisions! E-portfolio as an effective hiring assessment toolLinks to an external site.. Nursing Management, 45(4), 52-54.
Walden University. (n.d.). Walden University catalog. Retrieved October 4, 2019, from https://catalog.waldenu.edu
Select College of Health Professions, then Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Review the MSN Learning OutcomesLinks to an external site. on this page.
Walden University. (n.d.). Field experience: College of Nursing: Student resources – Graduate coursesLinks to an external site.. Retrieved from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/fieldexperience/son/applicationprocess?preview=628dc4af1964e1228ef523827b9733ab#s-lg-box-3870501
Walden University Writing Center. (n.d.). Walden templates: OverviewLinks to an external site.. Retrieved October 12, 2018, from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/templates NOTE: Download and review the College of Nursing template by navigating to “Program-Specific Templates,” “College of Nursing,” and selecting “College of Nursing Writing Template With Instructions.”
Document: APA Basics Checklist: Citations, Reference List, and Style Download APA Basics Checklist: Citations, Reference List, and Style(PDF)
Burns, M. K. (2018). Creating a nursing portfolio. Ohio Nurses ReviewLinks to an external site., 93(3), 16-17.
Casey, D. & Egan, D. (2013). The use of professional portfolios for career enhancement. British Journal of NursingLinks to an external site., 15(11), 547–552.
East, R. (2015). Developing a nurse practitioner portfolio. ACORN: The Journal of Perioperative Nursing in AustraliaLinks to an external site., 28(4), 35.
Hannans, J. & Olivo, Y. (2017). Craft a positive nursing digital identity with an ePortfolioLinks to an external site.. American Nurse Today, 12(11), 48–49 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 ePortfolioLinks to an external site., 7(2), 217-223.
McMillan, L. R., Parker, F., & Sport, A. (2014). Decisions, decisions! E-portfolio as an effective hiring assessment toolLinks to an external site.. Nursing Management, 45(4), 52-54.
Walden University. (n.d.). Walden University catalog. Retrieved October 4, 2019, from https://catalog.waldenu.edu
Select College of Health Professions, then Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Review the MSN Learning OutcomesLinks to an external site. on this page.
Walden University. (n.d.). Field experience: College of Nursing: Student resources – Graduate coursesLinks to an external site.. Retrieved from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/fieldexperience/son/applicationprocess?preview=628dc4af1964e1228ef523827b9733ab#s-lg-box-3870501
Walden University Writing Center. (n.d.). Walden templates: OverviewLinks to an external site.. Retrieved October 12, 2018, from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/templates NOTE: Download and review the College of Nursing template by navigating to “Program-Specific Templates,” “College of Nursing,” and selecting “College of Nursing Writing Template With Instructions.”
Document: APA Basics Checklist: Citations, Reference List, and Style Download APA Basics Checklist: Citations, Reference List, and Style(PDF)

Assignment writing help:
Strategies for Building an Academic Portfolio for Nurse-Scholars: Enhancing Visibility and Credibility

In the nursing profession, establishing a strong personal brand through an academic portfolio is instrumental in enhancing visibility and credibility. Nurse-scholars can leverage this strategy to showcase their achievements, skills, and contributions, thereby augmenting their professional development goals. This discussion outlines two effective strategies for incorporating academic activities and accomplishments into nurse-scholars’ portfolios, and demonstrates how these goals align with the University’s emphasis on social change.

Strategy 1: Showcasing Research and Publications

One of the primary components of an academic portfolio for nurse-scholars is highlighting their research and publications. This involves showcasing peer-reviewed articles, research papers, or conference presentations that contribute to the advancement of nursing knowledge and practice. By including these achievements, nurse-scholars not only demonstrate their expertise in specific areas but also establish themselves as thought leaders within the nursing community.

For example, a nurse-scholar working on improving patient care through evidence-based practice may include published articles in reputable nursing journals. These publications could cover topics such as patient safety protocols, innovative care models, or nursing interventions that have resulted in improved patient outcomes. Including relevant details such as the impact factor of the journals and citation metrics will further validate the nurse-scholar’s contributions.

Alignment with University’s Emphasis on Social Change:

This strategy aligns perfectly with the University’s emphasis on social change as it fosters the dissemination of knowledge and innovations that can positively impact healthcare outcomes. By sharing research findings and evidence-based practices, nurse-scholars contribute to the collective goal of improving the quality of healthcare and promoting social change within the nursing profession and beyond.

Strategy 2: Demonstrating Leadership and Advocacy Efforts

Another vital aspect to incorporate into an academic portfolio is evidence of leadership and advocacy efforts in the nursing field. Nurse-scholars can highlight their involvement in professional organizations, committees, or community outreach projects aimed at addressing healthcare disparities and promoting health equity. These experiences showcase the nurse-scholar’s commitment to social responsibility and proactive engagement in initiatives that drive positive change.

For instance, a nurse-scholar may have served as a mentor for nursing students, participated in legislative advocacy for healthcare policies, or contributed to community health programs targeting underserved populations. Including details of the specific roles held and the impact of these activities will reinforce the nurse-scholar’s dedication to advancing social change in healthcare.

Alignment with University’s Emphasis on Social Change:

This strategy strongly aligns with the University’s emphasis on social change, as it reflects the nurse-scholar’s active efforts to address healthcare disparities and contribute to the betterment of society. By showcasing their leadership and advocacy endeavors, nurse-scholars demonstrate their commitment to the University’s mission of promoting positive change through education and healthcare practice.

Conclusion:

Building a compelling academic portfolio is a powerful tool for nurse-scholars to add visibility and credibility to their work. By strategically incorporating research and publications as well as leadership and advocacy efforts, nurse-scholars can showcase their expertise and dedication to social change in the nursing profession. These strategies, when aligned with the University’s emphasis on promoting positive societal impact, contribute to the collective goal of advancing healthcare and fostering meaningful 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.

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.