STRATEGIES FOR ACADEMIC PORTFOLIOS
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.
References:
- 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.”
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.
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.
Developing an academic portfolio as a nurse-scholar is crucial for establishing a strong personal brand and showcasing your accomplishments. Here are two strategies for including academic activities and accomplishments in your portfolio, along with how they align with the University’s emphasis on social change:
- Diversify Your Accomplishments: Include a variety of academic achievements that demonstrate your well-roundedness and commitment to nursing scholarship. This could involve showcasing research papers, presentations at conferences, involvement in community health projects, participation in nursing organizations, and academic awards. For example, if you have presented a research poster at a nursing conference, you can include photos of the event, a brief description of your research, and any positive feedback you received from attendees. This strategy aligns with the University’s emphasis on social change by demonstrating your active engagement in addressing healthcare challenges and promoting positive outcomes.
- Digital Presence and ePortfolios: In today’s digital age, having an online presence is essential. Consider creating a professional website or an ePortfolio that highlights your academic achievements, research interests, and contributions to the nursing field. Include links to published articles, multimedia presentations, and even a blog where you discuss relevant healthcare issues and share your insights. This not only provides easy access to your work but also enables you to reach a broader audience, potentially influencing other nurse-scholars and healthcare practitioners. Your digital presence can contribute to social change by disseminating valuable knowledge and promoting evidence-based practices on a larger scale.
Alignment with University’s Emphasis on Social Change: Both of these strategies align with the University’s emphasis on social change by showcasing your active involvement in improving healthcare practices and outcomes. Your portfolio demonstrates how you contribute to the nursing field’s advancement and how your work directly addresses societal health needs. Diversifying your accomplishments and sharing them digitally increases your visibility and the potential impact of your contributions. By effectively communicating your research findings, ideas, and initiatives, you can inspire others in the nursing community to join the effort for positive change.
In response to your colleagues’ posts:
- If a colleague mentions including clinical experiences in their portfolio, you could suggest incorporating reflections on those experiences, highlighting how they influenced your understanding of healthcare challenges and inspired your academic pursuits. Additionally, you might recommend including patient testimonials or case studies that showcase the real-world impact of your nursing interventions.
- If another colleague discusses the challenges of balancing portfolio development with other responsibilities, you could offer time management tips or suggest breaking down the portfolio-building process into smaller, manageable tasks. Emphasize the importance of consistency and gradual progress in creating a comprehensive and impactful portfolio.