Academic Portfolio

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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 Module’s Discussion asks you to consider and share strategies for building your portfolio.

Note: Unless otherwise noted, initial postings to Discussions are due on or before Day 3, and response postings are due on or before Day 6. You are required to participate in the Discussion on at least three different days (a different day for main post and each response). It is important to adhere to the weekly time frame to allow others ample time to respond to your posting. In addition, you are expected to respond to questions directed toward your own initial posting in a timely manner.

RESOURCES

Required readings

Required Readings

Select College of Nursing, then Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Review the MSN Learning Outcomes on this page.

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.”

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.

WEEKLY RESOURCES

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 goals may align with the University’s emphasis on social change. Be specific and provide examples.

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.

academic portfolio

Building an academic portfolio for nurse-scholars can be a powerful tool for enhancing visibility and credibility in the field. Here are two strategies for including academic activities and accomplishments in your portfolio and aligning them with the University’s emphasis on social change:

  1. Showcase Research and Publications:
    • Include a section in your portfolio dedicated to your research activities and publications. This can encompass peer-reviewed articles, conference presentations, research posters, and even any research grants or awards you have received.
    • Explain the impact of your research on the nursing profession and healthcare outcomes. Highlight how your work addresses pressing healthcare issues or disparities. For example, if you conducted a study on improving patient care in underserved communities, emphasize how your findings contribute to social change by promoting better healthcare access and quality in those areas.
    • Provide evidence of the reach and influence of your research. Mention the number of citations, downloads, or any media coverage your work has received, as this can demonstrate the societal impact of your contributions.
  2. Engage in Community Service and Advocacy:
    • A crucial element in nursing is community service and advocacy. Showcase your involvement in community outreach programs, volunteer work, or health-related initiatives. Describe your role and the positive impact your actions had on the community.
    • Share your involvement in organizations and associations focused on healthcare advocacy or social change. Explain how your contributions, whether through leadership roles, participation in advocacy campaigns, or volunteering, have advanced the organization’s mission.
    • Connect your community service and advocacy efforts to your academic achievements. For instance, if you’ve conducted research on a specific health issue, demonstrate how your community service aligns with addressing the practical implications of your research findings. This creates a synergy between academic work and real-world social change.

Aligning these strategies with the University’s emphasis on social change means demonstrating how your academic achievements are contributing to the betterment of society and the nursing profession. For example, if you have conducted research on the impact of patient education on managing chronic diseases, you can show how your research findings have been translated into community education programs. By including testimonials from community members who have benefitted from your work, you can provide concrete evidence of social change.

In your responses to colleagues, you can offer alternative ways to present achievements, such as using multimedia elements like videos or infographics to make the portfolio more engaging. Additionally, suggest considering a section on ongoing professional development, as continuous learning is vital in nursing, and it demonstrates a commitment to staying updated and making a lasting impact on the field.

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