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Professional Nursing Portfolio
Table of Contents
Professional Nursing Portfolio 1
Professional Goal Statement 3
Resume 4
Personal Reference Letters 8
Boyer’s Model for Scholarship 10
NLN Nurse Educator Competencies 11
Professional Nursing Portfolio
Professional Goal Statement
As a little girl constantly surrounded by animals growing up, kindness and compassion came at an early age. As I grew, so did my empathy and love towards all living creatures. A wonderful opportunity presented my junior year in high school working as a volunteer for the San Diego Humane Society. They need assistance with cleaning kennels, walking dogs, and helping to maintain the happiness of the animals by offering them love while they awaited their forever homes. My hard work and dedication paid off, as I was offered a permanent paying position as an adoption counselor. I was now an instrument in helping these loving creatures find their forever home, and this is where the seed for educating was planted. Before deciding to move to Arizona, I was fortunate to be a member of this team for several years. Once in Arizona, I continued this path with the AZ Humane Society for an additional five years in the capacity of an Emergency Animal Medical Technician (EAMT) assisting with rescue and cruelty investigations. Over the course of a rewarding 10+ year career with animals, I realized a deep-seated passion towards providing care. The thought that this passion would be beneficial to people was born, and so began the pursuit of my nursing career.
My nursing journey began in 2009, and since then, I have grown tremendously not only as a person, but also within my chosen career field. I have accomplished goals that I once only dreamt of and have far exceeding any of my wildest expectations. In my opinion I have been a strong student graduating with Phi Theta Kappa Honors for my ADN, the Dean’s List for Academic Excellence with my BSN, and with gods good graces, will shortly be completing my graduate degree. I am confident that my intellectual and professional interests have taken shape, and I have begun progressing towards my professional development as a Nurse Educator. My short-term goal includes completing my Master’s Degree with emphasis in Nursing Education. My long-term goals are obtaining an adjunct facility position, possibly with Grand Canyon University, or a facility educator role within my current hospital. As an educator, it is my responsibility to create an atmosphere of excitement and opportunity. I will express my passion for learning and inspire students to provide excellent care and knowledge to their patients. I will function as a valuable resource to guide the students through challenging situations, and strive to instill the value of life-long learning. I am anxious to begin this new chapter in life, I truly love being a nurse and making a difference, what more valuable way to make a better world than to educate.
Xxx L. X, BSN, RN
18603 W. Mackenzie Drive
Goodyear, AZ, 85395
(623) 760-6179
OBJECTIVE
Seeking a long-term association that will benefit from academic preparation, nursing experience and a driving work ethic. A position which will allow me to expand my practical experience and knowledge at the same time as providing quality education to patients.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Banner Thunderbird Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ. Dec. 2017- Present
Banner Core Orthopedic Nurse Navigator
Leads the Independence Expedition for the Banner CORE Orthopedic Service lines, and facilitates patient education and follow through. Serves on process improvement teams, increasing efficiency in operations. Collaborates and/or delegate with other professional disciplines to ensure effective patient care delivery and achievement of desired patient outcomes. Review month to month data for compliance and communicate performance to surgery schedulers.
- Demonstrates a pleasant, helpful and caring demeanor to be an effective patient advocate.
- Speaks clearly and is easily understood.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrates solid public speaking abilities.
- Effectively problems solves for the orthopedic service line providers.
- Collaborate and/or delegate with other professional disciplines to ensure effective patient care delivery and achievement of desired patient outcomes.
- Prepares and teaches up to four Orthopedic Pre-Surgical classes each week, and provides orthopedic education to all departments.
- Assist to expedite care for hip fracture patients.
- Lead for ED to OR and Care Reliability maintenance and reporting.
- Attends bimonthly perioperative sub-group meetings when indicated.
- Coordinate care for non-elective orthopedic patients throughout the facility.
- Communicate all patient care concerns with perioperative management.
Banner Estrella Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ. Dec. 2013- Dec. 2017
Registered Nurse, Orthopedics, Oncology, Bariatrics
Renders professional nursing care in accordance with physician’s treatment plans and standards of evidence based practice/care. In doing so, assesses patient’s condition, plans patient care, administers prescribed drugs, provides treatments, provides appropriate patient education, and evaluates patient’s progress, records pertinent observations and report responses to drugs and treatments.
- Good verbal and written communication skills necessary to be clearly and easily understood.
- Demonstrates a pleasant, helpful and caring demeanor to be an effective patient advocate.
- Uses professional judgment and critical thinking to prepare, prioritize and execute the patient’s plan of care consistent with patient assessment data and physician’s treatment plans.
- Incorporates the patient’s physiological, psychological, cultural, developmental and spiritual needs into the plan of care. Consistently follows patient care and facility guidelines and procedures in performance of one’s duties.
- Collaborate and/or delegate with other professional disciplines to ensure effective patient care delivery and achievement of desired patient outcomes.
- Provide care for adult patients before and after surgical procedures, and attend to those who are being treated with pharmaceuticals to manage their illness. As a medical-surgical nurse, I am well-versed in a large variety of health conditions.
Scottsdale Heritage Court, Scottsdale, AZ. July 2013- November 2013
Registered Nurse, Sub-Acute Care
Provided care for post-op orthopedic, renal, cardiac rehab, diabetic, and infectious process patients. Along with many other patients that have simply had a fall or come down with pneumonia and are unable to provide for themselves in a home setting. We also saw our fair share of comfort-care/hospice patients. I have developed excellent assessment skills, as well as time management with an ability to work autonomously and part of a team. Accomplishments include:
- Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.
- Order, interpret, and evaluate diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient’s condition.
- Administer all medications and treatments as prescribed by physician, monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients’ conditions.
- Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
- Direct or supervise less-skilled nursing or healthcare personnel or supervise a particular unit.
- Modify patient treatment plans as indicated by patients’ responses and conditions.
- Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity.
- Conduct specified laboratory tests.
- Wound care and Pain management
- Receive report from off going nurse, exchange includes new orders review, skin and change of condition alerts, including counting narcotics per shift change.
- Do initial total body assessment on each new patient.
- Working knowledge of IV pumps, prepares and administers medications, performs IV line care per protocol. Monitors all infusing IV’s for signs and symptoms of infection every 2 hours and report appropriately.
EDUCATION
Grand Canyon University, Expected Completion February 2019
MSN in Education
Grand Canyon University Graduated 2017 Bachelor of Science in Nursing Dean’s List for Academic Excellence
Registered Nurse, State of Arizona June 2013
Estrella Mountain Community College January 2009- May 2013
Associate in Applied Science in Nursing Phi Theta Kappa Honors GPA 3.85
Licensed Practical Nurse, State of Arizona June 2012
HONORS – ASSOCIATIONS
- 2018 Banner Health Nursing Award Winner
- Banner Health Daisy Award Winner and 4 Time Nominee
- Member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
Xxx L. X, BSN, RN
18603 W. Mackenzie Drive
Goodyear, AZ, 85395
(623) 760-6179
Professional Work Reference
X D. Young MHA, RN
Business Development Director
Banner CORE Center for Orthopedics
Banner Thunderbird Medical Center
5555 West Thunderbird Road
Phoenix, AZ 85306
602.865.5xxx office
602.501.6xxx mobile
Professional School Reference
X J. Waryck III MSN, RN, OCN, CMSRN
RN Clinical Education Specialist
BDWMC Acute Care Team (ARC)
Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center
14502 W. Meeker Blvd.
Sun City West, AZ 85375
Office: 623.524.4xxx
Mobile: 602.931.8xxx
Personal Reference
X Stott MSN-ED, RN, CCRN
Clinical Education Specialist
Facility Education Team
Banner Del Webb Medical Center
14502 W. Meeker Blvd.
Sun City West, AZ 853xx
Office: 623-524-3xxx
Letter of Reference
November 2, 2018
To whom it may concern:
This letter is to support Xxx X in her career and academic journey. Xxx X is the Orthopedic Nurse Navigator for Banner Thunderbird Medical Center. Xxx exemplifies Banner’s mission and values through her commitment to our patients. She is a force to reckon with, customer obsession runs through her veins. No matter what she is doing, whether she is teaching our elective orthopedic patients in our Independence Expedition classes, care planning with the multidisciplinary teams, solving pre and post-operative issues, she is always focused on the patient. Xxx considers this exemplary performance as “just doing her job”. However, I beg to differ. Doing what is expected is a given, but she approaches every responsibility with an extraordinary sense of ownership and brings 120% to her patients, teams and work every day. She consistently goes above and beyond to make sure that our healthcare teams and patients are taken care of. Not only does she round on all of our patients, as her job description entails, but she spends extra time with each and every patient to make sure that they are prepared for the surgery ahead or are feeling confident to leave the facility. The Medical Surgical staff, providers and leadership relay on Xxx’s clinical expertise as well as her great working relationship with our patients to provide the best possible care. This compassion and commitment also follows her off the unit or out of the facility. I have often found her in the halls escorting or helping patients, families or staff. I have also known her to take calls from our providers after hours to help solve immediate care issues for the next day. She does all this while pursuing her Masters in Nursing Education and maintaining a busy family life with her husband and young son. Therefore, I full heartedly support her in anything she wishes to pursue.
X D. Young MHA, RN
Banner CORE Center for Orthopedics
Business Development Director
Letter of Reference
The Nursing Education Staff, 11/8/2018
I have had the pleasure of working with Xxx X at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center for the past 2 years. She has done an excellent job as the Orthopedic Nurse Navigator with expanding her role and responsibilities within the Banner-CORE Center for Orthopedics at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center. Additionally, she has an excellent bedside manner and ensures thorough patient care to optimize patient experience and quality of care received.
In her direct role as a patient educator she holds several preoperative classes for patients undergoing various types of elective total joint procedures. Despite many patient barriers including hearing impairment, dementia and English as a second language, she successfully guides the patients through the surgical process and improves their health literacy. Xxx is committed to working with families and care givers to ensure her patients have a safe and successful rehabilitative environment upon discharge from the hospital.
In our monthly quality meetings, she reports out her programmatic compliance and patient outcomes for continued improvement. She provides suggestions for process improvement and positively receives feedback about work flow opportunities. Xxx’s role as a clinical educator has positively impacted the Banner-CORE program. She is an excellent resource for patient and staff alike. We are fortunate to have Xxx as our programmatic educator and look forward to working with her for years to come.
Sincerely,
xxx, PA-C
BCCO Lead PA for BTMC and BDMC
Grand Canyon University
18444 N. 25th Ave
Phoenix, AZ 850xx
623-537-5xxx
Boyer’s Model for Scholarship
In his now famous publication of Scholarship Reconsidered, Boyer (1990) challenged the teaching verses research debates by advocating for the scholarship of discovery, teaching, integration, and application which has become an important model in which university academics and institutions now frame their scholarship. Boyer’s Model of Scholarship critically highlighted that while there are universally expected mandates for scholars in higher education, such as remaining professionally active in their discipline and being credentialed researchers, it is vital to recognize creativity, innovation and diversity in scholarship (Moser, Ream, & Braxton, 2016). The American Association of Colleges of Nursing defines scholarship in nursing as “those activities that systematically advance the teaching, research, and practice of nursing through rigorous inquiry that (a) is significant to the profession, (b) is creative, (c) can be documented, (d) can be replicated or elaborated, and (e) can be peer-reviewed through various methods” (AACN, 1999).
Scholarship of Discovery
The first element refers to the pursuit of inquiry and investigation in search of new knowledge, the vitality of the academic environment is dependent on new research contributions (Wittmann-Price & Godshall, 2009). Although I have not produced my own original research, during my undergraduate studies I did developed an evidence-based practice project proposal for the prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis. I feel this proposal has the potential to influence the nursing practice.
Scholarship of Integration
The second element refers to making connections across disciplines and advancing knowledge through synthesis to bring new insights into original research (Wittmann-Price & Godshall, 2009). One of the biggest aspects is understanding that you have committed to a lifelong process of learning, as nurses are continuous acquiring new skills and growth throughout their careers. I have demonstrated this by not only valuing life-long learning in pursuing a higher education, but also working to build trusting relationship and open communication between the different interdisciplinary teams.
Scholarship of Application
The third element focuses on applying research findings and innovations to social issues of the times in a dynamic process that generates and examines new theory and knowledge to improve current practice (Wittmann-Price & Godshall, 2009). Throughout my nursing career, I have always strived to engage in community service projects, and just recently I finished teaching a quarterly community education class at the local community center on Falls Prevention and Diabetic Foot Wounds.
Scholarship of Teaching
The final element focuses on the scholarship of teaching, which involves not only transmitting knowledge, but also transforming and extending it to improve the educational process (Wittmann-Price & Godshall, 2009). Throughout my education, I have learned the importance of putting the needs of the learner first and foremost. I recognize my responsibility for helping students develop as nurses and integrate the values and behaviors expected of those who fulfill that role (NLN, 2018). As a nurse educator, I will strive to promote student learning and their individual desired outcomes by providing encouragement and support in obtaining their goals.
NLN Nurse Educator Competencies
Competency 1: Facilitate Learning
Just as every person is unique, so too is their learning styles, the one style fits all is not true in this regard. According to the National League for Nursing (2018) nurse educators can facilitate learning by understand “they are responsible for creating an environment in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings that facilitates student learning and the achievement of desired cognitive, affective, and psychomotor outcomes. There are numerous ways an educator can make learning easier, including “developing a person teaching style, use different teaching methods, have clinical competence, and having knowledge of the content they are teaching” (Halstead, 2007). During my clinical practicum I will fulfill this competency by understanding and adapting to the various learning styles allowing every student an equal opportunity to comprehend the material being taught. In order to accommodate all these different learning styles, the course must be taught using a variety of mixed techniques. I have demonstrated my passion for teaching and learning by providing an environment of open communication to inspire and motive the students to set and achieve both personal and professional goals.
It is crucial that an educator understanding that not all people process information in the same manner, and previous experiences may affect a student’s readiness to learn. There are multiple different teaching approaches to presenting education, and as an educator the goal is to be able to reach through to the entire class of adult learners using all levels of various learning styles. The blanket one style fits all approach will not adequately cover all aspects towards the complex nursing concepts. Capturing and holding the attention of a class is an art form within itself, and as an educator a large portion of your student’s successful understanding of the materials is identifying and aligning your curriculum with the styles the students are most comfortable with.
Competency 2: Facilitate Learner Development and Socialization
The nurse educator is responsible for mentoring and role modeling the expected behaviors, values, and responsibilities of being a nurse to provide a greater understanding of the expectations of a professional nurse (Halstead, 2007). As an educator, understanding that not all people process information in the same manner, and previous experiences may affect their readiness to learn the first competency. There are multiple different teaching approaches to presenting education, and as an educator the goal is to be able to reach through to the entire class of adult learners using all levels of various learning styles. The blanket one style fits all approach will not adequately cover all aspects towards the complex nursing concepts. Understanding and adapting to the various learning styles, allows every student an equal opportunity to comprehend material taught. Mastering this step as a novice educator allows me to “recognize the responsibility for helping students develop as nurses and integrate the values and behaviors expected of those who fulfill that role (NLN, 2018). During my online practicum, I was able to encourage socialization by encouraging the learners to think critically and to reflect on past experiences to provide class enrichment and development. I was exposed to a diversity of learners with different backgrounds and cultures, allowing me to utilize a variety of learning styles to address the different needs of the learners.
Competency 3: Use Assessment and Evaluation Strategies
According to the National League for Nursing “nurse educators use a variety of strategies to asses and evaluate student learning in classroom, laboratory and clinical settings, as well as in all domains of learning” (NLN, 2018, para 5). Nurse educators need to utilize evidence base practice to develop assessments and evaluations (Halstead, 2007). As an educator, a large portion of your student’s successful understanding of the materials is identifying and aligning your curriculum with the styles the students are most comfortable with. The same rule applies to using different evaluation methods like student questions, quizzes, instructor observations, and demonstrations in the hopes that using these different techniques, the objectives of the course would be accomplished. As an instructor, an evaluation method I would use is a randomized sampling of students to check for understanding of the material being taught before moving on from that subject. This will allow me to grasp in real-time whether or not the students are comprehending the material. Another evaluation method would be observing students during interactive labs, which would allow me to not only provide immediate feedback, but also a chance for the student to refine their efforts. Then the student will need to demonstrate competency of his/her skills without instructor assistance based on the rubric check-off list towards his or hers overall performance.
Competency 4: Participate in Curriculum Design and Evaluation of Program Outcomes
According to the National League for Nursing (2018) educators are responsible for designing, implementing, evaluating and revising academic and continuing education for nurses. In order for educators to truly be successful in their roles, they need to possess movement within their curriculums, and be able to self- reflect on areas that the curriculum and /or educator may continuously improve on. Also having clear expectations and guidelines will help to determine if the material being taught is truly educating and enlightening the students, or if there is room for improvements. This is why it is so important for educators to be actively involved with the design and evaluation of the course curriculum, thus ensuring students are meeting the course objectives. According to Halstead (2007), an effective educator must know the content of their course, and utilize multiple styles to present lessons, ensuring different learning methods for their students. There are multiple different teaching approaches to presenting education, and as an educator the goal is to be able to understand and adapt to the various learning styles giving every student an equal opportunity to comprehend the material. As my hospitals Orthopedic Nurse Navigator, I am meeting this competency as I am directly involved in the designing and implementation of our total joint curriculum. After I am done teaching a class, I have students complete a post-assessment, allowing me to self-reflect on my teaching abilities and look for area of improvement.
Competency 5: Function as a Change Agent and Leader
Competency V: Function as a Change Agent and Leader states “nurse educators function as change agents and leaders to create a preferred future for nursing education and nursing practice“ (NLN, 2018, para 7). Educators are at the forefront in terms of leadership, especially in the realms of education and research which is constantly shaping their image to the changing ways of medical advances. As educators, we are responsible for designing, implementing, evaluating and revising academic education, and as the profession changes, so does the needs of the nursing curriculum. Throughout my practicum, I have acted as a role model and change agent by demonstrating cultural sensitivity with our diverse patient populations, participating in interdisciplinary quality improvement efforts, and evaluating preceptor courses for areas of improvement.
Competency 6: Pursue Continuous Quality Improvement in the Nurse Educator Role
I am currently meeting this competency by pursuing lifelong learning, participating in professional development opportunities, using feedback from my preceptor and participants in my lectures to improve my teaching. I engage in socialization both at work and my practicum to get to know them staff better, see what their needs are and how I can better support them. Using the socialization helps the work environment because it encourages teamwork, builds relationships and enhances human relations throughout the workforce.
Competency 7: Engage in Scholarship
According to Competency VII: Engage in Scholarship “nurse educators acknowledge that scholarship is an integral component of the faculty role, and that teaching itself is a scholarly activity” (NLN, 2018, para 9). The very heart of this role is education, and to integrate evidence-based research into practice. I am meeting this competency because in my current nursing role as an Orthopedic Nurse Navigator, I teach several classes to pre-surgical patients a week. I use evaluations and quizzes to measure the effectiveness of my teaching techniques and the ability of understanding the educational material presented.
Competency 8: Function within the Educational Environment
I have meet this competency because during my practicum, I engaged in building an environment that encouraged development by modeling respect, professionalism, and compassion while functioning as an educator. I also helped facilitate the learning process in our diverse learners by first recognizing and respecting their individual differences. Also collaborated on designing diverse sets of learning activities to insure that all staff could attain achieve appropriate learning.
References:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (1999). Position statement on defining scholarship for the discipline of nursing. Retrieved from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/publications/positions/scholar.htm
Boyer, E. L. (1990). Scholarship reconsidered: Priorities of the professoriate. New York, NY: Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching with Jossey-Bass.
Halstead, J. A. (Ed.). (2007). Nurse educator competencies: Creating an evidence-based practice for nurse educators. New York, NY: National League for Nursing.
Moser, D., Ream, T., & Braxton, J. (2016). Expanded Edition of Scholarship reconsidered: Priorities of the professoriate. New York, NY: Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching with Jossey-Bass.
National League for Nursing (NLN) (2018). Nurse Educator Core Competency. Retrieved from: http://www.nln.org/professional-development-programs/competencies-for-nursing-education/nurse-educator-core-competency
Wittmann-Price, R. A. & Godshall, M. (2009). Certified nurse educator (CNE) review manual. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company, LLC.