Professional Nursing Portfolio

CSU-Pueblo to offer doctorate in nursing

With a swipe of his pen Friday morning, Gov. John Hickenlooper inked a new mission for Colorado State University-Pueblo.

  Flanked by local legislators and CSU-Pueblo officials, Hickenlooper used four pens as he signed SB204 into law.

  The law changes the mission of CSU-Pueblo to allow it to add a limited number of graduate programs, including a doctorate of nursing practioner degree.

 The bill also changes the mission of the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs to allow it to add specialized graduate research to its portfolio.

  Hickenlooper, who wrapped up a six-day statewide bill signing tour on Friday, also signed HB1113 into law during the ceremony on the first floor of the newly renovated Library and Academic Resource Center at CSU-Pueblo.

  HB1113 increases from two to six the number of regional tourism projects the state will support.

  Hickenlooper concluded the tour later in the day with a final bill signing ceremony in Littleton.

  In Pueblo, it was the mission-change bill that drew hundreds of supporters of CSU-Pueblo and community members to the university for the historic signing, which allows for the implementation of the first doctoral program.

    "This is an opportunity we all relished, to support our school in every way, to train our students to their fullest potential and to be a part of the first Ph.D. program in the history of this institution," said Sen. Angela Giron, D-Pueblo, one of the bill's sponsors.

  Rep. Keith Swerdfeger, R-Pueblo, also a co-sponsor of the bill, said the signing marked the end of months of cooperative work between legislators from both parties for the betterment of CSU-Pueblo, the local community and the state.

   "People can get a doctorate and can still live and work in our community," he said. "Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and to work across the aisle."

   Julio Leon, interim CSU-Pueblo president, praised the legislators, particularly Swerdfeger, Giron and Rep. Sal Pace, D-Pueblo, for their quick work in getting the legislation passed so the nursing program could maintain its accreditation with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

  To maintain AACN accreditation, CSU-Pueblo must offer a doctorate-level degree for nurse practitioners by 2015.

  It was in January that Leon said he met with the legislators to inform them of the need to change the university’s mission.

Nursing Portfolio | How to Create, Examples, and What is it?

Most nursing students and nurses create a nursing portfolio to help them keep track of their professional goals, accomplishments, competencies, and skills. For example, an artist creates a portfolio to show their work and accomplishments to future clients.

Nurses in a sense keep a portfolio to show future employers who they are and what they have done. A nursing portfolio is a tool used by nurses to help them secure a nursing job  .

When trying to wrap your mind around a nursing portfolio, think of it as a scrapbook that contains everything you have done up to that current moment in your nursing career.

A nursing portfolio does not need to be confused with a resume . A resume is a piece of paper that shows the employer a summary of the nurse’s education, other job experiences, references, and certifications. The portfolio is the supporting documentation of that information.

Most nursing schools require nursing students to create a nursing portfolio. This is a great way to help the new nurse get started with creating their portfolio. However, some nurses have never created one. Remember that if you are a new nurse your portfolio will not be as in depth when compared to a nurse who has been in the field for several years.

Before you start creating your nursing portfolio you need to compile supporting documents. There is no right or wrong way to compile your supporting documents. Also, keep in mind that you need to include information that highlights your competencies, educational achievements, and skills. Below are suggested documents to include in your portfolio.  

Leadership roles and management functions in nursing, theory and application

Genetics nursing portfolios, a new model for the profession

Contemporary nursing, issues, trends, & management

Professional nursing concepts, competencies for quality leadership

Professional Portfolios, Evidence of Competency for Nurses and Midwifes