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Ask the expert: What should be included in a professional portfolio?

Staff Development Weekly: Insight on Evidence-Based Practice in Education, November 20, 2009

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This week, Barbara A. Brunt, MA, MN, RN, BC, discusses the use of professional portfolios and their place in measuring competencies.

Q: I would like to begin using portfolios as a tool to document achievement of particular competencies. What should be included in a portfolio?

A: Although portfolios currently are not widely utilized in the United States, they will become prevalent in the future. Portfolios enable individuals to keep a record of their personal and professional development, professional experiences, and qualifications.
The actual construction and organization of a portfolio varies depending on the individual and the organization’s requirements. A portfolio generally should include the following information:

• Introduction
• Details of professional experience, knowledge, and skills
• Demonstration of achievement of required competencies
• Testimonials, references, or samples of work

Developing a portfolio provides individuals with the opportunity to be creative and include materials unique to them. Examples could include reports, research data, educational programs designed, lesson plans, and other material, as well as photographs, articles, poems, or short stories.

Have a question for our experts? E-mail your queries to Editorial Assistant Casey Ramsdell at cramsdell@hcpro.com. See your name in print and find answers to your questions.

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