Application and student evaluation of a Clinical Progression Portfolio: a pilot

Clinical practicums are often limited by a lack of meaningful communication between nursing students and registered nurses (RNs). This pilot study evaluated the utility of the Clinical Progression Portfolio (CPP) to enable students to learn how to initiate engagement with their RNs and to develop their capacity as students to learn. The study employed a descriptive survey design, with a convenience sample of second-year Bachelor of Nursing (BN) students in Brisbane, Australia. Questionnaires were completed by 129 students from 20 clinical practicum groups. Students who used the CPP were more favourable in their usefulness ratings (-rpb=0.531, p<0.001) and, furthermore, those that used the CPP most frequently were also more favourable (r=0.555, p<0.001). Students thought the CPP helped clarify learning and target appropriate practicum opportunities. When used, the CPP was an important part of practicum, used frequently and considered useful. The CPP format met the needs of students as it was pocket-sized. Overall, students reported that the CPP was a useful learning and communication tool as it provided them direction in how they might maximise opportunities to address their learning needs.