Portfolio use as a tool to demonstrate professional development in advanced nursing practice.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Professional Development
• Clinical Excellence

Background:

• Lack of standardized recognition and reward systems for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in the US.
• Need for structured programs to support APRN clinical leadership and professional growth.
• Existing literature and institutions do not adequately address APRN recognition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a professional development program for APRNs.
• To address the gap in recognizing and rewarding APRN clinical leadership and practice excellence.
• To foster personal and professional development among APRNs.

Main Methods:

• Program development guided by APRN Professional Performance Standards, Relationship-Based Care, and Magnet Forces.
• Incorporation of a professional portfolio as a key program component.
• Utilized narrative reflections and a crosswalk to operationalize theoretical convergence for professional development.

Main Results:

• Program implementation presented both challenges and rewards.
• Feedback indicated program participation is a meaningful method for recognizing advanced practice excellence.
• The program effectively fosters ongoing professional growth and development for APRNs.

Conclusions:

• The developed program offers a concrete method for recognizing and rewarding APRNs.
• Professional portfolios and guided development are effective in showcasing APRN excellence.
• The program successfully addresses the need for structured professional growth and recognition in advanced practice nursing.