A framework for portfolio development in postgraduate nursing practice.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to explore the introduction of portfolios into the first year of an MSc in Nursing Programme.


BACKGROUND
This paper outlines a framework for portfolio development in postgraduate nursing practice. The framework is being piloted, within the Irish context, with students in the first year of a Masters in Nursing programme and has the potential to be developed for other nursing programmes at postgraduate level.


METHODS
An action research approach has been chosen to study the implementation of the portfolio and the development of a framework to guide this initiative. To date the development of the framework is being piloted as part of the 'taking action' phase of a first action research cycle.


RESULTS
In its current stage of development the framework is constructed to embrace the core concepts of specialist nursing practice and the nursing management competencies, from current Irish health care documents. In addition the portfolio is anchored around personal development planning and is supported by the use of action learning tutorials and academic and practice facilitators. The first evaluating phase will take place later this year and will involve the collection of data from students, facilitators and lecturers.


CONCLUSIONS
The introduction of the portfolio at postgraduate level has highlighted, to date, issues of confidentiality in committing experiences to paper, issues around its assessment, and issues around sharing this document with other students.


CONCLUSIONS
Portfolio development at postgraduate level emphasizes linking theory and practice and stresses the importance of reflection on practice. The portfolio can also be used by nurses to develop their clinical career pathways and encourage personal development planning.
Joyce
Pauline
P
Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St Stephens Green, Dublin 2, Ireland. pjoyce@rcsi.ie
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002322:Career Mobility; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D003219:Confidentiality; D004282:Documentation / Q000379:methods*; D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate / Q000592:standards*; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D016294:Models, Nursing; D009718:Nurse Administrators / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D009720:Nurse Clinicians / Q000193:education* / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D024802:Nurse's Role; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009742:Nursing Theory; D010865:Pilot Projects; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000592:standards; D016730:Program Development; D013192:Staff Development / Q000592:standards; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology; D013850:Thinking