An exploration of the current use and benefit of nursing student portfolios.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to identify the structure and of student portfolios and to ascertain their views on their usefulness.


BACKGROUND
Portfolios are in common use in undergraduate nursing programmes although there are considerable variations in approaches. As a result a wide variety exists in the quality of work presented and students are often unclear as to constituent contents. This latter, while a reflection of the current status and development of portfolio use within the discipline is a source of dissatisfaction for students, and warrants further investigation.


METHODS
This project aimed to quantitatively capture student views using an on line survey approach utilizing a previously validated questionnaire (McMullen, 2006) [McMullen, M. 2006. Students' perceptions on the use of portfolios in pre-registration nursing education: A questionnaire survey. International Journal of Nursing Studies 43 (3), 333-343]. A survey tool is used to examine the structure, process and content of portfolios (n=481) in current use in one school.


RESULTS
The study provides an evidence base for hitherto anecdotal comments and provides useful information for future development. While students see potential value in the portfolio use there are several areas of dissatisfaction including lack of clear guidelines.


CONCLUSIONS
As an evolving structure within universities and practice there is much room for process improvement.
Timmins
Fiona
F
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland. timminsf@tcd.ie
Dunne
Pàdraig J
PJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D004506:Education, Nursing; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D011996:Records; D013338:Students, Nursing; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D014956:Writing