Abstract
Professional portfolio development is an innovative way for staff development departments to assist staff nurses in showcasing their professional accomplishments. Whether preparing staff for their annual performance appraisal, the human resources portion of a Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations survey, personal career development, or career transitions in the volatile healthcare job market, the staff development department plays a pivotal role in portfolio development. Although the literature describes the types of documents to include in a professional portfolio, missing is practical information on how to organize a professional portfolio. In this article, the authors describe how to organize a professional portfolio, identify the most useful components, and outline the role the staff development department plays in professional portfolio development.
The Journal for Nurses in Staff Development is pleased to offer a continuing education opportunity to those who read this article and complete the application form on page 42. This continuing education offering (code number JNSD-40) will provide 1 contact hour to those who complete it appropriately (see the application form for further details).