New grad nursing portfolios for Boston- what is reasonable

[janetinherpalace]

I am curious about the use of nursing portfolios in the Boston area. What would you put in it and how would you have it bound? Anyone have pictures or an example of their own to share as a new grad? When you are a new graduate there is not really much to put in there- I would think the order as it relates to the level of importance would be:

Cover letter- why you want the specific job and why I am the person for the job

Resume

References

Transcript

Certifications

- Nursing license

- CPR/BCLS

- Copy of license

Research publication copies

Health documentation

- Immuninization records

- physical

Letters of recommendation

- clinical instructors/preceptor

- supervisor from current ICU tech job with evaluation copy

Volunteer work information

What else would you add or exclude? I find the next area a bit more intimidating because what if my samples aren't any good?

I got this online and am interested in your opinions about adding something like this:

Samples of your best work representing items on the job description, such as:

- problem solving: demonstrate how you solved difficult problems with care maps, decision trees, or projects.

- critical thinking: show a care plan written for a difficult patient, including the rationale for interventions implemented, and faculty remarks. Conceal the patient's identity to protect patient privacy.

- communication: describe how you handled a team conference, with the rationale, or include writing samples.

- leadership: include examples such as class office held, preceptor evaluation from leadership rotation, or staffing assignments made, with rationale.

- team and group work: describe a difficult group project or assignment requiring collaboration or tell about your sports participation.

- time management: tell how and why care priorities were made for a group of patients. Again, take steps to protect patient privacy.

- caring: include thank-you notes from grateful patients or families.

- clinical skills: if you're a student or recent graduate, include a skills list from lab and clinical courses and faculty-signed check-off sheets for high-level skills, such as I.V therapy, central venous access device management, and pain management. Include criteria sheets for any special skills you've mastered, such as arterial blood gas draws or ECG interpretation. Provide a summary of any completed capstone, emersion, or preceptor projects including facility, dates, supervisor, and knowledge gained.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

I have never had a nursing portfolio (I am not a new grad) and have never seen any nurse come in for an interview in any of the areas I've worked (hospital, school, home health) with one.

I don't think I've ever been asked for a copy of my nursing license nor have I ever brought a copy of it to an interview. Potential employers can look up my license online. Also, if you are a new grad, will you even have a license when interviewing? I sure didn't, I was several months away from graduation when I interviewed. Waiting until after taking/passing NCLEX to apply for new grad jobs is NOT a good idea in this economy... all the new grad jobs will be long gone by the time you start applying.

I had letters of recommendation when applying for new grad jobs but honestly don't think anyone actually read them.

I most definitely would NOT bring health records to an interview. That information is to be shared with occupational health or HR and not with a hiring manager. The hiring manager won't want access to this information either, lest she be accused of discriminating against a potential employer based on medical condition or disability.

I honestly find the recommendations that you found online to be over the top. There's a reason why it's recommended to keep resumes to 1-2 pages max. A potential employer wants a summary of who you are- not a book.

[janetinherpalace]

Where I live, and from what I have heard, these are pretty common. Yes they only look at your 1-2 page resume, verify your license, and check references but people do actually use these to paint a picture and say "this is who I am". It is interesting to hear your perspective- I will keep some of the things you stated in mind.