Prepare This to Succeed On Your Future Job Interview!

_Cecilia_, BSN, RN

NURSING PORTFOLIO

What Is It?

Essentially, it is a portfolio of your resume, CV, recent accomplishments and engagements in a relevant job position, while you were a student leader, or as a nursing student, etc. It helps you appear more professional and sets you apart from other New Graduate Nurses.

What Is Included?

Typically, a Nursing Portfolio includes some or all of the following in this order:

Front page (if applicable)
*Table of Contents
*Resume (Tailored to the job you're applying to)
*Cover Letter (tailored to the job you're applying for)
*Two recent Recommendation Letters/List of References
*Degree
*License
*Certifications (CPR, BLS, or any others that are required/feature skills)
Research Papers (ones in Nursing school is fine)
Volunteer Service
Professional Organizations (Ex: your university's Student Nurses Association)
Awards
Performance Evaluations
Additional Documents (Please don't include something like you spending time with friends)

*I feel these are the most important to include

Okay, So Why Have It?

I feel that most employers expect New Graduates to only bring their resumes and a leather portfolio to write notes in, but by also providing a well-organized, uniquely presentable (but not over the top) portfolio, you are able to stand out from other new grads.

You can also supplement your interview examples by presenting a picture of your volunteering experience or your work in professional organizations. It's a great way to give your interviewers another aspect to remember you by.

You look prepared! Of course, this ties in with how well-organized your portfolio is, so please make sure to take the time to double-check the information you provide!

I Just Started! This Doesn't Seem Important ...

Because you've just begun or will begin Nursing School, you'll be able to keep track of the awards/accomplishments/certifications that you've completed more easily.

I made the mistake of not researching this information prior to graduation/job interviewing and had to search through many files, notes, and stashed boxes to find some of my information.

Therefore, as you progress through Nursing School, try making a pile/online folder of the previously mentioned, so you won't be like me, cramming to find all this information two days before my in-person interview (and slightly freaking out).

What Was Your Experience Like Using The Portfolio?

Prior to walking inside my interview room, I believe another New Grad was leaving. Upon entering, I recognized that she had left a resume with the interviewers.

When I provided my portfolio, my interviewers began looking through my portfolio, commenting on my experience at my previous University's hospital and my photos of my volunteer work/organization work. We had a conversation about the purpose of the organizations (because they were unfamiliar with them) and Interviewer #1 commented on how she also participated in a Teddy Bear Trauma Clinic. Interviewer #2, who was unfamiliar with the event, said a joke, with which we all laughed about.

After warming up with conversation based around the portfolio, they began the interview. In the end, I left my portfolios with them.

Essentially, because I provided the portfolios firsthand, I was able to speak briefly about my experiences, warmed up with laughs, and engage my interviewers. This helped me become more confident and clear-minded in my answers and allowed the interviewers to see more of my personality.

I'm Convinced! How Do I Make One?

I've used these materials:

Southworth Resume Paper (although, printer paper may be fine)
Staples Clear Sheet Protectors (100 ct)
Staples Deluxe Clear-Front Report Covers, Red (5 ct)

Remember these tips:

You may be interviewing with up to 5 people, so make sure to make that many. You'll be able to leave one for each interviewer (Ex: Nurse Manager, Assistant Nurse Manager, Nurse Educator, HR, etc.)
You may include photos, but include photos of you volunteering and/or working at organizations. (Ex: Because I was a Resident Assistant, I could've included a photo of an event I designed and spearheaded).
Additional documents should be relevant. (Ex: I chose to include a story that resonates with why I love Nursing/How I strive to treat my patients.)
Use the same header and text you used for your resume, for the other pages in your portfolio. You do not need a header for your degree, license, certifications, awards or evaluations because your interviewers will be able to distinguish them.
Try your best to not make it into a textbook! Remember to include the most relevant items only.

Do You Have an Example Of What It Can Look Like?

Definitely! Please see the attachment at the end of this Article.

**I've printed everything front-and-back to avoid becoming a textbook**

Photo 1: Front Cover (using same resume format)
Photo 2: Table of Contents
Photo 3: Front of Resume
Photo 4: Back of Resume and Cover Letter
Photo 5: List of References (5; I didn't prepare Letters) and Degree
Photo 6: License and Table of Certifications
Photo 7: Mandated Certifications
Photo 8: BLS and List of Organizations (With brief description/status/length; I've also combined volunteer organizations with professional ones)
Photo 9: Photos of Me in Organizations and Nursing Award
Photo 10: Resident Assistant Awards
Photo 11: Capstone Preceptor Evaluation
Photo 12: Resident Assistant Supervisor Evaluation
Photo 13: Relevant Story

If any of the information was confusing or you have any questions, concerns or comments, please don't hesitate to reach out and ask me. I am eager to help! Congratulations again and good luck!

Example Portfolio.pdf

Prepare This to Succeed On Your Future Job Interview!

NURSING PORTFOLIO

What Is It?

What Is Included?

Okay, So Why Have It?

I Just Started! This Doesn't Seem Important ...

What Was Your Experience Like Using The Portfolio?

I'm Convinced! How Do I Make One?

Do You Have an Example Of What It Can Look Like?

About _Cecilia_, BSN, RN

Share on other sites

More Like This

The Job Market has Changed: Make Sure You're Putting Your Best Effort into Applying and Interviewing

Preparing For An RN Job Interview

New Grad Losing Hope of Getting Job

How to Answer 'What Did You Like Least About Your Last Job?'