NR 512 Week 3 E-Portfolio Project

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-512: Fundamentals of Nursing Informatics

Prof. Name:

Date

Uses and Functions of an E-Portfolio

Understanding E-Portfolios

An e-portfolio, derived from the Italian words “Portare” (to carry) and “Foglio” (leaf or sheet), is a digital collection of a student’s work that provides insight into their learning progress and professional development. It serves as a structured compilation of academic and professional achievements, allowing individuals to collect, select, reflect, and connect various experiences. In the field of nursing, an e-portfolio functions as a tool for documenting a nurse’s career trajectory, skills, and expertise. It facilitates self-reflection and career planning by offering a snapshot of current abilities while setting goals for future growth. Historically, portfolios have been widely used in nursing education to assess competencies and continue to play a critical role in professional practice.

E-Portfolios in Higher Education and Nursing

For graduate students, e-portfolios provide a digital repository of academic achievements, including coursework, research projects, and extracurricular activities. These portfolios function both as a product—displaying a curated selection of work—and as a process that involves reflecting on progress and competencies. They support students in transitioning from academia to professional practice by offering an organized platform to showcase their skills. Similarly, for advanced practice nurses (APRNs), an e-portfolio serves as a structured collection of qualifications, clinical experiences, and professional development milestones. It enhances career progression by documenting achievements, setting learning objectives, and supporting applications for promotions or certifications. Additionally, APRNs benefit from e-portfolios by using them as tools for self-directed learning and skill enhancement.

Significance and Challenges of E-Portfolios

The development of e-portfolios is essential for graduate students and nursing professionals as they provide an innovative way to demonstrate skills and achievements. They serve as valuable assets for job applications, academic evaluations, and professional growth. By promoting self-reflection, they contribute to personal and career development. However, certain challenges exist, including the risk of e-portfolios being perceived as self-promotional rather than reflective of actual growth. Additionally, selecting appropriate platforms and ensuring data privacy remain key concerns. Ethical and legal considerations, such as intellectual property rights and data security, must also be addressed. Future advancements in e-portfolio technology should focus on improving interoperability, accessibility, and usability to maximize their effectiveness in both academic and professional settings.

Table: Key Aspects of E-Portfolios

Category	Description	Examples/Considerations
Definition and Purpose	A digital collection of work showcasing academic and professional growth.	Used for self-reflection, career planning, and competency demonstration.
Applications in Nursing	Helps nurses track professional development and clinical competencies.	Supports APRNs in career advancement and credentialing.
Challenges and Considerations	Issues include data security, ethical concerns, and technology adoption.	Ensuring interoperability, maintaining privacy, and selecting the right platform.

References

Chamblee, T., Dale, J., Drews, B., Spahis, J., & Hardin, T. (2015). Implementation of a professional portfolio: A tool to demonstrate professional development for advanced practice. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 29(1), 113-117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedhc.2014.06.003

Dening, K., Holmes, D., & Pepper, A. (2018). Implementation of e-portfolios for the professional development of Admiral Nurses. Nursing Standard, 32(22), 46-52. https://doi.org/10.7748/ns.2018.e10825

Haggerty, C., & Thompson, T. (2017). The challenges of incorporating ePortfolio into an undergraduate nursing programme. Open Praxis, 9(2), 245. https://doi.org/10.5944/openpraxis.9.2.554