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Running head: PROFESSIONAL LEARNING PORTFOLIO
Professional Learning Portfolio
Rebekkah McConnell
Ferris State University
NURS 325
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING PORTFOLIO 2
Professional Learning Portfolio
For all students who currently practice as registered nurses and is attending Ferris State
University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program, it is required that a professional portfolio
be completed by and presented in NURS 450 (Capstone course). There are six outcomes that
must be addressed and completed in this portfolio. They are nursing role development, theory
and evidence base for practice, context for nursing care, research, cognitive growth, and
advancement of the profession.
To organize or format each outcome I will use level 1 heading-underlined and level 5
heading for documentation/course work using Microsoft Word Processor. I will have four
methods to support or backup my documents. They are as follows: CD-ROM, several three ring
binders (according to class, assignments, and weeks), c-drive on my personal computer, and a
USB drive.
Nursing Role Development
I will maintain a role as a leader, delegator, advocate, and supervisor while practicing as a
registered nurse, in addition to being held accountable for all actions and for the quality of care
delivered to my patients.
Service Learning:
Service Learning
Rebekkah McConnell
Ferris State University
NURS 325
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING PORTFOLIO 3
Service Learning
Service learning is the finest way to develop new skills, create leadership, enhance team
work, and have a sense of achievement while working within the community. “Community
service is a form of practical experience that enhances learning in all areas of a nursing program
and the experience of community service reinforces the moral and civic values inherent in
serving others” (Teschendorf, 2011).
Service learning gives citizens the opportunity to serve their community in a positive
way. There are many areas of service learning such as being part of a team, teaching, advocating,
and participating in events, fundraisers, or donations. Volunteering allows you to demonstrate
emotions, knowledge and skills, how well you work with others, and effectiveness of coping in
stressful situations.
Description
I chose to volunteer more than 20+ hours at the American Red Cross for this service
learning project. “Red Cross volunteers provide relief to victims of disasters and help prevent,
prepare for, and respond to emergencies. “The American Red Cross has been the nation’s
premier emergency response organization since 1881” (“Giving and Getting,” 2011).
“The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and
blood to do its work” (2011). There are five services the American Red Cross offers. They are as
follows: helping the needy within the community; support and comfort military members and
their families; gathering, processing, and dispensing/distributing blood and other blood products;
educating professionals and citizens within the community; in addition to international relief and
development programs.
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING PORTFOLIO 4
There are a wide range of team members that take part in volunteering or working for the
American Red Cross. By volunteering it gives one a sense of achievement, developing new
skills, constructing/building leadership skills, and most importantly, volunteering influences
deprived citizens within the community in a positive way by bringing peace, joy, love, and
happiness. Also, volunteering may assist in closing gaps between other communities, societies,
and cultures.
Role Description
According to the American Red Cross, “volunteering matches knowledge, skills,
interests, and experiences of individuals with opportunities to serve their community” (2011). I
believe that becoming an American Red Cross volunteer will prepare me to respond to disasters,
help support blood drives, in addition to personally connecting with the families affected
physically, emotionally, and financially by disasters and/or negative encounters they have come
in contact with.
To become a volunteer at the American Red Cross, the initial step in online orientation,
then a background check, application, ‘tell us about yourself’ form, and interest form. There are
many positions in which I have signed up for through the American Red Cross. I have signed up
for the Disaster Action Team, various events and fundraisers, assisting with the Traverse City
Cherry Festival-American Red Cross pin booth, teaching the citizens CPR initiative at the Grand
Traverse Mall, starting/inserting IV’s in those who will be donating blood, in addition to filling
blood canteens at local blood drives. It is very important for me to practice my roles as a
registered nurse; while being part of the Disaster Action Team, teaching CPR, and
starting/inserting IV’s in those who will be donating blood.
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING PORTFOLIO 5
Objectives and Activities
I believe being a volunteer for such a great organization will broaden my scope of
practice not only as a nurse but as a citizen. It is pertinent that I be a professional; adhering to the
Code of Ethics and Nurses Scope of Practice even when working with the community, respecting
others decisions and wishes, having the ability to cope in difficult situations, and comfort while
one is grieving. It will be essential that I will have the capability to handle a countless number of
emotions and various levels of stress, in addition to respecting and understanding numerous
cultures, languages, and individual life styles. I anticipate feeling as though I have completed a
good deed; make a difference is someone’s life, develop new skills, and enhance my leadership
and team work skills, just to name a few.
Evaluation Plan
Volunteering for the American Red Cross will help determine my strengths and
weaknesses and apply them to both inside and outside of my profession as a registered nurse. I
will also assess how well I applied my knowledge, skills, and attitude to real life situations.
Learning from working as a volunteer will bring me strength while working in the hospital;
coping, comforting, how to overcome stressful situations, and what areas need improvement?
After volunteering, I will view the community in a different (positive) way, encouraging not only
myself by others to volunteer as well. It is a possibility that in my future nursing career, I will
reconsider the direction of upcoming education and career plans.
Contact Information
Agency: American Red Cross
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING PORTFOLIO 6
Contact Person: Kelly M. Teresko and Robert Ross
Contact Phone: P: (231) 947-7286 x20 or F: (231) 947-1767
Contact E-mail: [email protected] and [email protected]
Contact Address: 735 S. Garfield Ave. Suite B-100, Traverse City, MI 49686
Conclusion
In conclusion, I feel this service learning project will provide me with more strength,
knowledge, nursing/health care skills, coping skills, in addition to many others. As stated in my
evaluation plan, it is a possibility that in my future nursing career, I will reconsider the direction
of upcoming education and career plans; possibly working part or full time for the American Red
Cross?
References
Giving and getting involved. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.redcross.org
Teschendorf, M., (2011). Service learning proposal. Retrieved from Ferris State
University School of Nursing FerrisConnect web site: http://www.myfsu.ferris.edu
Theory and Evidence Base for Practice
I will include all theories and evidence based knowledge from which I have already and
will learn by the completion of this program.
Context for Nursing Care
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING PORTFOLIO 7
I will care for those in need from various ages, genders, cultures, lifestyles, and
communities in order for them to sustain a healthy well-being.
Research
I will apply all outcomes and interventions from an evidence based stand point in my
every day profession.
Cognitive Growth
I will continue to apply and demonstrate my critical thinking skills, nursing process, and
standards of care in order to maintain the maximum level and quality of care to each individual
patient.
Professional Development Plan (PDP):
Professional Development Plan (PDP)
Rebekkah McConnell
Ferris State University
NURS 324
Abstract
While practicing as a nurse, it is crucial to ensure the nursing standards written by the ANA (The
American Nursing Association) are followed. Within this paper, as a reader you will find how
my nursing practice differs from the ANA standards in many ways. I have also included my
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING PORTFOLIO 8
personal five and ten year goals, in addition to an overall plan regarding my future nursing
career. I will also continue to enroll myself in cardiovascular seminars through my employer.
Professional Development Plan
The ANA, states the Standards of Professional Performance describes a competent level
of behavior in the professional role. This is important in practicing ethically and professionally
while caring for patients both inpatient and outpatient. The Standards of Practice are a great tool
for assessing, diagnosing, identifying outcomes, planning, and implementing.
ANA Standards vs. Current Professional Behaviors
According to the ANA, “all registered nurses are expected to engage in professional role
activities including leadership, appropriate to their education and position” (APA, 2010, p. 10).
My goal in the paper is to compare and contrast my current nursing skills and the expectations of
what the ANA encourages.
Standard 7: Ethics
To become and remain a professional nurse, one must follow the ANA Code of Ethics. I
find it also important to treat each patient individually with dignity, respect, and empathy
regardless of his or her diagnosis or treatment plan. It is my responsibility and is essential to not
discriminate based on race, gender, age, or demographic. As the ANA states, the nurse “takes
appropriate action regarding instances of illegal, unethical, and inappropriate behavior that can
endanger or jeopardize the best interests of the healthcare consumer or situation” (2010, p. 47).
Some examples of practicing unethically would be recurring errors made by nurses; verbally,
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING PORTFOLIO 9
physically, mentally, and sexually abusing patients, lacking knowledge and resources in order to
provide patient care safely, and misrepresenting information.
Standard 8: Education
The ANA suggests that the registered nurse “participates in ongoing educational
activities related to appropriate knowledge bases and professional issues, in addition to seeking
for and independent learning experiences to develop and maintain clinical and professional skills
and knowledge” (2010, p. 49). As a nurse, I ensure I am continuing my education by
participating in educational activities both inside and outside of work. Working on a cardiology
unit, I am always learning new things about the heart, telemetry, medications, and diseases. Each
year, not only does my employer require that all critical care nurses participate in a critical care
skills day to maintain competencies in a variety of cardiac centered areas, but also, all employees
(not just nurses) are required to attend universal skills day, which tests your knowledge on basic
patient care (ADL’s), in addition to other multiple areas. Nurses are also required to obtain
continuing education credits (CEU’s) which are required by the state of Michigan in order to be a
registered professional.
Standard 9: Evidence-Based Practice & Research
Research is being conducted on a monthly basis from the research clinician on my unit.
Nurses are to be signed off on reading a research binder displayed on each unit. For example
earlier this year I read an article about Atrial Fibrillation. This article included what to look for
on telemetry, what causes the fibrillations, signs and symptoms to be aware of when caring for
the patient, and treatment plans for the arrhythmia. From research, we, as a hospital have learned
to improve on educating in areas such as diet, exercise, medication regimens, and when to seek
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING PORTFOLIO 10
medical attention for those that are frequently readmitted with the same diagnosis each
admission. To prevent readmissions specific to CHF patients’ we are now offering scales for the
patient to take home to monitor daily weights. Other examples of evidence-based practice and
research include decreasing the transfer of bacteria by “scrubbing the hub” on IV tubing for 15
seconds with an alcohol swab, change IV tubing every three days, and washing hands while
going in and out of rooms regardless of coming in contact with the patient.
Standard 10: Quality of practice
As a nurse, everyday, I make certain I am delivering the best quality care. The ANA
states that the registered nurse “demonstrates quality care by documenting the application of the
nursing process in a responsible, accountable, and ethical manner” (2010, p. 52-3). I find it very
important to focus on the patient; delivering safe and effective care. By doing this, I follow The
Code of Ethics, critically think, administer medication safely (right dose, route, patient, time, and
frequency). Using my knowledge and teaching skills promotes better outcomes for the patient,
whether it is in regards to a medication, ADL, or disease. Following the HIPAA regulation
ensures I am protecting the health, safety, and rights of the patient and myself.
Standard 11: Communication
It is imperative that all interdisciplinary team members communicate verbally the plan of
care and needs specific for that patient that particular day and even up to as far as the patients
discharge. It is ideal that each team member understands, maintains, and communicates with
each other. I believe the communication standard coincides with the collaboration standard
created by the ANA.
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING PORTFOLIO 11
Standard 12: Leadership
Being a team player never ends in the profession of nursing. I assist others by teaching and/or
educating, lending a hand when needed, observing others work, and giving feedback, while
maintaining a leadership role. By being a leader and team player, my self-esteem and confidence
is increased when I know I just helped someone out. Not only is everyone content, but it also
reduces the stress of the workday. Duties get done faster, safer, and efficiently if you have a team
member or leader on board. On my unit, we all help each other out one way or another. Nurses
help the assistants; assistants help the nurses in return, in addition to other facility members.
Also, when delegating a task to a nurse assistant or unit clerk, it provides quality patient care.
Standard 13: Collaboration
Working closely with interdisciplinary team member(s) is vital in the patient’s outcome.
Currently, on my unit, a social worker and utilization management nurses make rounds,
collaborating new ideas and/or plans for each patient. All interdisciplinary team member(s) write
focus notes in our computer system. This makes it easier to view the plan of care for each
patient, in addition to the physicians writing progress notes several times a day. I am responsible
in communicating with other providers to minimize risks associated with transfers and transition
in care delivery as stated by the ANA (2010, p. 57).
Standard 14: Professional Practice Evaluation
The most effective way for me to evaluate what I am doing in my practice is by receiving
feedback from my coworkers, coordinators, and manager. As standard 14 states in the ANA
Code of Ethics, the registered nurse “obtains informal feedback regarding her or his own practice
from healthcare consumers, peers, professional colleagues, and others” (2010, p. 59). I am
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING PORTFOLIO 12
constantly learning from others, as they are learning from me, weekly and annual discussions and
observations are a few examples. I also self evaluate myself by recognizing strengths and
weaknesses on a daily basis, looking at my overall practice as a nurse.
Standard 15: Resource Utilization
I always refer my patients to some other resource up in and/or during their admission. On my
unit, we have multiple books and videos on CHF, Coumadin, post pacemaker, post cardiac
catheterization, Micromedix pharmacy, smoking cessation, pain management, home care nursing
(PICC line teaching, home infusion/antibiotics), diabetes, and cardiac rehabilitation.
I am cost effective in my care. For example, if a patient requires a dressing change, I do
not grab extra material (tape, gauze, saline, etc.) if it is not needed. Another example is
Integralin, which is over one thousand dollars a bottle. When the bottle is completely infused, it
is important to make sure the bottle is emptied complete; to save money. Last but not least,
instead of throwing aware respiratory inhalers upon discharge, the patient is allowed to take the
remaining medication (inhaler) home with them.
As the ANA states “the registered nurse utilizes resources to plan and provide nursing services
that are safe, effective, and financially responsible” (2010, p. 60).
Standard 16: Environmental Health
I believe as a nurse it is very important to practice environmentally safe while working
inside the hospital. As a nurse, or any co-work, “you may attain knowledge of environmental
health concepts, such as implementation of environmental health strategies” according to the
ANA (2010, p. 61). For example, it is very important to dispose all chemo therapeutic waste and
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING PORTFOLIO 13
radioactive material in the correct disposal area(s), handling chemicals properly (following
MSDS standards), disposing of blood products in biohazard bags, and disposing of needles in
sharps containers just to name a few.
Goals
5 year goals
My five year goal includes the following: a) I would like to complete the BSN program at
FSU, b) further my education in the cardiac field such as obtaining my certification in
cardiovascular nursing, which I am eligible to do so in August 2012, and c) consider
advancement in the cardiovascular field.
10 year goals
In ten years, I have high expectations of obtaining my MSN. I would also like to
eventually start teaching at a local community college or university, and lastly possibly entering
a nurse practitioners program.
The Plan
I am currently enrolled at Ferris State University’s Bachelor Program for registered
nurses. Within a five to ten year time frame, I plan on furthering my education and obtaining a
Masters Degree in Nursing to assist in furthering my education and knowledge bases. I will
enroll myself in cardiovascular seminars through my employers.
Conclusion
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING PORTFOLIO 14
In conclusion, I feel confident that I am my way to a achieving these goals and am more
confident that I will achieve them. Within my targeted time as long as I stay focused and driven
as I am now.
References
Publication manual of the American psychological association (6th ed.). (2010). Washington,
DC: American Psychological Association
Advancement of the Profession
I will incorporate a professional nursing manor by utilizing my nursing knowledge and
continue to participate in interdisciplinary practices.
References
Ferris State University. (2007). Ferris State University School of Nursing BSN Programs
Organizing Framework. Retrieved from
http://www.ferris.edu/htmls/colleges/alliedhe/Editor/Files/SNUR%20Organizational
%20Framework%2007-08.pdf
