A professional portfolio is not necessarily a résumé or curriculum vitae, but it can be an important tool as you navigate your nursing career.
Building a portfolio includes creating a visual channel to showcase your work highlights and the milestones you have reached.
To understand how a portfolio acts as a supporting document to other career credentials, check out the difference between a résumé and a CV, as defined by the Internship and Career Center.
» A résumé is a short one- or two-page form that emphasizes skills, industry experience and education achievements.
» A curriculum vitae is used to show your academic accomplishments and is most beneficial when applying for positions in academia, fellowships and grants.
If you’re trying to break into the nursing field, employing the expertise of a certified résumé writer can be an excellent strategy to impress hiring managers. Once you begin your journey in health care, consider documenting your career by building a portfolio.
Importance of a Portfolio
The University of Alabama in Huntsville suggests that a nursing portfolio is a sourcebook for future employers. It should contain documents that back up your work history found in a résumé. When logged chronologically, it will show the precision of your professional development and progression.
It’s an efficient log of essential documents like licenses, continued education certificates and proof of your achievements.
Where to Create Your Portfolio
Many nurses choose to build their portfolio with both a hard copy and a digital version. It’s good practice to keep a few copies that can be easily restored online.
You need both because employers may vary with how they choose to receive the portfolio. Some may ask you to bring it with you to an interview, while others prefer to have the document emailed.
What to Include
Because a portfolio is a tool to market yourself to potential employers, it should highlight your achievements both academically and professionally.
Make sure to include letters of recommendation and appreciation you have earned and brief descriptions of roles you have held in the nursing field. Of course, you should also log your licenses and certification cards.