Interpersonal Communication in Healthcare | Nursing Portfolio

Running head: NURSING PORTFOLIO 1
Nursing Portfolio
Name
Institutional Affiliation

NURSING PORTFOLIO 2
Introduction
The quote, “Be a lifelong student, the more you learn, the more you earn, and the
more self-confidence you will have” by Brian Tracy, has always motivated me to pursue the
nursing profession with a positive attitude towards learning. My philosophy is anchored on
continuous learning as a way of improving my skills and knowledge. My philosophy aims at
gaining up-to-date knowledge to provide evidence-based practice and act with empathy,
competence, and compassion to provide patient-centered care. The philosophy is based on my
childhood experiences around nurses. I visited the hospital settings and was struck by the
dedication that nurses have towards their patients. I often wondered what motivated them to
dress in uniform every day and attend to patients without minding their ethnicity, age, gender,
or appearance. The desire to become like the nurses I encountered in my childhood motivated
me to pursue the nursing profession.
During my practical nursing program, I experienced, first-hand, what it means to be a
competent nurse. I worked in various departments such as pediatric, geriatric, surgical,
oncology, and maternity departments. I appreciated the complexity of the environments
where nurses worked and realized that learning and research are essential components of
nursing practice as they allow nurses to understand emerging issues and develop
competencies and abilities to deal with emerging problems in their nursing practice.
My desire to commit to life-long learning is based on my goal of becoming a doctor. I believe
that as a doctor, I will impact humanity by improving their quality of life. Humans value their
health, and any illness or injury causes a significant disruption in their lives. As a doctor, I
will contribute to the restoration of their healthy lives and support them to live longer and
more fulfilling lives.

NURSING PORTFOLIO 3
Career Goals & CV
Career Goals
Pursing a nursing program to completion has helped me gain essential skills such as
effective communication, collaborative teamwork, and consultation that will enable me to
perform my duties in the medical-surgical unit successfully. My short-term goal is to sharpen
my skills, collaborate, and develop strong relations with physicians and the healthcare team
to achieve optimum patient care, particularly in the completion of pre-operative and post-
operative procedures. I also aspire to practice the application of nursing frameworks,
methods, and theories to accurately measure and record patients’ vital signs to inform proper
diagnosis. The skills are also essential when providing primary patient care such as
administration of prescribed medications, wound dressing, and catheterizations. My long-
term goal is that in the next five years, I will further my education and pursue a career in
medicine.
Cover Letter
Name
Instructor
Institution
Address
Dear Instructor,
RE: APPLICATION FOR A CONSOLIDATION PLACEMENT OF CHOICE MEDICAL
SURGICAL UNIT
I am pleased to express my interest in a nursing placement within the Medical-
Surgical Unit after completing the fourth semester of my nursing practice program. I believe
that the placement is vital in helping me develop the requisite knowledge, skills, and
competences to pursue a successful career in nursing. Throughout my nursing program, I

NURSING PORTFOLIO 4
have gained knowledge and skills that will assist me to meaningfully contribute towards the
successful delivery of patient-centered care within the unit.
I am aware that the medical-surgical unit is a complex environment that requires
flexibility, empathy, and keenness to patients’ needs. My competencies in problem-solving,
particularly in determining how to assist patients depending on their needs, and providing
family support, will be essential in the realization of nursing and patient goals at the unit. I
will also actively participate in the development of patient care plans, modifications, and
implementation of interventions.
An opportunity to undertake my placement at the Medical-Surgical Unit will be a
significant milestone towards starting a career in nursing. I will also achieve my goal of
acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge that will be vital in my aspirations to become a
medical doctor. I look forward to your consideration and positive response.
Yours sincerely
Name
CNO Quality Assurance
CNO Practice Reflection
Experience. I was providing intravenous medications to patients during a night shift,
but realized that there were no gloves left in the ward. So I went to obtain gloves from the
store, but the process took more than an hour. Unfortunately, I was alone in the ward.
Therefore, I delayed the prescriptions by more than two hours, after which I gave the
medications. I am still uncertain whether it was a right decision to make, and whether it was
right to report the incidence.
Strengths and Areas for Improvement. I clearly understand the importance of
accountability in nursing practice. Based on the CNO standard of accountability, I am fully
responsible for seeking assistance in a timely and appropriate manner, and take actions in