Portfolio Critique: Analysis of Nursing Student Post, Semester 1

This assignment is a critique of a nursing student's discussion board post, focusing on their rationale for choosing nursing, approach to professional practice, and understanding of nursing standards. The critique analyzes the student's post, highlighting their emphasis on applying theory to practice and utilizing practicum experiences. It evaluates the student's understanding of NMBA guidelines, specifically standards related to critical thinking and maintaining capability for practice. The critique also provides recommendations for growth, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, reflection, and seeking guidance from experienced healthcare professionals. References from Kim (2012), Marcinowicz et al. (2016), NMBA (2018), and Papathanasiou et al. (2014) are included to support the analysis.

Running head: PORTFOLIO CRITIQUE
Portfolio critique
Name of the student:
Name of the University:
Author’s note

1PORTFOLIO CRITIQUE
Critique of post discussion:
The student’s post focussed on defining the reason behind choosing nursing as a
profession and the approach the student has taken to enhance professional practice and maintain
quality of care. The student justified his preference for choosing health care profession by
experiencing positive experience during hospitalization and getting the chance to overlook the
scene and workloads of a health professional. The author also expressed her desire to care for
family members and those in need care. This rational for choosing the nursing profession is
consistent with other research as Marcinowicz et al. (2016) states that many nursing student
chose the profession based on recollection of personal experiences. Although selecting the
profession based on nursing profession is appropriate in the post discussion because she gained
positive experience during hospital stay; however in the broader sense, taking decision based on
observation of nurses in hospital is not always a good decision because many young people also
get to see untrue images of the job. Hence, practical aspects like opportunity gained through a
profession and the contribution that one can make in the field should be considered while
choosing any profession.
The post discussion gives the insight that the author is focussed on applying theory into
practice and using experience from practicum placement to enhance skills and practice. This
perception is appropriate because effective nursing practice requires the application of
knowledge and skills in an efficient manner and theory can improve practice by directly
influencing health of patients. Kim (2012) support that theories are critical in nursing practice to
formulate orientation and attitude towards nursing practice, and selectively address each clinical
situation based on theoretical concepts. Hence, focusing on application of theory into practice
from the beginning would help in eliminating barriers in practice and minimizing the likelihood

2PORTFOLIO CRITIQUE
of taking care wrong care decisions for patient. The effectiveness of the post is that while
planning for appropriate steps needed to excel in practice, the student has considered utilization
of both practicum placement experience as well as nursing standards of practice. This
consideration would help in ensuring that quality nursing practice is delivered without any
conflict and it is within the professional scope of practice.
The student’s post reflecting that the author understands the important of NMBA
guidelines related to standards and scope of practice. Each of the standards give knowledge
regarding the behaviour and competencies that nurse must display while engaging in nursing
practice (NMBA 2018). The post emphasized on working on standard 1 and standards 3 related
to critical thinking and maintaining the capability for practice. The student’s understanding of the
importance of these two standards is appropriate. Critical thinking and reflection can help in
solving patient problem and implementing skilful nursing intervention for the safety of patient
(Papathanasiou et al., 2014). Furthermore, additional challenges or barriers that can be
encountered during actual practice can be mitigated by contacting other health care
professionals. Experienced health care professionals can help to pinpoint mistakes and reduce
challenges for new practice nurse.

3PORTFOLIO CRITIQUE
References:
Kim, H. S. (2012). The role of theory in clinical nursing practice. Clin Nurs, 2, 16-28.
Marcinowicz, L., Owlasiuk, A., Slusarska, B., Zarzycka, D., & Pawlikowska, T. (2016). Choice
and perception of the nursing profession from the perspective of Polish nursing students:
a focus group study. BMC medical education, 16(1), 243.
NMBA (2018). Registered nurses standards for practice. Retrieved from:
https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/codes-guidelines-statements/professional-
standards.aspx
Papathanasiou, I. V., Kleisiaris, C. F., Fradelos, E. C., Kakou, K., & Kourkouta, L. (2014).
Critical thinking: the development of an essential skill for nursing students. Acta
Informatica Medica, 22(4), 283.