Korero Hauora Health Talk - Taranaki District Health Board

Compilation of PDRP Portfolio: ANurses Journey Stroke Pathwayand Professional Development inWard One“The nurses in WardOne were so lovelyto us. They reallyexplained things wellto us (the family)and kept us informedon Dad’s progress,and he had the bestof care. Keep upyour good work.”By Jenny Palamountain, EN, BN, RN, PDRP, Proficient PortfolioIn April 2003 a small group ofEnrolled Nurses from WardOne took up the challenge ofcompiling their ProfessionalPortfolios of Evidence todate. At the beginning thisseemed a daunting task,as the portfolio requiredan alarming amount ofinformation. This was to bepresented for assessmentin a large ring binder; notlike today’s small folder.Attendance at monthly grouplearning sessions under theguidance of a nurse educatorwas required throughout theyear. By the end of this yearall the information had beencompiled and submittedfor assessment. A furtherinformation sharing day wasrequired before the Portfolioswere assessed as havingmet the requirements of theProfessional Developmentand Recognition Programme(PDRP). My portfolio wasfinally completed, submittedand deemed competentthat it met the proficientrequirements in August 2004.In November 2004 two ofus undertook our Bachelorof Nursing study. Compilingmy portfolio helped motivateme towards further learning.It was also an opportunity togain more knowledge andsupport for my role as anEnrolled Nurse (EN) in a timeof immense change within theprofession where there wasconcern at the direction theEnrolled Nurse qualificationwas leading to within thepublic health system.In 2005 while undertakingstudy my EN ProficientPortfolio became due forresubmission. This time itfailed as there was too muchsuperfluous and repetitiveinformation not necessary formeeting the required criteria.Within a year the amountof evidence asked for hadlessened and the large ringbinder presentation stylewas no longer needed. It wasrecommended my portfolio befine tuned and resubmitted.Not about to give up, anotherportfolio was put together withhalf of the information. In 2006it passed the assessment andI was able to remain on theEN Nurse Proficient PortfolioProgramme.My journey continued. Assoon as my degree wascompleted in 2006 I begangathering informationrequired for my CompetentRN portfolio. This was nota difficult task as much ofthe information asked fordemonstrates our competenceand clinical practice. Also aPDRP Buddy was available toassist putting the gathered2011 Korero Hauora - Health Talkinformation into some sort oforder. In 2008 this portfoliowas successfully completed.A full portfolio is requiredevery three years forreassessment and so this year(2011) has seen me resubmitmy Competent Portfolio andgo on to complete a ProficientPortfolio. The informationgathered now is more factualand has encouraged meto examine aspects of mypractice and demonstratecompetency at a higher level.Ward One is now an acutestroke unit. This made it easierto present a case study thereand afterwards examine anddocument evidence-basedpractice on an acute strokepatient’s admission andongoing care.The compilation of portfoliosover these years has beenfor me an invaluable learningexperience. For the EnrolledNurses, the group learningsessions in particular weregreat motivators. The portfolioencourages reflection onpractice and is a way ofdemonstrating expandingknowledge in a supportiveenvironment ensuring nursingexpertise is visible, valued andunderstood.33