The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing
Vol. 40 No. 12 December 2009
By Michelle Byrne, RN, PhD, CNOR; Kathryn Schroeter, RN, PhD, CNOR; Shannon Carter, MA, CAE; Julie Mower, RN, MSN, CNS, CNOR
ABSTRACT
Competency assessment is critical for a myriad of disciplines, including medicine, law, education, and nursing. Many nurse managers and educators are responsible for nursing competency assessment, and assessment results are often used for annual reviews, promotions, and satisfying accrediting agencies’ requirements. Credentialing bodies continually seek methods to measure and document the continuing competence of licensees or certificants. Many methods and frameworks for continued competency assessment exist. The portfolio process is one method to validate personal and professional accomplishments in an interactive, multidimensional manner. This article illustrates how portfolios can be used to assess competence. One specialty nursing certification board’s process of creating an evidence-based portfolio for recertification or reactivation of a credential is used as an example. The theoretical background, development process, implementation, and future implications may serve as a template for other organizations in developing their own portfolio models.
J Contin Educ Nurs 2009;40(12):545-552.
AUTHORS
Dr. Byrne is Program Coordinator of the MS in Nursing Education Program and Professor of Nursing, North Georgia College and State University, Dahlonega, Georgia. Dr. Schroeter is Clinical Education Coordinator, Froedtert Hospital, and Assistant Professor, College of Nursing, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ms. Carter is Chief Executive Officer and Ms. Mower is Education and Credentialing Project Manager, Competency & Credentialing Institute, Denver, Colorado.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Michelle Byrne, RN, PhD, CNOR, 5198 Lupine Lane, Acworth, GA 30102.
doi:10.3928/00220124-20091119-07
