CCI Professional Portfolio For CNOR Reactivation

CCI Professional Portfolio For CNOR Reactivation

Contents Instructions................................................. 3-4 Eligibility Requirements.............................................4 Portfolio Specifications............................................. 5 Professional Activities List......................................... 6-29 1 Continuing Education........................................ 6-7 2 Educational Resources........................................ 8-9 3 Patient-Centered Care...................................... 10-11 4 Standards Application....................................... 12-13 5 Precepting/Mentoring/Coaching..................................14-15 6 Evidence-based Practice/Continuous Quality Improvement/Research Project...........16-17 7 Risk Mitigation...........................................18-19 8 Contribution to Institution: Committee Work...........................20-21 9 Contribution to Professional Organizations............................22-23 10 Educational Presentations.....................................24-25 11 Professional Writing....................................... 26-27 12 Academic Courses Completed or Taught.............................28-29 Reflection Form..............................................30-31 Portfolio Application............................................32-33 Frequently Asked Questions......................................... 34 About the CCI Portfolio........................................... 35 References.................................................. 36 2

Instructions Thank you for choosing CCI s portfolio method for reactivating your CNOR credential. The following information will guide you in the development of your portfolio. Timeline for completion and submission of the CCI Professional Portfolio 1. Plan on 2-3 months to collect evidence and complete the reflection form for each the four activities 2. CCI will send notification via e-mail within 3 to 5 days of receipt of the portfolio 3. Upon receipt of your portfolio project, an initial review will be performed by CCI staff to make sure the project is complete. 4. Submissions that are incomplete will be followed with a request for additional information. 5. Complete portfolios will be sent to a team of CNOR peer reviewers who have 30 days to evaluate the documents and return their comments to the Director of Credentialing and Education. 6. CCI staff will summarize the comments and any requests for additional information and will notify the applicant via e-mail. Plan on 5 weeks between the arrival of the acceptable, complete portfolio at CCI and receiving the responses from the reviewers. 7. If required, the applicant has 45 days to resubmit requested materials from the peer review process. 8. Once having successfully passed the peer review process you will receive a congratulatory email and your certificate will follow via email in 5 to 7 days. Submission Checklist Please use the checklist below to assure that your portfolio is complete. An incomplete portfolio will result in requests for additional information and delays in processing. Portfolios must contain the following components: Meet all eligibility requirements (see following page). Online payment. Completed application (pages 32-33). Professional resume. Please ensure the contract is up to date. The resume should be of the same quality as that used to apply for a job. For a sample resume, please visit our website at http://www.cc-institute.org/cnor/reactivation/portfolio Four (4) different activities from the list of twelve listed online. Choose events that illustrate competent practice for each activity. These evvent are your evidence. The same event cannot be used for multiple activities. Events chosen for activities must have been completed in the five (5) years prior to submission of the portfolio. For sample activities, please visit our website at http://www.cc-institute/cnor/reactivation/portfolio For each of the four activities selected, you must submit: 1. Activity checklist 2. Reflection form 3. Evidence or proof for each selected activity that demonstrates competent practice as outlined under each activity in the tool. The same evidence cannot be used for multiple activities. Names or other patient identifiers included in supporting documentation must be removed. 3

Instructions Continued Portfolio for Reactivation Portfolios may be submitted by one of three methods: Faxed to 303-695-8464. Provide a table of contents outlining which documents go with each activity. E-mailed to info@cc-institute.org. Preferred method of submission is to line up each activity and all subsequent documents for that activity and scan into a PDF format. There should be 6 separately scanned documents; the application, the resume, and each activity with its corresponding checklist, evidence, and reflection form. Provide a table of contents outlining which documents go with each activity. Mailed to: CCI 2170 S. Parker Road, Suite 120 Denver, CO 80231 Do not bind or staple the forms. Separate activities with a divider or title page. Space on our server is limited. Portfolios greater that 50 pages are subject to editing by CCI staff to decrease page count. Eligibility Requirements CCI recognizes that care of the perioperative patient stretches across a broad continuum, and we believe that all of those patients benefit from care provided by a certified nurse. Nurses wishing to reactivate their CNOR must: Have been CNOR certified at some time in the past. Hold a current unrestricted RN license. Be currently working full- or part-time in perioperative nursing in the area of nursing education, administration, research or clinical practice. Have worked a minimum of 500 hours in perioperative nursing within the five-year recertification cycle. These hours may be in any area of education, administration, research or clinical practice. At least 250 of the 500 hours need to be in the area of nursing education, administration, research or clinical practice that impacts the care of the patient in the intraoperative setting. A candidate s nationality, race, creed, lifestyle, color, sex, or age is not a factor in determining eligibility for CNOR reactivation. If it is determined that you are not eligible for reactivation, your application and fee will be returned to you with a letter of explanation. 4

CNOR Portfolio Project Portfolio Specifications Hard copy submissions should be loose leaf with binder clips or paperclips. None of the evidence should be stapled, bound, fastened, or in sleeves. No more than 4 activities may be submitted; do not submit extraneous documentation or evidence. Submissions must be complete to pass initial review. Each activity checklist is complete. Any slides or PowerPoint presentations should be printed as, 6 Slides Horizontal. File size does not exceed 4 MB per activity. All submissions other than the application must be typed. Handwritten copies will be returned. (All reflection forms and tables are provided as Microsoft Word documents). Résumé requirements Cover only the last five years of employment history. Must describe current role in detail. Please limit work experiences/awards to past five (5) years. The resume should be of the same quality as that used to apply for a job. For a sample resume, please visit our website at http://www.ccinstitute.org/cnor/reactivation/portfolio 5

CNOR Portfolio Project Checklist for Professional Activity #1 Continuing Education (total of 35 CEs) Include information for all fields requested. You must provide company or provider name for continuing education activities as well as the name of the acceptable accredited provider from the list below. Typed written log provided on website or the AORN database. Log contains 35 contact hours of continuing education. Included only one certificate for each activity described in the Reflection Form. Included Reflection Form. All activities were accrued in the 5 year period prior to the year in which you apply. Acceptable Accreditation Providers i. American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) ii. Any State Board of Nursing iii. Any State Nurses Association iv. American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) v. American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) vi. American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) vii. American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM) viii. National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women s Health (NPWH) ix. Physician PRA Category 1 CME (Fifty percent (62.5) of the required number of contact hours may be earned through CMEs) Please note: to use any ACLS, PALS, BCLS, or BLS courses, you must receive a certificate of completion awarding you contact hours from one of these Accredited Providers as well as your card. A copy of the certificate is required to be submitted via email, fax, or mail. MedCEU Alert: Please be aware that the organization MedCEU aka American Medical Education, Inc is neither accredited by ANCC nor approved through any of the ANCC approvers and therefore contact hours earned through them cannot be used for CNOR or CRNFA reactivation. 6

Professional Perioperative Activity #1 Continuing Education INSTRUCTIONS: Provide a list of 35 contact hours related to perioperative practice. Fifty percent (17.5 hours) may be earned either through CMEs or academic credits. Reflect on ONE continuing education session/activity that most impacted your practice. If an example of a completed academic course is used for this activity s reflection, Activity #12, Academic Courses Completed or Taught, cannot be used. EVIDENCE: Evidence must include: 1. A list of 35 contact hours of continuing education from acceptable providers. 2. Provide the contact hour certificate from the activity discussed in the reflection. Program Title Professional Activity #1 Continuing Education Date of Name of Provider Program Contact Hours 7

CNOR Portfolio Project Checklist for Professional Activity #2 - Educational Resources By definition this resource has evidence of some permanence such as a booklet, magazine, brochures, or textbook (if you only have the title and PowerPoint presentation this activity would be better suited under PA#10). Included evidence Included Reflection Form All activities were accrued in the 5 year period prior to the year in which you apply. 8

Professional Perioperative Activity #2 Educational Resources INSTRUCTIONS: EVIDENCE: Provide a sample of educational/teaching materials you have participated in developing or adapting for patient/family, staff, or other audiences. Resource is defined as materials accessible over time, not only at point of delivery/presentation. Depending upon your professional role, evidence may include: Instructional brochures/pamphlets/guides/forms Video or web-based instructional formats Flyers or other promotional materials Manipulatives/models/games NOTE: PowerPoint slides used for a single presentation will not be accepted as an educational resource 9

CNOR Portfolio Project Checklist for Professional Activity #3 Patient Centered Care Included evidence A plan of care or clinical pathway. Verified that evidence does not include patient identifiers. Included Reflection Form. All activities were accrued in the 5 year period prior to the year in which you apply. 10

Professional Perioperative Activity #3 Patient-Centered Care INSTRUCTIONS: Provide documentation of: Plan of care reflecting assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation for a patient for whom you have provided care. OR Copy of a clinical pathway for which you have participated in the development, revision, or utilization for a specific patient population (e.g., total hip arthroplasty). EVIDENCE: Evidence must include: Computerized and/or written charting (please remove all patient identifiers) Hand-off tools Patient/family education Discharge planning Multidisciplinary collaboration 11

CNOR Portfolio Project Checklist for Professional Activity #4 Standards Application The link between the AORN Standards or the PNDS must be clearly established in the reflection form. Must use current version of the AORN Standards or PNDS. For any documents that contain references to the professional literature Ensure that the references are current. Included evidence documents Included Reflection Form Reflection Form contains a narrative of how the AORN Standards or the PNDS were integrated into the process All activities were accrued in the 5 year period prior to the year in which you apply. 12

Professional Perioperative Activity #4 Standards Application INSTRUCTIONS: EVIDENCE: Provide documentation that illustrates how you applied the AORN Standards and Recommended Practices and/or the Perioperative Nursing Data Set (PNDS) in your practice, teaching, management, or consultant roles. Evidence must include submission of one of the following with a narrative of how AORN Standards and Recommended Practices or the PNDS were integrated into the process: Policy and procedure Product development and sales Computerized charting Test development Research application In-service/continuing education/staff development Expert witness/consulting materials 13

CNOR Portfolio Project Checklist for Professional Activity #5 Precepting/Mentoring/Coaching Included summary table from website. All fields are filled in appropriately. Blank copy of evaluation tool used in activity. Included Reflection Form. A confirmation letter written on company letterhead. All activities were accrued in the 5 year period prior to the year in which you apply. 14

Professional Perioperative Activity #5 Precepting/Mentoring/Coaching INSTRUCTIONS: EVIDENCE: Provide documentation of your experiences in staff development. Evidence must include one of the following: A letter on facility letterhead written and signed by your manager, educator, or supervisor that describes how you have precepted, mentored, or coached three (3) students/staff in the 5-year period prior to application. Evidence of precepting/mentoring/coaching three (3) students/staff. See below for required information.you may make your own table with the required information; this grid is also available on our website as a fillable pdf at http://www.cc-institute.org/ nurse/preceptingtable. Learner Initials Professional Activity #5 - Precepting / Mentoring / Coaching (P/M/C) Experience Level of Learner 1 Strategies Used 2 Evaluation Tool 3 Inclusive Dates of P/M/C Experience Date of Completion of P/M/C Experience 1 (e.g. student, new graduate, nurse orientee, new manager, etc.) 2 (e.g. observation, skills lab, written materials etc.) 3 (e.g. skills checklist, competency assessment form etc.) If this activity is selected, print and include completed form with submission. 15

CNOR Portfolio Project Checklist for Professional Activity #6 Evidence Based-Practice Evidence (check applicable sections) Survey/questionnaire data (include tool and results) Minutes from the following (must include evidence of your participation) Unit/hospital based research committee meetings SCIP initiatives meetings Data provided to JC/CMS/OSHA/other regulatory agencies Product review correspondence Utilization of a literature review/journal club to validate or change a clinical practice. )Include copies of two (2) professional articles to substantiate the decision) Summary of activities and recommendations while serving as a consultant Overall Checklist Included summary table of meeting minutes from CCI website (if applicable) Included minutes from each meeting in sequential order of meeting (if applicable) Included Reflection Form If evidence includes meeting minutes your attendance at each meeting must be clearly noted. All meetings must have taken place within acceptable accrual period - the 5 year period prior to the year in which you apply. 16

Professional Perioperative Activity #6 Evidence-Based Practice/ Continuous Quality Improvement/Research Project INSTRUCTIONS: EVIDENCE: Provide an example of how research findings/best practices were used to validate or improve patient outcomes. Evidence may be drawn from a continuous quality improve- ment (CQI) plan or research study that you developed or participated in. Documenta- tion must include discussion on how project affected patient outcomes. Evidence may include one or more of the following (check applicable sections): Survey/questionnaire data (include tool and results) Minutes from the following (must include evidence of your participation) Unit/hospital based research committee meetings SCIP initiatives meetings Data provided to JC/CMS/OSHA/other regulatory agencies Product review correspondence Utilization of a literature review/journal club to validate or change a clinical practice. (Include copies of two (2) professional articles to substantiate the decision) Summary of activities and recommendations while serving as a consultant Professional Activity #6 - Evidence Based Practice Meeting Minutes (if needed for evidence) Date of Meeting Title of Meeting 17

CNOR Portfolio Project Checklist for Professional Activity #7 Risk Mitigation Evidence (check applicable sections) Included summary table of meeting minutes from CCI website (if applicable) Included minutes from each meeting in sequential order of meeting (if applicable) Included Reflection Form Reflection Form contains: Description of event Date of event Type of review Process Improvement plan Examples of progress toward preventing recurrence Your contribution to the process If evidence includes meeting minutes your attendance at each meeting must be clearly noted. All meetings must have taken place within acceptable accrual period - the 5 year period prior to the year in which you apply. 18

Professional Perioperative Activity #7 Risk Mitigation INSTRUCTIONS: Provide documentation related to an unexpected patient outcome or near-miss. Individual and institutional confidentiality and anonymity MUST be maintained in the evidence you provide. Please remove all identifiers prior to submission. DO NOT send copies of occurrence, incidence, or any other type of internal report. Reflection must include: Description of event Date of event Type of review, e.g. Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Health Care Failure Mode Effects analysis (HCFMEA), etc. Plan for process improvement Examples of progress towards preventing recurrence Your contribution to the process Professional Activity #7 - Risk Mitigation Meeting Minutes (if needed for evidence) Date of Meeting Title of Meeting 19

CNOR Portfolio Project Checklist for Professional Activity #8 Contribution to an Institution If evidence includes meeting minutes your attendance at each meeting must be clearly noted. All meetings must have taken place within acceptable accrual period - the 5 year period prior to the year in which you apply. Evidence (if applicable) Rosters Meeting minutes Meeting agendas Committee reports Peer/management verification letter Included summary table of meeting minutes from CCI website (if applicable) Included minutes from each meeting in sequential order of meeting (if applicable) Included Reflection Form Type of Committee Position Held Dates of Service Summary of Responsibilities Minutes 20

Professional Perioperative Activity #8 Contribution to Institution: Committee Work INSTRUCTIONS: EVIDENCE: Provide evidence of your service in a volunteer or leadership position within your institution. Service may include committees in a hospital, surgery center, or physician office. Examples may include, but are not limited to: infection control, quality improve- ment, surgical service line, or policy & procedure. The activity must include a minimum of four (4) documented meetings in a 12 month period. Meetings may be in person, via conference call, or online. The narrative documentation must include: 1. Type of committee 2 Position held 3. Dates of service 4. Summary of responsibilities Documentation may include any of the following; your participation/contribution to committee must be evident: Rosters Meeting minutes Meeting agendas Committee reports Peer/management verification letter Professional Activity #8 - Contribution to an Institution Date of Meeting Title of Meeting 21

CNOR Portfolio Project Checklist for Professional Activity #9 Contribution to Professional Organization Evidence (check applicable section) Rosters Meeting minutes Meeting agendas Committee reports Peer/management verification letter Overall Checklist: Included summary table of meeting minutes from CCI website (if applicable) Included minutes from each meeting in sequential order of meeting (if applicable) Included Reflection Form If evidence includes meeting minutes your attendance at each meeting must be clearly noted. All meetings must have taken place within acceptable accrual period - the 5 year period prior to the year in which you apply. 22

Professional Perioperative Activity #9 Contribution to Professional Organizations INSTRUCTIONS: EVIDENCE: Describe leadership positions or activities within your professional organization. Service may be at the local, regional, or national level. The activity must include a minimum of four (4) documented meetings in a 12 month period. Meetings may be in person, via conference call, or online. The narrative documentation must include: 1. Name and description of organization 2. Position held/activities implemented 3. Dates of service 4. Summary of responsibilities Documentation may include any of the following; your participation/contribution to committee must be evident: Rosters Meeting minutes Meeting agendas Committee reports Peer/management verification letter Professional Activity #9 - Contribution to Professional Organization Date of Meeting Title of Meeting 23

CNOR Portfolio Project Checklist for Professional Activity #10 - Educational Presentations PowerPoint slides should be printed as 6 Slides Horizontal. Included summary table from CCI website (all fields filled in appropriately) Included Reflection Form All activities were accrued in the 5 year period prior to the year in which you apply. 24

Professional Perioperative Activity #10 Educational Presentations INSTRUCTIONS: EVIDENCE: Provide examples of educational presentations given for a unit, institution, academic, or any other professional educational session. Activity must include at least three total hours of teaching/presenting time. This may include three one-hour presentations, a single three-hour presentation, or any combination thereof. Evidence must include: Title and date of presentation Objectives or expected learning outcomes Outline of topic Samples of teaching tools/strategies used Copy of a completed evaluation by a class participant/attendee Title of Presentation Date of Presentation Objectives enclosed Topic outline enclosed Samples of teaching tools/strategies enclosed Copy of completed evaluation or summary of evaluations enclosed Objectives enclosed Topic outline enclosed Samples of teaching tools/strategies enclosed Copy of completed evaluation or summary of evaluations enclosed Objectives enclosed Topic outline enclosed Samples of teaching tools/strategies enclosed Copy of completed evaluation or summary of evaluations enclosed Objectives enclosed Topic outline enclosed Samples of teaching tools/strategies enclosed Copy of completed evaluation or summary of evaluations enclosed Objectives enclosed Topic outline enclosed Samples of teaching tools/strategies enclosed Copy of completed evaluation or summary of evaluations enclosed If this activity is selected, print and include completed form with submission. 25

CNOR Portfolio Project Checklist for Professional Activity #11 Professional Writing Included copy of professional writing example Included Reflection Form All activities were accrued in the 5 year period prior to the year in which you apply. 26

Professional Perioperative Activity #11 Professional Writing INSTRUCTIONS: EVIDENCE: Submit one example of published professional writing. Evidence may include photocopied validation of: Articles Book chapter Columns/newsletter Book Research reviews Journal Club reviews Literature reviews Thesis Dissertation 27

CNOR Portfolio Project Checklist for Professional Activity #12 Academic Courses Completed or Taught For courses taken: Published course description Unofficial transcript copy Syllabus with date of course For courses taught: Samples of teaching tools/strategies used Outcome measures/evaluation tools Syllabus with date of course Have included Reflection Form All activities were accrued in the 5 year period prior to the year in which you apply. 28

Professional Perioperative Activity #12 Academic Courses Completed or Taught INSTRUCTIONS: EVIDENCE: Submit evidence of one 3-credit course from professional degree advancement (bachelor s, master s, or doctoral), or RNFA school. For courses taken: Published course description Unofficial transcript copy documenting a grade of C or better Syllabus (include date of course) For courses taught: Samples of teaching tools/strategies used Outcome measurements/evaluation tools Syllabus (include date of course) 29

Portfolio Reflection Form Applicants must complete a reflection form for EACH of the four (4) selected professional activities. Access the reflection form electronically at http://www.cc-institute.org/cnor/reactivation/portfolio. Your narrative, along with the accompanying evidence, determines competence in your identified role. You are not limited to the space provided on this form. Include supporting documentation that provides evidence of successful completion of the activity. Narratives must be typed. Handwritten entries will not be accepted. Professional Activity Number and Title: Enter activity number and title. Example: PA #1: Continuing Education. Date(s) of Activity: Activities must be within the previous five years (reactivation). 1. Thoroughly describe the event. Include: Description of the activity Your role/responsibility Your level of participation/contribution Describe how evidence submitted meets the requirements for this activity. Evidence provided must be of sufficient depth and quality to determine competence. 2. How did this activity influence your practice? Include: What have you learned? 30 Continued on Page 30

Portfolio Reflection Form How will you use this information in your practice? Give specific examples. What are your learning needs and goals for the future related to this activity? 3. What is the significance of the activity to professional nursing practice? Describe why this activity promotes safe perioperative patient care: For sample reflection form and resume, please visit: http://www.cc-institute.org/cnor/reactivation/ portfolio 31

Portfolio Application Reactivation (For expired CNOR credentials) Professional Activities must be completed in the 5 years preceding submission date. Mail to CCI, 2170 South Parker Road, Suite 120, Denver, CO 80231, email to info@cc-institute.org, or fax to (303) 695-8464. (If you fax your application, please call 888-257-2667 the same day to confirm receipt.) 1. Name Last First Middle 2. Last 4 digits of Social Security Number Year of Birth (for statistical purposes only, information to be kept confidential) 3. Home Address Street Address City State Zip 4. Work Phone Home Phone E-mail 5. State in which you are currently licensed as an RN 6. Check your current position OR Supervisor/Director/Coordinator OR Clinical Specialist OR Head Nurse/Assistant Supervisor Private Scrub Nurse OR Staff Nurse RN First Assistant OR Instructor/Staff Development Perioperative Advanced Practice Nurse Other: (master s prepared) 7. Check appropriate box(es) I currently scrub circulate teach supervise other: 32 Continued on page 33

Portfolio Application Reactivation Fee: $395.00 8. Payment Method Check or Money Order (PAYABLE TO CCI) Visa MasterCard Discover Card American Express Credit Card Number Exp Month/Year / CSV Amount to be charged to my credit card $395.00 Signature (required for credit card payment) 9. Statement of Understanding: I hereby apply for reactivation offered by the Competency & Credentialing Institute. I understand that reactivation depends upon successful completion of the specified requirements. I further understand that the information acquired in the reactivation process may be used for statistical purposes and for evaluation of the portfolio program. I further understand that the information from my records shall be held in confidence and shall not be used for any other purposes without my permission.to the best of my knowledge, the information contained in this application is true, complete, correct, and made in good faith. I understand that information supplied is subject to audit, and that failure to respond to a request for further information will result in termination of the application process. I understand that CCI reserves the right to verify any or all information on this application. I have read and agree to the policies and procedures, including reactivation by portfolio, located at http://www.cc-institute.org/docs/default-document-library/2011/07/27/cnor_candidate_handbook.pdf Prices, eligibility requirements, and polices are subject to change. Please check our website at cc-institute.org for the most current information and portfolio tool. Applicant Signature: Date: Be certain all questions have been answered completely before mailing. 33

Portfolio Frequently Asked Questions Is this the only way to reactivate? No.You may take the CNOR exam to reactivate your credential. However, this is the only non-exam way to reactivate your credential. Is continuing education required as part of the portfolio? No. It is one of the professional activities from which you may choose, but it is not a required element. Can I submit evidence in more than four areas? No. Submit evidence in the four areas that most accurately reflect your practice and professional activity. Can I submit four different supporting evidence forms for one professional activity? No.Your supporting evidence and reflection forms must be from four different professional activities. Can I use the résumé I already have completed? Yes.We do provide a template for individuals who may not have a completed resume, but this format is not required. Who reviews my portfolio? How do I know if it has been approved? Your portfolio is reviewed by two CNOR peers who have completed an orientation program for portfolio evaluation. Their comments will be returned to the project manager within 30 days of their receipt of the portfolio. The project manager will then notify the applicant via e-mail of the results of the review. What happens if my portfolio is not approved? If the reviewers have additional questions related to the content of your portfolio, you will be asked to provide documentation related to those comments within 45 days of notification. Your credential will not be considered reactivated until that process is complete and notice of acceptance has been received. For additional information please visit http://www.cc-institute.org/docs/default-document-library/2011/07/27/ cnor_candidate_handbook.pdf Who should I contact if I have questions? You may contact CCI headquarters at 888-257-2667 or via e-mail at info@cc-institute.org. 34

About the CCI Portfolio How was the CCI portfolio developed? The portfolio is one of CCI s methods for documenting current continued competency for reactivation of the CNOR credential. The domains identified by the Perioperative Nurse Competency Continuum Survey (CCI, 2006) and the CNOR Job Analysis (CCI, 2006) were used to identify the activities included in the tool. What is the professional portfolio? CCI s portfolio is one method for highlighting professional perioperative achievements. Activities should be chosen based on their ability to demonstrate the breadth and depth of professional practice. There are two components to the portfolio: Reflection on what was done, what was learned, and how this information can be applied to future learning needs to improve performance Evidence, or proof that verifies competence. Where can the portfolio be used? The concept of experience + reflection = learning can be applied to other facets of the work environment, including: Annual staff competency requirements Job interviews Annual performance reviews Clinical ladder progression Job promotions Regulatory surveys (e.g. Joint Commission, CMS) Applying for or renewing Magnet status Applying for admission to an educational program Portfolios provide an opportunity to illustrate applying knowledge to practice that is not available through testing or acquisition of continuing education hours. The portfolio method is not easier than taking the exam. It does provide a creative and flexible method for demonstrating competence. When should I start working on the portfolio? Think about all your different roles, responsibili- ties, and accomplishments over the past 5 years. Look at the list of 12 accepted activities and match them to four examples of your professional prac- tice that best signify best practice. Plan on taking 2-3 months to collect the evidence and reflect on your practice. Who else uses a portfolio for documenting continued competency? Many specialty certification organizations in addition to CCI offer a portfolio as a method for recertification. State boards of nursing are considering requiring them for license renewal; this is already true in Canada and the United Kingdom. Why choose the portfolio method? 35

References AORN. (most current edition). Guidelines for Perioperative Practice Denver, CO: AORN, Inc. AORN. (2011). Perioperative nursing data set (3rd ed.). Denver: AORN, Inc. Byrne, M., Delarose,T., King, C., Leske, J., Sapnas, K., & Schroeter, K. (2007). Continued professional competence and portfolios. Journal of Trauma Nursing, 14(1), 24-31. Competency and Credentialing Institute (CCI). (2009). CCI professional portfolio. Denver, CO: CCI. Gentry, M.B. (2006). Registered nurse peer evaluation in the perioperative setting. AORN Journal, 84(3), 462-472. Long, A. (2008). Managing your portfolio. The Foundation Years, 4(2), 88-90. Williams, M., & Jordan, K. (2007).The nursing professional portfolio:a pathway to career development. Journal for Nurses in Staff Development, 23(3), 125-131. 36

2170 South Parker Road, Suite 120 Denver, CO 80231 Phone: (303) 369-9566 or (888) 257-2667 Fax: (303) 695-8464 Email: info@cc-institute.org 37