Time consuming portfolio preparation.(LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)

As a clinical charge nurse, I am aware it is important to be a positive role model and that I need to cross all my "t"s and dot all my "i"s. I have just completed the Lengthy process of recompiling and submitting my portfolio to Nursing Council and felt the need to share my thoughts/concerns about this experience.

I had forgotten how time consuming it was to prepare! It took me in total 16 hours--what with updating my curriculum vitae, writing my self assessment, obtaining two peer reviews, as well as including optional information that could be used as evidence to achieve the criteria. I was given some non-clinical time but did some of it in my own time.

I am aware that because Auckland District Health Board has a specific professional development and recognition programme, it has set higher bench marks than what is expected in the Nursing Council requirements. We are expected to provide more evidence; however there are good resources available, including portfolio templates to work from and a portfolio example to follow. This is particularly helpful for anyone who has never done a portfolio before.

What an overwhelming and Lengthy process for a registered nurse (RN) to complete every three years, particularly for those RNs who work in environments which do not provide any guidance. Z have spoken to former nurses who have been put off from re-entering the ...