17 Jul Life Experience Portfolio Instructions ASN Nursing Program Objectives

PURPOSE

This Life Experience Portfolio allows students to demonstrate how prior academic, clinical, and professional experiences meet the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) Program Objectives. Students must provide reflective narratives supported by objective, verifiable documentation.

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OVERALL PORTFOLIO STRUCTURE

Submit ONE organized document (Word or PDF), one note workbook or a single binder if physical submission is required.

Optional document layout:

1. Cover Page

Include:

• Student name

• Program: Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)

• Course name and number

• Faculty name

• Semester and year

• Submission date

2. Table of Contents

List each ASN Program Objective with corresponding page numbers or labeled sections.

3. Preface (½–1 page)

Briefly describe:

• Your academic and professional background (e.g., CNA/LPN experience, years in healthcare, prior degrees).

• Your goal for completing the ASN program and future nursing career plans.

4. Sections by ASN Program Objective

Create a separate section for EACH of the five ASN Program Objectives.

Each section must include ALL of the following:

A. Objective statement (copied verbatim)

B. Student-written narrative explanation

C. Evidence list (table or bullet format)

D. Attached documentation labeled to match the evidence list

5. Conclusion (optional, 1 short paragraph)

Briefly reflect on how creating this portfolio influenced or confirmed your understanding of your learning and professional growth.

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REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH OBJECTIVE

You must complete ALL four components below for each objective you are claiming.

A. Restate the Objective (Verbatim)

Example:

Objective 1: Use a clinical decision-making process to provide patient-centered care to diverse patients in all healthcare environments.

B. Narrative Explanation (½–1 page per objective)

Write 1–2 well-developed paragraphs using professional academic language.

Paragraph 1 – Context:

• Identify where and how you gained this experience.

• Include setting, organization, role, dates of employment/clinical, and patient population.

Paragraph 2 – Demonstration:

• Explain what you actually DID that demonstrates the objective.

• Focus on actions, decisions, critical thinking, and outcomes.

• Refer directly to your evidence using evidence IDs (e.g., see O1 E1).

C. Evidence List

Create a small table or bullet list that clearly links evidence to the objective.

Each piece of evidence must include:

• Evidence ID (e.g., O1 E1)

• Type of evidence

• Source/issuer

• Date(s)

• Explanation of how it supports the objective

D. Attached Documentation

Attach at least ONE piece of concrete evidence per objective (2–4 is typical for strong portfolios).

All attachments must:

• Be clearly labeled with the matching Evidence ID.

• Be referenced explicitly in the narrative.

• Be de-identified (no patient names or identifiers).

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ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF EVIDENCE

Program-specific coursework:

· Prepared papers.

· Discussion posts

· Completed care plans.

· Examples of work designed or completed.

· Skills checklists

Additional Resources: (optional)

· Job descriptions. (Current position)

· Performance evaluations by a qualified professional, i.e. supervisor, professor. (Current position)

· A statement from the employer must validate work experience and professionalism

· Photocopies of certificates. (active certifications ex. ACLS, BLS)

· Transcripts (unofficial UJ transcripts).

· Webinars/conferences attended (while a student)

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EMPLOYER / THIRD-PARTY VALIDATION (Optional)

Any work experience used as evidence MUST be validated by an employer or supervisor letter.

Letters must:

• Be on organizational letterhead (or include contact information)

• Be signed and dated

• Verify role, dates of employment, and responsibilities

• Describe behaviors related to ASN objectives

Here is a template Letter:

To Whom It May Concern:

I verify that [Student Name] has been employed at [Organization] as a [Position] from [Start Date] to [End Date or “present”], averaging approximately [#] hours per week. In this role, [he/she/they] is responsible for [brief description of duties that align with objectives, e.g., performing patient assessments, collaborating with the healthcare team, implementing care plans, and documenting in the electronic health record].

In my experience, [Student Name] demonstrates [examples: sound clinical judgment, effective teamwork, professional behavior, cultural sensitivity, safe use of technology]. I believe these experiences contribute to meeting the learning objectives of the Associate of Science in Nursing program.

Sincerely, [Supervisor Name, Credentials, Title] [Contact Information]

Require letters to be on organizational letterhead or with contact info, signed and dated.

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FORMATTING & SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

• Typed, double-spaced narratives

• 12-point standard font

• Clear headings: Objective 1, Objective 2, etc.

• Consistent evidence labeling (O1 E1, O2 E1, etc.)

• Every evidence item must be cited in at least one narrative

• Total narrative length typically 5–8 pages plus evidence

Submit word doc, pdf, or onenote workbook

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FACULTY NOTES

• Each objective is evaluated independently.

• Faculty may request additional clinical validation for specific courses.

• Submission of a portfolio does not guarantee acceptance of all evidence.

• Faculty reserve the right to accept or reject documentation based on alignment with program standards.