PORTFOLIO OF EVIDENCE

Portfolio of Evidence



Contents

Introduction4

Government Policy5

Overseas Nurses5

Healthcare and Nursing in the U.K.6

Framework of Health Services6

Government Policies and Guidelines7

The Royal College of Nursing Policy Briefing9

Practices and Challenges12

Role of Nurses in the United Kingdom13

Collaborative Role in the Provision of Healthcare13

Role in Meeting Patients' Demands15

Role in Administering Healthcare alongside Doctors15

Nursing Ethics16

Job Role / Description18

Criteria18

Job Summary19

Main Responsibilities19

Personal Profile23

Ethical Work23

Time Management24

Confidentiality24

Team Work25

Maintaining Records25

Professional Profile25

Education25

Employment History26

Personal Development Plan28

Strengths and Weaknesses28

Objective28

Short - term goals28

Long - term goals29

Action Steps29

Timeline30

Conclusion30

Portfolio of Evidence

Introduction

According to the Royal College of Nursing, the purpose of nursing encompasses several aspects that give a holistic insight into the nursing profession. These include promoting and maintaining health, caring for individuals with compromised health, assisting recovery, facilitating independence, meeting needs and improving well being. Furthermore, the practice of nursing maintains specific prerequisites, among which education and knowledge of applying learned concepts is vital. Nursing skills must aptly provide direct patient care. Nurses must possess a portfolio of numerous skills including experience, empowering patients, communication skills, teamwork and compassion (Royal College of Nursing p.11). The World Health Organisation (WHO) advocates competency as an imperative component of the nurse's skills set. In the WHO 2000a: Glossary, competency implies “a framework of skills reflecting knowledge, attitudes and psycho-motor elements” (World Health Organisation p.9).

These skills are essential for registered nurses as part of their practice and personal/career development plans. As a registered and practicing nurse, my purpose of compiling a portfolio of evidence is to reflect upon my profession in light of nursing practices in my home country and the United Kingdom as well as personal experiences and the wealth of knowledge and experience I have accumulated over time. As a nurse, I believe that having the potential for development and growth is crucial to the nursing profession - including aspects of care for which there are no fixed qualifications. The aspects are only explored and understood through practice and experience as well as a genuine love for the profession.

Discussion

Government Policy

Overseas Nurses

According to the nursing prerequisites of the National Health Service (NHS) in the U.K., those individuals pursuing nursing careers have to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). The NMC then evaluates each candidate based on their qualifications and training in their home country. The only method through which an overseas nurse may register in the U.K. is by enrolling in the Overseas Nursing Programme (ONP) (National Health Service 2013). It a supervised effort with the purpose to make overseas nurses proficient and comfortable with nursing practices in the U.K.

I enrolled at Sussex Healthcare in Horsham, West Sussex in a supervised placement. My adaptation course was full of challenges and exciting opportunities, discovery and learning. Being a citizen of Ghana and now an overseas nurse in the U.K., I have witnessed a self-transformation and growth, not only career but also personal, that is largely due to the time spent in the U.K. learning and practicing nursing.

The adaptation course proved to be particularly challenging. Adaptation in itself, as a concept, is extensively ...