Introduction

My name is Brittany Doman and I am graduating from the Bachelor's of Nursing program in May 2017. This portfolio's purpose is present the learning outcomes I've achieved through course assignments. This portfolio will also include my cover letter, resume, graduate school letter of intent, nursing philosophy, and capstone project details. My goals for the future are to obtain a Doctorate Degree in Nursing and become a Nurse Practitioner.

Cover Letter

February 22, 2017

To Whom it may concern:

I was very pleased to find out about the Doctorate of Nurse Practitioner program that is offered through the University of Utah. I am very interested in this program, and I would like the opportunity to be a student at the University of Utah. My educational background in nursing, along with my professional experience, makes me an excellent candidate for this position.

As you will see from the enclosed resume, I have more than 4 years of experience in the healthcare field. My resume and letter of recommendations show that I have been consistently rewarded with promotions and increased responsibilities for my hard work. These rewards are a direct result of my expertise in nursing, my commitment to personal and professional excellence, and my written and oral communication skills.

I have effective communication skills that I can use to communicate politely with my patients. I enjoy serving my patients and working with them. My disciplined attitude contributes to my strong work ethic. Good organizational and leadership skill lead me to be a respected person. I will optimize my skills and time to give the best service for my patients and this program.

If you have questions, please contact me at (435) 669-7097. I look forward to hearing from you to further discuss opportunities. Thank you for your attention.

Sincerely,

Brittany Doman

Resume

Objective

Achieve acceptance into the Doctorate of Nurse Practitioner Program at the University of Utah

Experience

RN                                                                                           1/1/16-Current

·     I participated in the Residency Program at Dixie Regional Medical center, and now I work there in the observation unit as an RN. This experience has helped me become confident in my nursing skills and learn to work with acutely ill patients. I’m also ACLS and PALS certified.

·     I have done rotations at DRMC on the medical-oncology unit, cardiovascular neurological unit, specialty recovery, Emergency Department, Operating Room, and the surgical floor.

LPN                                                                                         6/22/15-Current

·     I obtained my LPN license and started working as an LPN at Red Cliffs Health and Rehab. 

CNA                                                                                        5/1/2012-6/20/15

·     I worked at Emeritus Senior Living in St. George for 2 years in the memory care unit.

Volunteering                                                                            6/1/2011- 7/1/2012

·     I volunteered at DRMC in the ICU and the ER. I had many duties and responsibilities. This helped me shape my career path.

·     I was involved with the AmeriCorps program in 2014-2015. I did over 150 volunteer hours for this program.

Clinical                                                                                    8/01/2014-10/01/2015

·     Through my clinical experience at nursing school, I had the opportunity to learn many nursing responsibilities. I had clinicals at Dixie Regional Medical Center in many different departments including, but not limited to pediatrics, Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Department, Operating Room, and floor nursing.

·     I also had the opportunity to do clinicals at Southern Utah Veteran’s Home.

Education

Dixie State University                                                               8/01/2012-May 2017

I obtained a Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree from Dixie State University. I have an Associate’s Degree in Science with which I graduated with honors in May 2014. I also have an Associates Degree of Nursing from Dixie State University, which I graduated with high honors in December 2015. I graduated at the top of my nursing school class, with above a 3.75 GPA.

Desert Hills High School                                                          8/01/2008-5/20/2012

I graduated High School with high honors and participated in many AP and college credit classes during High School. I was also a member of the school’s HOSA and FCCLA, National Honor’s Society, the woman’s choir, varsity soccer, softball, and basketball team.

Skills

Good communication both written and oral, capable for analyzing and solving problems, doing work in a timely manner, solving problems with a calm attitude, critically thinking through situations, responsible for all the tasks assigned, strong organizational skills.

Graduate School Letter of Intent

           Ever since I was young, I have been exposed to the world of medicine. With my grandfather being a dedicated emergency room doctor, I learned I had his same passion for helping people. When I was 17 my little sister received a heart transplant at Primary Children’s Medical Center. Through observing the nurses caring attitude towards my sister, I decided that nursing was what I wanted to do. Since that moment, I have diligently worked towards getting my nursing degree and furthering my education.  I dream of changing lives the way my sister’s life was changed through these nurses unwavering and caring attitudes.  I don’t want to simply be a nurse practitioner, I want to be an inspiration and change lives.

            Through my hard work and dedication I graduated from Dixie State University with high honors. During my undergraduate studies I have been exposed to many, if not all areas of nursing. Immediately after graduating nursing school at the top of my class, I got accepted into Intermountain’s residency program at Dixie Regional Medical Center. I passed my NCLEX on the first take, and I currently work in both acute care and long-term care nursing settings. Through this exposure, I have learned that the Family Nurse Practitioner route is the right choice for me. I possess the skills needed for a successful nurse practitioner: the passion, determination, commitment, and self-motivation. I would carry these skills not only into my education but also for my future nursing practice.

            Nursing is a career that requires continuous education. Learning is something I have never taken for granted and I am always looking for new ways to further my education. This is the reason I have decided to extend my education through a graduate studies program. I plan on graduating with a Doctorate of Nursing Practitioner, which I would consider to be the peak of my academic career. I consider this to be one great feat that I want to accomplish no matter what it takes. I would like to start this academic journey at your University. 

            I am very knowledgeable and aware of your school’s reputation and capabilities. Having produced alumni who are very well known, such as my grandfather, I know that with your aide, I would be able to thrive.  Your impeccable faculty would be a great aide in broadening my knowledge in this field. I have been preparing for this program since I was young and I know I have the competence and readiness I need for this program. I know that your institution is the best avenue for furthering my education and career and I hope you will give me the honor of continuing my studies at your institution

Personal Nursing Philosophy

I developed my personal nursing philosophy using bullet points and quotes from past nurses that have made an impact in the profession.

·      Nurses are the most trusted profession – live up to that power and accountability

·      “The character of the nurse is as important as the knowledge she possesses” (Nursing Philosophy Examples and Tips for Writing about it, 2015). Seek knowledge and learn, but also be kind, humble, and empathetic

·      Being a good nurse means doing no harm. Work hard, fast, and efficiently but remember that you are taking care of human beings.

·      I hold a responsibility to not only my patients, but also their loved ones and the community. Think before you act and speak.

·      Always remember that everyone is doing the best that they can: patients, family members, colleagues, and yourself.

·      Be knowledgeable enough to care for the patients but humble enough to sit down and connect with them

I believe that my nursing philosophy with continually change with time and experience. This philosophy helps me strive to become the nurse I want to be.