Nurse practitioner education. The master's portfolio: validating a career in advanced practice nursing.

PurposeTo describe the process of portfolio development and faculty review that offers graduate credit within a framework of structural empowerment and mentoring for documented educational and clinical accomplishments for family nurse practitioners (FNPs).Data SourcesSelected literature and examples from one student's portfolio to illustrate the process.ConclusionsThe degree granting process assists certified FNPs to fulfill career aspirations through achieving graduate level education at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, School of Nursing.Implications for PracticeThe portfolio process affords practicing FNPs not only the opportunity to acquire an advanced degree but a framework for examining and validating a career. For the student in this exemplar, it was a 'significant, introspective, satisfying learning experience,' a rare opportunity in a busy professional life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]