Nursing Professional Development Program
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I submit my professional development portfolio?
Portfolio review sessions occur quarterly in March, June, September, and December of each year. Your completed portfolio is due the first Friday of those months.You may submit a portfolio on an annual basis. For example, if you submit in September of one year, you cannot submit another portfolio until September (or after) of the following year.
How do I turn in my completed portfolio?
Portfolios should be submitted in a 1 inch, 3-ring binder with tabbed dividers for each section. Your clinical educator or clinical nurse specialist can help you organize your portfolio. Once you are ready to submit, you should turn in your portfolio to your facility NPDP Review Board representative. If you are unsure who this is, contact your clinical educator or clinical nurse specialist.
I qualify for a Level 3, do I have to start with Level 1 and work my way up the ladder?
No, you do not have to start with Level 1. You may submit a Level 3 portfolio each year as long as you meet the criteria and number of points for that Level.
I am currently enrolled in an RN to MSN bridge program. What level can I apply for?
Nurses who are enrolled in accredited RN to MSN programs may apply for Levels 2 and 3 after they have completed the identified BSN coursework in their program. The applicant must supply official notification from the academic institution that this coursework has been completed.
Do I have to do a project?
Yes. A completed project is a requirement for portfolio submission. A project can be a quality improvement, evidence-based practice, or a research project. Talk with your unit educator or clinical nurse specialist if you are not completely clear on the difference between these types of projects. There is no limit to the number of projects you can work on. However, all projects must be completed at the time of portfolio submission.
I need help coming up with a project idea, what should I do?
You unit manager, director, clinical educator, clinical nurse specialist can assist you with project ideas or if you have any further questions regarding portfolio points
I participated in a community activity with our hospital about 2 years ago, can this count as a point?
No. Projects, events, awards, etc. used for points must be obtained within the past calendar year prior to applying.
I have a dual membership in the American Nurses Association (ANA) & Kentucky Nurses Association (KNA). How many points is this worth?
American Nurses Association & Kentucky Nurses Association count as 2 different professional memberships (2 points).
What qualifies as a Professional Nursing Certification?
Professional Nursing Certifications do not include ACLS, BLS, PALS or other job required certifications like NRP, STABLE, or TNCC. Having a professional nursing certification means that you are board-certified in a specialty; you have taken a comprehensive exam to demonstrate your nursing expertise in a specialty. There are professional nursing certifications for every specialty. Some examples include: Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN), Certified Medical-Surgical Nurse (CMSRN), Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN), Certified Operating Room Nurse (CNOR), etc.
I am ACLS certified. Does this count as a point?
You can receive points for American Heart Association certifications that you have obtained which are not required for your specific unit. Example: you work on a medical-surgical unit and you are ACLS certified. ACLS certification is not a requirement in the job description for a staff nurse on your unit, so you can claim a point for this. This is demonstrating that you have gone above your specific job requirements.
What is the bonus amount paid out for each Level?
Level 1= $2000 Level 2= $3500 Level 3= $6000 This bonus will be paid out within 30 days of the NPDP Review Board processes, and will be paid out as a separate check. Gift/bonus taxes will apply.