It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for your first nursing job or want to take the next step in a decade-long career, it’s important to have a strong nursing portfolio if you expect to land a highly sought after position.

According to Daily Nurse blogger Alicia Klingensmith there’s no one way to put together a winning portfolio, but she recommends starting with the following key ingredients:

• Nursing license

• College diplomas

• BLS Card, ACLS Card, PALS Card

• Letters of recommendation

• Copy of resume & CV

• Copy of Daisy nominations

• Copy of recognitions from coworkers

• Copy of all certificates for training, classes, etc.

• A collegiate writing sample

• Evidence of committee/hospital involvement

• Thank you notes from coworkers and families of patients

• CEU certificates

• Transcripts from nursing school

• Evidence of community involvement

• Copies of evaluations

• Copy of professional presentation posters

It’s okay if you don’t have all the items on the list, especially if you’re just launching a nursing career. Simply, compile all the documents you can and then head to your local office supply store to pick up a quality presentation binder with enough space to showcase everything in an organized, polished fashion. Also, grab some page protector sheets while you’re there. Those will ensure you don’t have to punch holes in any of your documents.

Klingensmith cautions scrapbooking fans to resist the urge to get too fancy with the nursing portfolio. She says, “As tempting as it is to add decorative pages, pretty colors, etc., do keep in mind that this portfolio is to be used as a collection of all of your professional accomplishments.”

To learn more about creating a standout nursing portfolio, watch this video from RegisteredNurseRN.