Nursing Portfolio Cover Page: Template and 6 Examples

A nursing portfolio cover page is the first page of your portfolio. It should show your name and credentials, the portfolio title, your contact information, and the date or purpose, on one clean page.

Below are a free template and six examples for nursing students, new graduate nurses, experienced RNs, advanced practice nurses and clinical ladder applicants.

Note: the names, schools, employers and contact details in the samples are made up. Replace them with your own. For the pages that follow the cover page, see our full professional nursing portfolio example.

Nursing Portfolio Cover Page Template

6 Nursing Portfolio Cover Page Examples

Example 1: Nursing Student (BSN)

Example 2: New Graduate Nurse Applying for a Residency

Example 3: Experienced Registered Nurse

Example 4: Advanced Practice Nurse (NP)

Example 5: Clinical Ladder or Promotion Portfolio

Example 6: Digital Portfolio (Online Version)

What to Include on a Nursing Portfolio Cover Page

1. Title. “Nursing Portfolio” or “Professional Nursing Portfolio”. For a promotion, name it, such as “Clinical Ladder Portfolio”.
2. Your name and credentials. Use the standard order, for example “Maria Santos, BSN, RN”.
3. Your role or student status. For example “Registered Nurse” or “BSN Candidate”.
4. School or employer, if the portfolio is for a course or review.
5. City and state. A full street address isn’t needed.
6. A professional email address. Add a phone number only if the reader needs it.
7. The date. Use the submission date, the period covered or “Updated” with a month and year.
8. A one-sentence purpose (optional). For example “Prepared for the nurse residency application.”

Statement of Purpose Examples

• “This portfolio documents my clinical experiences, coursework and goals as I prepare to begin my nursing career.”
• “This portfolio shows my practice, education and contributions over the past year for my clinical ladder review.”
• “This portfolio presents my pediatric nursing experience and commitment to family-centered care.”

Keep Your Cover Page Safe and Professional

• Skip your street address. City and state are enough. The cover page may be copied or shared.
• Use a separate professional email address.
• Leave off your license number, date of birth and ID numbers. Share them only with employers who ask, in a secure way.
• Photos are optional. Many employers and schools don’t need one. Add one only if the instructions ask for it.
• Don’t include any patient information anywhere in the portfolio. See the privacy section in our nursing portfolio example.

Formatting Tips

• One page only, centered or left-aligned, with plenty of white space.
• A clean font such as Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman, at a readable size. A title of 18 to 24 points and body text of 11 to 12 points works well.
• Consistent style with your resume, so the documents look like a set.
• Simple colors. Black text, or one subtle color. Avoid clip art.
• Follow your instructions. If a school or employer gives a required format, use theirs.
• Proofread. A typo on the first page makes a poor first impression. Our free proofreading service can check it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What goes on a nursing portfolio cover page?

The title, your name and credentials, your role, school or employer if relevant, city and state, contact email, and the date. A short statement of purpose is optional.

Is a cover page necessary?

It isn’t always required, but it makes your portfolio look organized, and some schools and hospitals expect it.

Should I include a photo?

Only if the instructions ask for one. Otherwise, leave it out.

Should I put my full address and phone number?

City and state are enough, and a professional email is the safest contact. Add a phone number only if the reader needs it.

How do I write my credentials?

Follow the usual order your employer or certifying body uses: highest degree, then license, then certifications, for example “Maria Santos, BSN, RN, CPN”. Include only credentials you hold.

What if I have several specialties?

List your main role on the cover page and mention other specialties briefly in your statement of purpose or inside the portfolio.

Should the cover page change for each use?

Yes. Update the date and purpose each time, and name the program or review if the portfolio is for one.

Conclusion

A good nursing portfolio cover page is simple: your name and credentials, a clear title, safe contact details and a date. Use the template, pick the example closest to your situation, and match your instructions. Then build the rest of your portfolio with our full nursing portfolio example.

Related Reading

• Professional Nursing Portfolio Example
• Nurse Professional Development Plan Samples
• Sample Personal Statement for Nursing School
• Nursing Student Cover Letter Sample and Complete Guide
• Sample Cover Letter for Nursing Internship