Laura Ellis

Nursing Capstone
November 13, 2016
Executive Summary
This executive summary will serve as a synopsis of a Frostburg State University
RN to BSN students electronic portfolio. The RN to BSN program is one that requires
students to engage in developing skills in research, leadership, and technology among
other necessities as outline by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. In order
to complete the program, students must develop an e-folio that reflects their growth as a
nursing student. The e-folio outlines my career accomplishments, nursing strengths, and
career goals after completing the RN to BSN program at Frostburg State University.
In December 2013, I graduated from an AND nursing program and proceeded to
pass the nursing boards. Using knowledge gained from Montgomery Colleges nursing
program and skills learned as a waitress, I began my first nursing job on an ICU
stepdown at a local community hospital. During my nearly three years on the stepdown, I
have served as a nurse preceptor for new nurses and recently started as the unit
chairperson for the comprehensive unit-based safety program (CUSP team). Aside from
standard nursing practice, I have been trained to care for patients with complex
comorbidities and have developed into a valuable multi-disciplinary team member
providing the best patient care.
As a nurse, I have developed valuable skills in nursing practice, time
management, and leadership. In just three years on my unit I have become a leader as a
nurse preceptor who trains new nurses in nursing skills such as wound care, chest tube
management, and IV starts. New nurses not only require assistance in learning practical

nursing skills but also help in learning time management and teamwork. In order to be
successful in training others in these skills, I must excel at these skills myself. As CUSP
team leader I demonstrate my ability to plan and develop unit initiatives designed to
increase patient safety on my unit.
After finishing Frostburgs RN to BSN program I have several goals that range
form 6 months to 5 years on a time line. Immediately following graduation I plan to
begin studying for and take the critical care nursing certification. Obtaining this
certification coupled with my 3 years of nursing experience will help me to acquire an
ICU nursing position at a higher acuity hospital such as Georgetown or GW hospital. I
hope that in working at a higher acuity hospital I will develop more specialized nursing
skills and be able to see more advanced practice nurses in action. After spending several
years as an ICU nurse I hope to return to school in pursuit of an acute care nurse
practitioners license.
Frostburg State Universitys RN to BSN program has prepared for my future over
the last 2 years. In nursing it is extremely important to be a career learner and focus on
continuing education in both practical skills and management skills. My e-folio serves as
a road map of my accomplishments thus far as a nurse and student and where I plan to go
with my nursing career and education in the future.