This is an E- Portfolio of the accomplishments and hopeful future endeavors of Courtney C. Washington, a Tuskegee University 2019 BSN graduate.

1. Courtney C. Washington, BSN

2. Biography
I am Washington and I am a native of Mobile, AL. I am a proud graduate of
John L Leflore High School, where I graduated with Honors. As a small child, being
raised in a close knit family unit, I was raised to believe that serving others is
paramount. It is this belief system that allowed me to matriculate to Tuskegee University,
where I would work toward my passion of becoming a Nurse. Tuskegee University is
where I found my voice! My pursuit in becoming a nurse led me to complete over 160
hours of Nursing preceptorship at Jackson Hospital, as well as experience in the 3T
Cardiac Telemetry Unit.
During my time at Tuskegee University, I have had the wonderful opportunity to
engage in many amazing initiatives. I have served in various capacities throughout the
university, such as New Student Orientation Leader from 2016 to present. In 2017 I had
the honor of being inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success. I
would also go on to serve as a member of Gamma Pi Alpha Service Sorority, where I was
elected “Miss Gamma Pi Alpha” and served a Chapter Treasurer for 2018-2019 term.
My educational experience, along with my family-oriented background
encouraged me to always give back to my community. I have volunteered in various
capacities over the years, to include: Mobile County Health Department (Teen Pregnancy
Prevention Team Member) and John L. Leflore Magnet School Flags Corps Clinician. I
have also volunteered to assist when needed with organizations such has Housing First,
Inc. and Sojourner Truth Assisted Living Facility.
I believe that all of my experiences, whether through education or volunteer
work have truly been beneficial to my continued success.

3. Nursing Philosophy
Nursing is known to be the oldest career and perhaps, one of the most respected careers in
the world. One of the main reasons nursing has had such an extensive history is because a nurse’s
personal philosophy for nursing and their values in life, cannot be separated or told apart. I believe
nursing is more than just a career, but it is a lifestyle. Nurses make a life-long commitment to
accountability, professionalism, and compassion for the ill. Nurses are known to be caring, nurturing,
patient, and selfless. Taking care of others and always making a positive impact on every person that
meet is my life's solace. Becoming a nurse would further rectify my calling.
My personal philosophy for nursing is the golden rule, “Treat others in the way that you
be treated.” If I were ill and could not help myself, I would want the best care possible. My core
beliefs as an individual are kindness, honesty, persistence, lifelong learning, family, and success in
achieving my goals. I use these beliefs to make personal decisions and live my everyday life. The
a nurse is on the patient’s needs, healing, safety, and his or her empowerment. The values of
selflessness, and honesty are all needed to ensure the best patient experience. For the past two
spent my time volunteering at a homeless shelter; although it was not a hospital or nursing home,
values of nursing, such as patience, kindness, and compassion all had to be used while volunteering.
I chose to be simply because of humanity. I believe we are all placed on this earth for a
Every person has a purpose and a calling to fulfill. Within that calling, it is our duty as humans to help
each other. Helping is healing, and healing is helping. I find an indescribable amount of joy in
others and constantly find my personal joy in the joy of others. Becoming a nurse is be more than
career choice, it is my lifestyle and validation to my calling.

4. Cover Letter
Dear Human Resources Director:
Based on the criteria that is listed for the vacant Registered Nursing position, it is my belief that I am an
excellent candidate. Enclosed you will find my resume which outlines my academic achievements and
relevant experience.
As a recent graduate, you will find that my ability to be readily molded into what your organization is
seeking to meet its needs as an entity, as well as a cornerstone for the community. I proudly exhibit
intelligence, common sense, innovative, maturity, and stability, which assists in me being eager to make
positive impressions within my career.
I am therefore respectfully requesting a personal interview. I feel confident that a person to person
discussion will determine if a compatible environment exists for a future relationship. I would welcome
this opportunity and assure you that this would be time well spent. In advance, I thank you for your
consideration, and look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
Warm Regards,
CourtneyWashington
Courtney C. Washington

5. Resume
E M A I L : C O U R T N E Y C . W A S H I N G T O N @ G M A I L . C O M
C E L L U L A R N U M B E R : ( 2 5 1 ) 3 4 8 - 4 4 1 1
M O B I L E , A L A B A M A 3 6 5 8 2
C O U R T N E Y C . W A S H I N G T O N
PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVE
New graduate seeking a Registered Nurse position in a long term setting with a special interest in Cardiac patients,
but open to other specialties as well. Strengths include, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and being able to
relate to a variety of populations and cultures.
EDUCATION
2015-2019 Tuskegee University Tuskegee, Alabama
 Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing
2011-2015 John L. Leflore Magnet High School Mobile, Alabama
 College Preparatory Diploma
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
01/2014-Current: O’Charley’s Bar & Grill Mobile, Alabama
Hostess/ Server
 Impeccable Overall Customer Service Skills
 Greet, Escort, & Seat Patrons
 Communicate Delays
 Present Menus, Silverware
 Liaison between server and patron
 Clean & Sanitize Dining Area
 Safety & Health Policy Adherance
08
STUDENT CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Jackson Hospital, 3T Cardiac Telemetry Unit Montgomery, Alabama
 144 Hours Nursing Preceptorship
 16 Hours Patience Care Manager & Director of Nursing Shadowing
VOLUNTEER & EXTRACIRRICULAR ACTIVITIES
 Sojurner Truth Assisted Living
 Tuskegee University New Student Orientation Leader
 Gama Pi Alpha Service Sorority, Incorporated Member
 Chapter “Miss Gamma Pi Alpha”
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS
 Sigma Alpha Pi National Society of Leadership & Success Inductee
 2016-2018 Tuskegee University New Student Orientation Leader
 John L. Leflore Alumni Scholarship Recipient
 Mt. Sinai Baptist Church Scholarship Recipient
 John L. Leflore Junior & Senior Class President
 2015 John L. Leflore 5th
in Graduating Class

6. Outcome Mastery
Communication and Collaboration:
During my matriculation throughout the upper division of the nursing curriculum, I know
I have mastered the outcome of communication and collaboration. During my final hours of my
preceptorship I had the opportunity to effectively communicate and collaborate with the
respiratory therapist. Although just a simple consult is put in the computer for the respiratory
therapist to go and assess the client, this therapist first wanted to get report from the nurse,
which was me. I started first describing the situation, which was the patient was experiencing
shortness of breath although she was on 4 liters of oxygen via nasal cannula and audible
wheezing was observed. Next, I gave the therapist a full background of the patient, thorough
assessment notes, and made a recommendation of a breathing treatment. Lastly, the
respiratory therapist went in assessed the patient and came up with a treatment plan. He also,
explained to me all of his findings and things I could do to facilitate better breathing for the
patient. This effective communication between me and the respiratory therapist resulted in a
positive patient out: the patient’s shortness of breath and audible wheezing were resolved. The
collaboration came into effect after the respiratory therapist left. I always provided information
to the client about treat goals and outcomes, and made sure that the breathing treatment were
being performed correctly.
Critical Thinking and Clinical Judgement:
Once again, the outcome of critical thinking and clinical judgement was mastered during
my preceptorship experience. My preceptor and I were making the decision on if giving a
patient their daily dose of Coreg was going to do the patient more harm than good. The patient
had been diagnosed with hypertension and atrial fibrillation. The patient presented with a
blood pressure of 127/85 but her heartrate was running between 52-58 beats per minute all
morning. Although it seemed that the Coreg had been controlling the patient’s blood pressure,
because the medication was a beta blocker the heartrate must be greater the 60 beats per
minute for the medication to be administered. Beta blockers quickly lower the heart rate, but
still maintains a safe blood pressure. If administered, the medication was going to do them
more harm than good. My preceptor and I made the decision to hold the patent’s morning dose
of Coreg and closely monitor the patient’s blood pressure to watch for any rising.
Scholarship for Evidence Based Practice:
The outcome of Scholarship for Evidence Based Practice was mastered during my third
semester of nursing school in the Nursing Research class. I presented a research proposal on
“The Effects of Pregnancy on the Brain.”

7. Outcome Mastery Cont.
I wanted to propose a research about this topic because accurate knowledge of the
changes of the brain for postpartum patients are very important to ensure that they receive
adequate care. Inadequate care of these patients can lead to misdiagnosis, suicide, and even
infant mortality. Further investigation of the chemical and physical effects of pregnancy on the
brain needs to initiate in order to gain more education and to shape patient care. The chemical
changes of the brain due to pregnancy can lead to mild or severe mental illness. This means, a
nurse must know how to properly provide safe and sufficient care to postpartum patient
experiencing a mental illness, but first more research needs to be conducted on the chemical
and physical structural changes of the brain. This outcome of scholarship for evidence based
practice was mastered because I understood the relationship between evidence based practice
and patient care after forming my own research proposal.
Clinical Prevention and Population Health:
The outcome of Clinical Prevention and Population Health was mastered during my
Community Nursing class. Clinical prevention was mastered when my classmates and I had
clinical rotation through various jails in the Auburn and Russell county areas. I performed many
Tuberculosis skin test screenings on many of the inmates. This primary prevention skill was
used so that it could protect the other members of the population. If an inmate presented with
a positive skin test, they would have to be out into isolation until the diagnosis was confirmed.
This was done to protect the general population of the jail. The outcome of Population Health
was mastered again in the same Community Nursing class. I had clinical rotation through a HIV
and AIDS clinic in Montgomery, Al name MAO. During my clinical rotation I observed how a
nurse and physician rendered care to those who were diagnosed with HIV or AIDS. I assisted
with performing vital signs, medication compliance questionnaires, and medication education. I
also gave flu vaccinations to this population because they are very susceptible to many disease
processes die to their compromised immune systems.

8. Outcome Mastery Cont.
Diversity Skills:
During my last 48 hours preceptorship, the outcome of Diversity Skills was mastered. I had
the opportunity to care for a 78 year old Vietnam woman who spoke little to no English. The
patient present with chronic atrial fibrillation, UTI, and clinical psychosis. Because there was a
language barrier, I had to be very creative in the way I relayed information about medications
and care to the patient. I often used pictures and handouts in Vietnamese to relay information.
Also, due to her culture, I knew that warm drinks was preferred over cold drinks, and that
modesty was of the upmost importance. I made sure that whenever an assessment was being
performed that the door was closed and that only one body part was exposed at a time. I also
understood that in the Vietnamese culture, soft music, and soft tones were preferred.
Therefore, I made sure that I spoke in a soft tone of voice, and that the television volume was
always low. Rendering affective care to this patient allowed me to realize that I have mastered
the outcome of Diversity Skills.
Leadership Skills:
During my final day of preceptorship, the outcome of Leadership Skills was mastered. Since I
had been working on the same unit for 12 shifts, I had got to know and observe many of the
other nurses’ strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, since my actual preceptor was the charge
nurse for the unit, she allowed me to make the room assignments. I first looked at all of the
patients on the unit for the day and got an idea of their diagnosis, and needed care. I then
looked at the nurses present for the shift and matched them accordingly. This allowed me to
see that in order to be a great leader, you must know the strengths and weaknesses of your
team members. After I assigned each nurse their patients, my preceptor reviewed the
assignment with me, and asked why I paired each nurse with that particular patient. She then
confirmed that I had done a great job, and that she would have made the same assignments.

9. Teaching Presentation
Mirror Check:
6 WarningSignsof HealthProblems
1. Dry Skin/ Dry Lips:
Dry lips are indicative of dehydration. Dry skin/ dry
lips can also be accompanied by frequent urination,
blurred vision, and thirst. A more serious health
issue can be hyperthyroidism, which leads to
weight gain fatigue, and immune suppression. If
these signs are present ask your doctor to check
your thyroid studies.
2. Rashes and Blotches:
Itchy red bumps on the face can be signs of digestive problems. It is mainly suggestive
of problems with absorption. Absorption can be helped by eating foods high in
Vitamin C such as oranges, bell peppers, strawberries, melons, and dark leafy
vegetables. It also signifies celiac disease, which means that your body is overly
reactive to gluten.
3. Yellowish Eyes:
Yellowish eyes are indicative of jaundice, but particularly heart diseases. If this sign is
present, report it to your physician immediately to catch the problem early.
4. White or Yellow Coating on Your Tongue:
If your tongue looks like it has been painted white or has a thick covering, you could
be suffering from acid reflux. Most times, acid reflux can be treated with over the
counter antacids or avoiding spicy and acidic foods.
1. Facial Asymmetry:
If your face appears to not be even on both sides, such as droopiness, this MAY be the
first signs of a stroke. If it is indeed a stroke, one side of your face may be numb and
can feel as though you can’t fully smile. Call 911 IMEDIATELY!
2. Receding Chin:
If you have noticed your chin sits further back towards your neck, snore loudly and
suddenly stop, feel as though you can never get a good night’s rest, and have extreme
fatigue, you should ask your doctor about getting tested for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.