An exemplar is a story of a real patient told to illustrate an RN’s practice. The exemplar is written in the first person and describes in detail a particular clinical situation that includes the nurse’s thoughts, feelings, intentions, actions, critical thinking and decision-making process. 

The exemplar is an opportunity to explore the richness of an individual RN’s practice and experience. It shows how the RN uses his or her knowledge, experience, skills and personal resources in the care of an individual patient and/or family.

The exemplar is the cornerstone of the Application Portfolio, providing a view of the depth of an RN’s practice. For this reason, exemplars must be from current patient situations that took place within the last year.

Dr. Chris Pacini's, Ph.D., RN special presentation on exemplar writing