RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The use of a portfolio as an assessment tool in nursing and midwifery education is still a relatively new phenomenon. Institutions of higher education should therefore continuously explore the experiences of nursing students in the use of a portfolio in clinical nursing education. In Namibia little research exists on the perspectives of nursing students on the use of a portfolio as an assessment tool. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to explore nursing students' experiences with portfolio as an assessment tool in nursing and midwifery education. METHOD: The study used the qualitative approach, with an explorative, descriptive, and contextual design. Fifteen (15) undergraduate nursing students participated in this study, using a snowball sampling technique. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews. Data was analysed using thematic analysis for recurring themes. RESULTS: The following four themes emerged: understanding of a portfolio, positive experiences, negative experiences, and effective portfolio utilisation. CONCLUSION: The results revealed nursing students' positive and negative experiences, with suggestions for improvement. The findings may help identify strengths and weaknesses in portfolio usage for assessment purposes in nursing and midwifery education. This study recommended well-articulated plans and actions from students, clinical instructors, lecturers, faculty management teams, and the nurses in practice facilities, to address the challenges identified.