Objective:

exploring the students' perceptions of the use of the portfolio, and its potential to integrate theory and practice.

Methods:

To illustrate that, a descriptive and interpretative study was carried out with a qualitative approach. The study was carried out analysing the data collected from the portfolios and questionnaires from the 4th year nursing students, doing practicum during the 2014-2015 academic year.

Results:

The students' perceptions corroborate that the portfolio allows to establish a link between theory and practice, as well as to put into practice what has been learned.

Conclusions:

The analysis of portfolios has revealed that theory and practice mutually feedback each other, having the students the leading role in that. The reflective component has contributed to reduce the so-called reality shock, allowing a transfer of theory into a fully dynamic practice.