Interactions between students and registered nurses are crucial opportunities for clinical learning. Success of this learning partnership is predicated on excellent communication, negotiation, and shared goal setting but these elements are often difficult to achieve. This paper describes the development and preliminary evaluation of the student Clinical Progression Portfolio (CPP). This pocket-size learning resource is carried by students and used as a point of reference to 1) enhance communication between students and registered nurses; 2) provide a quick reference for the development and refinement of learning objectives; and 3) offer a brief record of progress (via a succinct dot point process). An expert reference group evaluation revealed that the CPP provided a framework for students to initiate and support their clinical learning in partnership with clinicians.