Review the Institute of Medicine’s 2010 report “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health.” Write a 750-1,000 word paper discussing the influence of the IOM report on nursing practice. Include the following: Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, an abstract is not required. Review “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) (2010), located on the National Academies of Sciences website. URL: Read Chapter 4 in URL:
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) released the groundbreaking report, “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health” in 2010. This report aimed to address the urgent need for transformation in the healthcare system and the significant role that nursing can play in achieving this transformation. The report provided recommendations for action to improve nursing practice and education, and ultimately enhance the overall quality of patient care. Since its release, the IOM report has had a significant influence on nursing practice, shaping policies and initiatives to promote change.
One of the major contributions of the IOM report to nursing practice is the call for increased nurse leadership. The report highlighted the need for nurses to play a more significant role in healthcare decision-making and to be involved in shaping healthcare policies. It emphasized the importance of nursing leadership in improving patient outcomes and driving innovation in healthcare. As a result, there has been a growing recognition of the crucial role that nurses can play as leaders in healthcare settings, leading to increased opportunities for nurses to assume leadership positions at various levels.
Another key area of impact of the IOM report on nursing practice is the emphasis on the importance of higher education for nurses. The report recommended that 80% of the nursing workforce should have a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) by the year 2020. This recommendation has led to increased efforts to promote academic progression and encourage nurses to pursue higher levels of education. Many healthcare organizations and academic institutions have implemented initiatives to support nurses in obtaining their BSN or pursuing advanced degrees. The focus on higher education has been instrumental in advancing the professional development of nurses and improving their ability to provide quality care to patients.
The IOM report also underscored the significance of interprofessional collaboration in healthcare. It emphasized the need for nurses to work alongside other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, pharmacists, and social workers, to provide comprehensive and coordinated care to patients. This call for collaboration has led to increased efforts to foster interprofessional education and practice. Nursing schools and healthcare organizations have implemented collaborative practice models and interprofessional education programs to enhance teamwork and communication among healthcare providers. This focus on collaboration has improved patient outcomes by ensuring that healthcare teams work together effectively to address the complex needs of patients.
In addition, the IOM report addressed the need for nurses to be equipped with the necessary technology skills to deliver safe and effective care in the digital age. It emphasized the importance of integrating information technology into nursing education and practice. As a result, there has been a significant emphasis on the integration of electronic health records (EHRs), telehealth, and other technological advancements into nursing practice. Nurses are now expected to be proficient in using EHR systems and other digital tools to document and communicate patient information, as well as to provide remote patient monitoring and telehealth services. The focus on technology has improved the efficiency and quality of nursing care, leading to better patient outcomes.
Furthermore, the IOM report highlighted the need for nurses to engage in lifelong learning and professional development. It emphasized the importance of continuing education and ongoing professional development to ensure that nurses are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to provide quality care. This call for lifelong learning has led to increased opportunities for nurses to engage in continuing education programs, attend conferences and workshops, and pursue certifications in specialized areas of practice. The focus on professional development has empowered nurses to stay up-to-date with advancements in healthcare and provide evidence-based, quality care to patients.
In conclusion, the IOM report “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health” has had a profound influence on nursing practice. It has brought attention to the vital role of nurses in healthcare and has catalyzed changes in nursing education, leadership, interprofessional collaboration, technology integration, and professional development. The report’s recommendations have spurred action and initiatives at various levels, leading to improvements in patient care and the overall healthcare system. As nursing continues to evolve, the impact of the IOM report will remain significant in guiding the future direction of the profession.