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, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required. This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion. Purchase the answer to view it
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) report “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” released in 2010, has had a significant influence on nursing practice. This report was a product of the collaboration between the IOM and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, aiming to provide a blueprint for transforming the nursing profession and the healthcare system.
One of the key recommendations of the IOM report was to increase the educational level of nurses. The report emphasized the importance of nurses obtaining a higher level of education, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, to improve patient outcomes and the quality of care. The report called for 80% of nurses to have a BSN by 2020. This recommendation has led to an increased focus on advancing nursing education and has spurred efforts to bridge the gap between associate degree and baccalaureate programs.
As a result of the IOM report, many healthcare institutions and nursing schools have implemented initiatives to encourage and support nurses in pursuing higher education. This includes offering tuition reimbursement, scholarships, and flexible work schedules to accommodate nurses’ educational pursuits. Additionally, nursing schools have developed bridge programs and online courses to make BSN programs more accessible to working nurses.
The IOM report also emphasized the importance of nurses practicing to the full extent of their education and training. It recommended that scope of practice restrictions be removed, allowing advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to practice to their full potential. This has led to legislative changes in many states, expanding the scope of practice for APRNs, such as granting them the authority to prescribe medications independently and allowing them to practice without physician supervision.
These changes in scope of practice have led to increased access to care, especially in rural and underserved areas where there is a shortage of primary care physicians. Nurse practitioners, certified nurse-midwives, certified registered nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists are now able to provide a wider range of services independently, improving access to quality healthcare for many patients.
Another significant impact of the IOM report is the increased focus on interprofessional collaboration and teamwork in healthcare. The report highlighted the need for healthcare professionals to work together to provide patient-centered care and improve healthcare outcomes. This has resulted in a shift towards team-based care models, where nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals collaborate to develop comprehensive care plans.
Interprofessional education is now being integrated into nursing and healthcare curricula, promoting collaboration and communication among different healthcare disciplines. This has led to improved patient safety, reduced medical errors, and enhanced patient satisfaction. By working together, healthcare professionals can bring their unique perspectives and expertise to the table, leading to more holistic and patient-centered care.
The IOM report also addressed the need for nursing leadership and emphasized the importance of nurses taking on leadership roles in healthcare organizations and policymaking. It recognized that nurses are well-positioned to contribute to the design, implementation, and evaluation of healthcare policies and practices. This has led to increased opportunities for nurses to serve in leadership positions, such as chief nursing officers and nurse executives.
Furthermore, the report highlighted the importance of nursing research and evidence-based practice in improving healthcare outcomes. It called for increased funding for nursing research and the integration of research findings into nursing education and practice. This has led to a greater emphasis on evidence-based practice in nursing, with nurses being encouraged to use the best available evidence to inform their clinical decision-making.
In conclusion, the IOM report “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health” has had a significant influence on nursing practice. It has led to increased emphasis on advancing nursing education, expanding the scope of practice for APRNs, promoting interprofessional collaboration, fostering nursing leadership, and promoting evidence-based practice. These changes are instrumental in improving patient outcomes, enhancing the quality of care, and advancing the nursing profession.