Based on the IOM Report Assessing Progress on the Institute of Medicine Report The Future of Nursing: Examine the eight recommendations formulated to direct the future of nursing in Assessing Progress on the Institute of Medicine Report the Future of Nursing (pages 4–16) Select one recommendation and discuss its contribution to improving the health of the US population. As in all assignments, cite your sources in your work and provide references for the citations in APA format.
Introduction
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) is a prestigious organization that provides unbiased and evidence-based advice to improve health. In 2010, the IOM released a landmark report titled “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” which outlined eight key recommendations to transform the nursing profession and improve the health of the US population. This paper aims to discuss one of these recommendations and highlight its contribution to improving the health of the US population.
Recommendation: Increase the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree to 80% by 2020
The IOM’s first recommendation emphasizes the need to increase the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree to 80% by 2020. This recommendation recognizes that the education level of nurses has a significant impact on patient outcomes, safety, and overall healthcare delivery. It advocates for the transformation of nursing education to ensure that nurses have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide high-quality and patient-centered care.
Contribution to Improving Health
The goal of increasing the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree has several notable contributions to improving the health of the US population.
Firstly, research has consistently shown that nurses with higher levels of education provide better patient outcomes. A study conducted by Aiken et al. (2014) found that a higher proportion of baccalaureate-prepared nurses was associated with lower mortality rates in surgical patients. The study concluded that increasing the number of nurses with a baccalaureate degree could lead to significant improvements in patient safety and outcomes. By emphasizing the importance of higher education, this recommendation aims to ensure that nurses are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to provide safe and effective care, ultimately improving the health outcomes of patients in the US.
Secondly, a baccalaureate education prepares nurses to embrace a broader scope of practice. The complexity of healthcare systems necessitates nurses to understand and navigate various emerging technologies, evidence-based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration. By expanding the educational requirements to include a baccalaureate degree, nurses are exposed to a wider range of courses that cover management, leadership, research, and community health. This comprehensive education prepares nurses to not only deliver direct patient care but also to contribute to healthcare policy development, quality improvement initiatives, and population health promotion. Thus, this recommendation contributes to a more competent nursing workforce that can address the multifaceted health needs of the US population.
Thirdly, the recommendation to increase the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree aligns with the changing landscape of healthcare delivery. Over the past decade, healthcare has experienced rapid advancements and increasing complexity. The integration of technology, evidence-based practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration require nurses to possess advanced critical thinking and analytical skills. Graduating more nurses with a baccalaureate degree equips them with these essential skills and positions them as valuable contributors to healthcare teams. By having a workforce with higher levels of education, the US healthcare system can adapt and respond effectively to the evolving needs and challenges faced by the population.
Furthermore, this recommendation also plays a crucial role in advancing nursing as a profession. Nursing has historically been undervalued and viewed as a subordinate role within the healthcare system. By increasing the educational requirements, nursing can shift towards a more professionalized workforce. This elevation in the educational standards not only acknowledges the nursing profession’s complexity and expertise but also promotes the recognition of nurses as equal partners in healthcare decision-making and policy development. By ensuring that nurses have a baccalaureate degree, it empowers them to assume leadership roles, participate in research projects, and contribute to policy-making processes, ultimately influencing the health of the US population on a broader scale.
Conclusion
The IOM’s recommendation to increase the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree has significant contributions to improving the health of the US population. It recognizes the importance of higher education in nursing and its impact on patient outcomes, safety, and healthcare delivery. By equipping nurses with advanced knowledge and skills, this recommendation ensures a competent and prepared nursing workforce that can address the complex needs of the population. Furthermore, it serves as a catalyst for elevating the nursing profession and empowering nurses to actively contribute to healthcare decision-making and policy development.