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.
Introduction
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) report titled “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” released in 2010, has had a significant influence on nursing practice. This report addresses key issues and provides recommendations for transforming the nursing profession to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the nation. This paper will discuss the impact of the IOM report on nursing practice, highlighting key recommendations and their implementation.
Impact of the IOM Report
The IOM report emphasizes the role of nurses as essential contributors to the healthcare workforce and advocates for their leadership in healthcare delivery. One significant influence of this report on nursing practice is the call for nurses to practice to the full extent of their education and training. The report encourages removing barriers that limit nurses’ ability to practice at the top of their education and training, and recommends the expansion of scope of practice laws and regulations to enhance nurses’ contributions to the healthcare system.
As a result of this recommendation, many states have revised their scope of practice laws, allowing advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to have greater autonomy in providing healthcare services. This has resulted in improved access to care, particularly in underserved areas, where APRNs now play a crucial role in primary care, including diagnosing and treating patients. These changes have not only expanded nurses’ practice opportunities but have also proven to be cost-effective solutions for addressing healthcare workforce shortages.
Another significant influence of the IOM report on nursing practice is its focus on improving nursing education. The report emphasizes the need to increase the number of nurses with higher levels of education and calls for the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree to be increased to 80% by 2020. This recommendation has led to a push for more nurses to pursue advanced degrees, such as the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
This focus on higher education has had a profound impact on nursing practice, as a growing number of healthcare organizations now require a BSN degree for entry-level nursing positions. The emphasis on advanced education has also contributed to an increase in the number of nurses pursuing leadership roles, such as nurse managers, nurse practitioners, and nurse educators. These changes in nursing education have not only enhanced the quality of patient care but have also advanced the profession as a whole.
The IOM report also emphasizes the need to create an interprofessional collaborative healthcare system. It recognizes that effective teamwork and collaboration among healthcare professionals are essential for delivering safe, patient-centered care. This recommendation has prompted healthcare organizations to implement interprofessional education (IPE) programs, where students from different healthcare disciplines come together to learn and practice collaboratively.
The implementation of IPE programs has resulted in improved communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals, leading to better patient outcomes. Nurses, as integral members of the healthcare team, have embraced this collaborative approach, working closely with physicians, pharmacists, social workers, and other professionals to provide comprehensive care. This shift towards interprofessional collaboration has been instrumental in improving the quality and safety of healthcare delivery.
Conclusion
The IOM report has had a significant influence on nursing practice, advocating for nursing leadership, expanded scope of practice, increased education, and interprofessional collaboration. The implementation of the report’s recommendations has resulted in improved access to care, enhanced quality of patient care, and a more robust nursing workforce. Moving forward, continued support and implementation of the report’s recommendations are vital for the ongoing transformation of nursing practice and the advancement of healthcare delivery.