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. This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
Abstract
This paper provides an analysis of the influence of the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) 2010 report, “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” on nursing practice. The report discusses the critical role of nurses in the healthcare system and proposes various recommendations to strengthen the nursing profession. This paper explores the impact of the report on nursing practice, including the promotion of higher education, enhanced leadership roles, and improved interprofessional collaboration. Additionally, the paper examines the challenges and barriers to implementing the recommendations of the report, and provides suggestions for further research and development.
Introduction
The IOM report, released in 2010, has had a significant impact on shaping the future of nursing practice and healthcare delivery in the United States. The report recognizes the critical role of nurses as key contributors to the healthcare system and identifies areas where improvements can be made to enhance the delivery of care, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen the nursing profession. This paper discusses the influence of the IOM report on nursing practice, including the promotion of higher education, enhanced leadership roles, and improved interprofessional collaboration.
Impact on Nursing Practice
One of the key recommendations of the IOM report is to increase the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree to 80% by the year 2020. The report emphasizes the importance of higher education in nursing to ensure that nurses are adequately prepared to meet the complex healthcare needs of patients. Since the release of the report, there has been a significant increase in the number of nurses pursuing advanced degrees. Many healthcare organizations now require a baccalaureate degree for entry-level nursing positions, and some are even offering tuition reimbursement programs to encourage their nurses to pursue higher education. This shift towards higher education has led to improved patient outcomes, as nurses with advanced degrees are better equipped to provide evidence-based practice and deliver high-quality care.
The IOM report also highlights the need for nurses to take on leadership roles in healthcare organizations. Traditionally, nursing has been seen as a subordinate profession, with nurses working under the direction of physicians. However, the report emphasizes that nurses have unique knowledge and skills that can significantly contribute to decision-making and policy development in healthcare settings. As a result, many healthcare organizations have created new leadership positions specifically for nurses, such as nurse executives and chief nursing officers. These leadership roles allow nurses to have a say in the strategic planning and decision-making processes of their organizations, leading to improved patient care and outcomes.
Furthermore, the IOM report emphasizes the importance of interprofessional collaboration in healthcare delivery. The report recognizes that effective collaboration between different healthcare professionals, including nurses, physicians, and other allied health professionals, is essential for providing holistic and patient-centered care. Since the release of the report, there has been a growing emphasis on interprofessional education and practice in nursing programs and healthcare settings. Many nursing schools now incorporate interprofessional education into their curriculum, allowing students to learn alongside students from other healthcare professions. In addition, healthcare organizations are implementing collaborative care models, where nurses work closely with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement comprehensive care plans for patients. This collaborative approach to care has resulted in improved patient experiences, enhanced quality of care, and better healthcare outcomes.
Challenges and Barriers
While the IOM report has had a significant impact on nursing practice, there are still challenges and barriers to fully implementing its recommendations. One of the main challenges is the cost associated with higher education. Pursuing a baccalaureate or advanced degree in nursing can be financially burdensome for many nurses, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Additionally, there is a shortage of nursing faculty, which limits the capacity of nursing schools to accommodate the increasing demand for higher education. These challenges need to be addressed to ensure that nurses have access to affordable education and training opportunities.
Another barrier to implementing the recommendations of the IOM report is the resistance to change within the healthcare system. Some physicians and administrators may be hesitant to relinquish control and acknowledge the equal contributions of nurses in decision-making and leadership roles. Overcoming this resistance requires a cultural shift in the perception of nursing and the recognition of nurses as equal partners in healthcare.
Conclusion
Overall, the IOM report has had a significant influence on nursing practice, promoting higher education, enhanced leadership roles, and improved interprofessional collaboration. However, there are still challenges and barriers that need to be addressed to fully implement the recommendations of the report. Further research and development are needed to find innovative solutions to these challenges and ensure that the nursing profession continues to evolve and provide high-quality care in the rapidly changing healthcare landscape.