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.
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) released a report in 2010 titled “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health” with the aim to provide a blueprint for transforming the nursing profession and the healthcare system. This report has had a significant influence on nursing practice and has sparked important discussions and changes within the field.
One of the key areas of focus of the IOM report is the need to increase the number of baccalaureate-prepared nurses in the workforce. The report emphasizes the importance of higher education in nursing, stating that a larger proportion of nurses should hold at least a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. This recommendation has led to an increased emphasis on the importance of continuing education and the pursuit of advanced degrees in nursing.
Since the release of the IOM report, many nursing schools and institutions have adopted policies requiring nurses to obtain a BSN or higher degree within a certain timeframe of beginning their practice. This shift towards higher education has been further supported by research that links higher levels of education to improved patient outcomes. As a result, more nurses are enrolling in BSN programs and pursuing advanced degrees, contributing to the professionalization of the nursing workforce.
Another significant influence of the IOM report on nursing practice is the recognition and promotion of nurses as leaders in healthcare. The report envisions a future in which nurses are fully engaged in healthcare leadership and decision-making at all levels. It calls for nurses to be part of interdisciplinary teams, to have a voice in policy discussions, and to be involved in the design and implementation of healthcare initiatives.
In response to this call for nurse leadership, many institutions and organizations have implemented strategies to empower nurses and enhance their leadership skills. Leadership development programs for nurses have been established, providing opportunities for nurses to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to take on leadership roles. Nurses are increasingly being included in committees and boards that shape healthcare policies and practices, allowing their perspectives and expertise to be heard.
The IOM report also highlights the importance of nurse practitioners (NPs) and other advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) in improving access to high-quality healthcare. It calls for the removal of scope of practice barriers and the expansion of the roles and responsibilities of NPs and other APRNs. This has led to changes in state regulations and policies, allowing NPs and APRNs to practice to the full extent of their education and training.
As a result of the IOM report, more states have granted independent practice rights to NPs, enabling them to provide primary care services without the need for physician supervision. This has not only improved access to care, particularly in underserved areas, but it has also demonstrated the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of nurse-led care. The report has brought attention to the valuable contributions that NPs and APRNs make to the healthcare system and has encouraged their integration as essential providers of care.
Additionally, the IOM report emphasizes the importance of a collaborative healthcare system in which nurses work in partnership with other healthcare professionals. This includes promoting effective teamwork, communication, and coordination among healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes. The report encourages the inclusion of nursing representatives at all levels of healthcare organizations to ensure that nursing perspectives are included in decision-making processes.
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 an increased emphasis on higher education for nurses, the recognition and promotion of nurses as leaders, the expansion of the roles of NPs and APRNs, and the promotion of collaborative healthcare systems. These changes have improved the quality of care, increased access to care, and advanced the nursing profession as a whole. The IOM report continues to guide the transformation of nursing practice and will continue to shape the future of the profession.