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. Purchase the answer to view it
Title: The Influence of the Institute of Medicine’s 2010 Report on Nursing Practice
Introduction:
The Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) 2010 report, “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” has had a significant impact on nursing practice. This influential report addresses the challenges faced by the nursing profession and provides recommendations to strengthen nursing education, improve the healthcare delivery system, and enhance the nursing workforce. This paper aims to discuss the profound influence of the IOM report on nursing practice.
I. Recommendations to Improve Nursing Education:
The IOM report highlights the need for a more highly educated nursing workforce. One of the key recommendations is that 80% of nurses should hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) by 2020. This call to action has led to an increased emphasis on BSN programs, encouraging nurses to pursue higher education levels. The report recognizes that higher education levels lead to better patient outcomes and improved critical thinking skills among nurses.
Furthermore, the IOM report underscores the importance of lifelong learning and continuous professional development for nurses. It stresses the need for nurses to acquire new skills and competencies to adapt to the rapidly evolving healthcare environment. As a result, many organizations have implemented programs to support ongoing education and professional development for nurses, ensuring they remain current and competent in their practice.
II. Enhancing the Nursing Workforce:
Another significant aspect of the IOM report is its emphasis on optimizing the nursing workforce. It acknowledges the crucial role that nurses play in providing safe, patient-centered care. The report recommends that nurses should practice to the full extent of their education and training, removing barriers that limit their ability to contribute effectively to the healthcare system.
To achieve this, the report encourages the expansion of the scope of nursing practice, allowing advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and other nursing professionals to practice to the full extent of their education and training. This recommendation has spurred changes in state legislation, leading to an expansion of the scope of practice for APRNs. As a result, nurses are now empowered to provide more comprehensive care, including diagnosing and prescribing medications, thus improving access to quality healthcare, particularly in underserved areas.
III. Improving the Healthcare Delivery System:
One of the central themes of the IOM report is the critical role of nurses in transforming the healthcare delivery system. The report underscores the importance of nurses’ involvement in healthcare decision-making, leadership, and quality improvement initiatives. It recognizes that nurses are uniquely positioned to identify system-level issues and spearhead necessary changes.
Consequently, healthcare organizations have begun to involve nurses in leadership positions, advisory boards, and quality improvement teams. Nurses now play an integral role in shaping healthcare policies, designing patient-centered care models, and implementing evidence-based practices. Their perspectives and expertise are valued in improving patient safety, reducing medical errors, and enhancing overall healthcare outcomes.
IV. Impact on Patient Care:
The influence of the IOM report on nursing practice is ultimately aimed at improving patient care. The report highlights the importance of providing patient-centered care that is evidence-based, coordinated, and accessible. It emphasizes the collaboration between healthcare professionals and the active engagement of patients and families in their care.
Nurses are at the forefront of implementing patient-centered care, ensuring that patients’ needs, preferences, and cultural considerations are taken into account. The report’s recommendations have led to changes in nursing practice, such as implementing standardized care protocols, bedside reporting, and shared decision-making. These changes contribute to a patient-centered care environment, fostering better outcomes and improved patient satisfaction.
Conclusion:
The IOM report “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health” has had a profound influence on nursing practice. Its recommendations have led to improvements in nursing education, expanded scopes of practice, increased involvement of nurses in healthcare decision-making, and enhanced patient-centered care delivery. These changes have transformed the nursing profession, positioning nurses as integral contributors to the healthcare system’s innovation and improvement. The ongoing impact of this report continues to shape the future of nursing practice and ultimately improves the quality of patient care.