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.
Title: The Influence of the IOM Report on Nursing Practice: A Critical Analysis
Introduction
In 2010, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released a groundbreaking report titled “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health.” This report has had a significant impact on nursing practice and has served as a catalyst for change in the field. In this paper, we will discuss the influence of the IOM report on nursing practice, including its impact on education, practice settings, and the role of nurses as leaders and advocates for health care reform.
Impact on Education
One of the key recommendations of the IOM report was to increase the proportion of nurses with a bachelor’s degree from 50% to 80% by 2020. This recommendation was based on evidence showing that nurses with higher levels of education have better patient outcomes. As a result, many nursing schools and academic institutions have implemented strategies to increase the number of nurses with bachelor’s degrees. This has led to the development of accelerated programs and online nursing education options, making it more accessible for working nurses to pursue higher education.
The IOM report also emphasized the need for nurses to have more interprofessional education and training, working collaboratively with other health care professionals. This has led to the integration of interprofessional education into nursing curricula, promoting teamwork, and collaboration in providing holistic patient care. As a result, nurses are now better equipped to understand and contribute to a patient’s overall health care plan, thereby improving patient outcomes.
Impact on Practice Settings
The IOM report highlighted the importance of nurses practicing to the full extent of their education and training. This includes expanding the scope of practice for advanced practice nurses (APRs), such as nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists. Many states have responded to this recommendation by revising their regulations to allow APRs to practice independently, prescribe medications, and admit patients to hospitals. This increased autonomy for APRs has resulted in improved access to care, especially in underserved areas where primary care physicians may be scarce.
Furthermore, the IOM report stressed the need for nurses to be actively engaged in the design and implementation of health care delivery models. This has led to the emergence of nurse-led initiatives, such as nurse-led clinics and primary care practices. These initiatives have demonstrated improved patient outcomes, increased patient satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness. The role of nurses as leaders in these settings has been pivotal in driving innovation and improving health care delivery.
Role of Nurses as Leaders and Advocates
The IOM report recognized the importance of nurses as leaders and advocates for health care reform. It emphasized the need for nurses to be represented in decision-making bodies at all levels, including government, health care organizations, and professional associations. In response to this recommendation, many nurses have taken on leadership roles in these settings, influencing policy and advocating for changes that promote quality, safety, and equity in health care.
Nurses have also been instrumental in advocating for patient-centered care and cultural competence. The IOM report emphasized the need for health care providers to deliver care that is respectful of and responsive to individual patient preferences, needs, and values. Nurses, with their unique role at the frontlines of care, have been at the forefront of implementing patient-centered care models and promoting cultural humility in practice.
Conclusion
The IOM report “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health” has had a profound impact on nursing practice. Its recommendations have transformed nursing education, practice settings, and the role of nurses as leaders and advocates. Nurses are now better prepared to provide high-quality, patient-centered care, work collaboratively with other health care professionals, and drive innovation in health care delivery. However, challenges remain, such as the need for continued efforts to increase the proportion of nurses with bachelor’s degrees and to address barriers to full scope of practice for APRs. Nevertheless, the IOM report has laid a solid foundation for the future of nursing, and its influence will continue to shape the profession for years to come.