Review the IOM report, “The Future of Nursing: Leading Chang…
Introduction
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” released in 2010, has had a significant impact on the nursing profession in the United States. The report identifies key recommendations to transform nursing practice, education, and workforce development to achieve higher quality patient care and improved health outcomes. In response to the report, the Campaign for Action was launched, which is a national initiative that works to implement the recommendations at the state level through State Action Coalitions (SACs). This paper will discuss the influence of the IOM report and state-based action coalitions on nursing practice, education, and workforce development, and how they continue to advance the goals of the nursing profession.
Influence on Nursing Practice
The IOM report highlighted the need for nurses to practice to the full extent of their education and training, and to have the necessary authority to effectively contribute to healthcare delivery. This has led to significant changes in nursing practice across the country. For example, many states have expanded the scope of practice for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), allowing them to provide primary care services without the oversight of a physician. This expansion of practice has increased access to care, especially in rural and underserved areas.
In addition, the IOM report called for greater interprofessional collaboration and teamwork in healthcare. As a result, there has been an increased emphasis on interdisciplinary education and training in nursing programs. Many nursing schools now offer joint degree and certificate programs in collaboration with other healthcare professions, such as medicine, pharmacy, and social work. This collaborative approach to education prepares nurses to work effectively in team-based care models, leading to improved patient outcomes.
Furthermore, the report emphasized the importance of using data and evidence-based practice to guide nursing care. This has led to an increased emphasis on research and evidence-based practice in nursing education and practice settings. Nurses are now encouraged to critically evaluate research findings and integrate evidence-based interventions into their nursing practice. This shift towards evidence-based practice has resulted in more effective and efficient nursing care, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Influence on Nursing Education
The IOM report called for transformation in nursing education to ensure that nurses are adequately prepared to meet the complex healthcare needs of the 21st century. One of the key recommendations was to increase the proportion of nurses with a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) to 80% by 2020. This recommendation has prompted many nursing programs to offer RN to BSN completion programs, making it easier for registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma to further their education. Additionally, some states have implemented legislation requiring nurses to obtain a BSN within a certain timeframe of licensure, further promoting the advancement of nursing education.
Another important recommendation of the IOM report was to foster a culture of lifelong learning and continuous professional development in nursing. In response, nursing schools and professional organizations have developed various continuing education programs and opportunities for nurses to enhance their knowledge and skills. These programs help nurses stay updated with the latest advancements in healthcare, ensuring their competence and ability to provide high-quality care.
Furthermore, the report stressed the need for nurse educators to possess advanced degrees to adequately prepare the nursing workforce. As a result, many nursing schools now require faculty members to have a minimum of a master’s degree in nursing, and some even encourage or require a doctorate in nursing. This requirement ensures that nursing students receive education from faculty who are highly qualified and have expertise in their respective areas of specialization.
Influence on Nursing Workforce Development
The IOM report emphasized the need to build a diverse and culturally competent nursing workforce that reflects the demographic makeup of the population. In response, many nursing schools and healthcare organizations have implemented diversity and cultural competency training programs for their students and staff. These programs help nurses develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to provide care to individuals from diverse backgrounds and to eliminate healthcare disparities.
Furthermore, the report highlighted the importance of nursing leadership and the need for nurses to take on leadership roles in healthcare organizations and policy-making bodies. This led to the creation of leadership development programs and initiatives, such as the Emerging Nurse Scholars Program and the Nurses on Boards Coalition, which aim to prepare nurses for leadership positions and increase their representation on boards of directors and advisory committees.
Conclusion
The IOM report and the state-based action coalitions have had a significant influence on nursing practice, education, and workforce development. The recommendations put forth in the IOM report have led to changes in nursing practice, such as expanded scope of practice for APRNs and increased emphasis on interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based practice. Nursing education has also been transformed, with an increased focus on BSN education, lifelong learning, and faculty qualifications. Furthermore, workforce development initiatives have promoted diversity, cultural competency, and nursing leadership. These efforts continue to advance the goals of the nursing profession by improving the quality of patient care, increasing access to care, and addressing healthcare disparities. The future of nursing looks promising, as these initiatives continue to shape and strengthen the nursing profession.