Review the IOM report, “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” and explore the “Campaign for Action: State Action Coalition” website. In a 1,000-1,250 word paper, discuss the influence the IOM report and state-based action coalitions have had on nursing practice, nursing education, and nursing workforce development, and how they continue to advance the goals for the nursing profession. Include the following:
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” and the Campaign for Action: State Action Coalition website have had a significant influence on nursing practice, nursing education, and nursing workforce development. These initiatives have played a crucial role in advancing the goals for the nursing profession.
The IOM report, published in 2010, highlighted the need for fundamental changes in the nursing profession to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the population. One of the key recommendations of the report was to increase the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree to 80% by 2020. This recommendation has sparked a significant shift in nursing education, as many states have implemented programs and policies to encourage and support nurses in pursuing higher education.
The State Action Coalition (SAC) initiative, launched by the Campaign for Action in response to the IOM report, aims to mobilize efforts at the state level to advance the goals set forth in the report. The SAC website serves as a platform for information and resources for state-based coalitions working to improve nursing practice, education, and workforce development.
One significant influence of the IOM report and the SAC initiative has been on nursing practice. The emphasis on promoting nurses’ full scope of practice has led to changes in state regulations and legislation. Many states have expanded the scope of practice for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), allowing them to provide primary care services without physician oversight in order to meet the increased demand for healthcare services. This has not only improved access to care, particularly in underserved areas, but has also freed up physicians to focus on more complex cases, leading to better patient outcomes.
Additionally, the IOM report and the SAC initiative have had a significant impact on nursing education. The recommendation to increase the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree has spurred the development and expansion of RN-to-BSN and BSN programs. Many nursing schools have implemented innovative educational models, such as online and accelerated programs, to make higher education more accessible to working nurses. This has resulted in a larger pool of baccalaureate-prepared nurses, who are better equipped to meet the complex healthcare needs of the population.
Furthermore, the IOM report and the SAC initiative have played a vital role in nursing workforce development. By advocating for increased diversity in the nursing workforce, these initiatives have prompted efforts to recruit and retain underrepresented groups in nursing. State-based coalitions have partnered with academic institutions and healthcare organizations to provide scholarships and mentoring programs to attract individuals from diverse backgrounds to the nursing profession. This focus on diversity not only enhances cultural competence in nursing practice but also addresses healthcare disparities and improves health outcomes for minority populations.
In conclusion, the IOM report, “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” and the Campaign for Action: State Action Coalition website have had a significant influence on nursing practice, nursing education, and nursing workforce development. The emphasis on expanding nurse’s scope of practice, increasing educational attainment, and promoting diversity in the nursing workforce has resulted in positive changes in the profession. These initiatives continue to shape the future of nursing and advance the goals for the profession, ultimately improving the quality of care and patient outcomes.