The Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) landmark publication – has significantly changed the nursing profession. Review the IOM 2010 Report – . Identify and discuss one (1) example of the impact the Future of Nursing report has had on the Advanced Practice Nurse role – Clinician, Educator, Researcher, Administrator, Entrepreneur, Consultant, or Leader. IOM Report Retrieved August 20, 2018 from
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) published a groundbreaking report in 2010 titled “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health.” This report has had a significant impact on the nursing profession, influencing various aspects of nursing practice and education. The purpose of this paper is to review the IOM 2010 report, identify and discuss one example of its impact on the Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) role.
The IOM report identified several key recommendations aimed at transforming the nursing profession and improving the healthcare system. One specific recommendation that has had a profound impact on the APN role is the call for nurses to practice to the full extent of their education and training, removing barriers that limit their scope of practice.
Prior to the IOM report, many states had restrictive regulations and policies that limited the practice of APNs. These limitations hindered APNs’ ability to provide primary care services, prescribe medications, and engage in independent practice. The IOM report highlighted the substantial evidence demonstrating that APNs can effectively and safely provide these services and recommended that regulations be modified to allow for full practice authority.
In response to the IOM report, several states have enacted legislation or made regulatory changes to expand the scope of practice for APNs. For example, some states have removed collaborative practice agreements and physician oversight requirements, allowing APNs to practice independently. Other states have expanded the prescriptive authority of APNs, enabling them to prescribe a wider range of medications without physician involvement.
The impact of these regulatory changes on the APN role has been significant. APNs now have increased autonomy and the ability to provide comprehensive care to individuals and communities. They can address the healthcare needs of underserved populations, improve access to care, and promote cost-effective healthcare delivery. APNs can establish their practices, build patient-provider relationships, and implement evidence-based care without unnecessary restrictions.
With expanded practice authority, APNs have also assumed leadership roles in healthcare organizations. They now have more opportunities to shape healthcare policies, participate in quality improvement initiatives, and contribute to the development of advanced nursing practices. APNs are increasingly recognized as essential members of the healthcare team, bringing their unique expertise and knowledge to improve patient outcomes.
Furthermore, the IOM report’s emphasis on advancing nursing education has also influenced the APN role. The report recommends increasing the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree to 80% by 2020 and doubling the number of nurses with a doctorate by 2020. This emphasis on higher education has encouraged APNs to pursue advanced degrees such as Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD in Nursing. These advanced degrees provide APNs with the knowledge and skills necessary for leadership roles, evidence-based practice, and research.
As a result of the IOM report, there has been a significant increase in the number of APNs pursuing advanced degrees. Many nursing schools have responded by offering DNP programs or creating pathways for APNs to earn doctoral degrees. This trend has contributed to the professionalization of the APN role and has elevated the stature of APNs within the healthcare system.
In conclusion, the IOM 2010 report, “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” has had a profound impact on the APN role. The call for nurses to practice to the full extent of their education and training has resulted in regulatory changes that have expanded the scope of practice for APNs. APNs now have increased autonomy, allowing them to provide comprehensive care and assume leadership roles. Additionally, the emphasis on advancing nursing education has encouraged APNs to pursue advanced degrees, further professionalizing the APN role. Overall, the IOM report has paved the way for significant advancements in the APN role and has contributed to improving the healthcare system.