The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Committee Initiative on the Future of Nursing and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, “Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” have played a crucial role in shaping the nursing profession and addressing the challenges faced by the healthcare system. This paper will discuss the importance of the IOM report in relation to nursing practice, nursing education, and nursing workforce development. Additionally, it will explore the role of state-based action coalitions and how they advance the goals of the Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action.
The IOM “Future of Nursing” report is a landmark publication that provides a roadmap for transforming the nursing profession and healthcare system. It recognizes the changing landscape of healthcare, with a focus on promoting safe, high-quality patient care, and improving health outcomes. The report emphasizes the need for nurses to practice to the full extent of their education and training, as well as to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals.
In terms of nursing practice, the IOM report calls for the removal of scope-of-practice barriers that limit the ability of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to provide care. These barriers, such as restrictive state regulations on APRN practice, impede access to care, particularly in underserved areas. By removing these barriers, the report aims to enhance access to care and improve the efficiency of the healthcare system.
Nursing education is another important aspect addressed by the IOM report. It emphasizes the need for nurses to attain higher levels of education and training to meet the increasing complexity of healthcare. The report recommends that at least 80% of nurses hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree by 2020. This recommendation recognizes the evidence that links higher levels of education to improved patient outcomes. By advancing nursing education, the report aims to enhance the quality of care provided by nurses.
Furthermore, the IOM report addresses the challenges faced by the nursing workforce. It highlights the need for better workforce planning and development to ensure an adequate supply of nurses with the right skills and competencies. The report emphasizes the importance of creating a culture of lifelong learning and ongoing professional development for nurses.
State-based action coalitions play a crucial role in advancing the goals of the Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action, which is a national initiative inspired by the IOM report. These coalitions are composed of healthcare stakeholders, including nurses, educators, and policymakers, who work together to implement the recommendations of the IOM report at the state level.
The Campaign for Action webpage provides a platform for state-based action coalitions to showcase their progress in various areas such as education, leadership, practice, interpersonal collaboration, diversity, and data. These progress reports allow stakeholders to assess the advancements made in their respective states and identify areas that require further improvement.
As part of this assignment, two initiatives spearheaded by a state’s action coalition need to be summarized. These initiatives can vary depending on the state, but they typically focus on areas such as promoting nursing education, advocating for practice changes, enhancing leadership development, and promoting diversity in the nursing workforce. These initiatives advance the nursing profession by addressing specific challenges and promoting evidence-based practices.
However, it is important to recognize that there are barriers to nursing advancement that exist in different states. These barriers can include resistance to change, limited resources, regulatory constraints, and a lack of awareness about the benefits of nursing innovations. Overcoming these barriers requires nursing advocates to actively engage with policymakers, educate the public, and collaborate with other stakeholders. It is essential for nursing advocates to use evidence and data to demonstrate the impact of nursing initiatives on improving patient outcomes and the overall healthcare system.
In conclusion, the IOM “Future of Nursing” report has had a significant impact on the nursing profession, particularly in terms of practice, education, and workforce development. State-based action coalitions through the Campaign for Action have played a vital role in advancing the goals of the IOM report at the state level. By summarizing initiatives spearheaded by these action coalitions, nursing advocates can identify barriers to advancement and strategize ways to overcome them. This collective effort is instrumental in transforming the nursing profession and ensuring the provision of safe, high-quality patient care.
