The work of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Committee Initiative on the Future of Nursing and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) research that led to the IOM report, “Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” holds immense significance for the field of nursing. This report, released in 2010, aimed to provide a comprehensive blueprint for transforming the nursing profession and improving the overall healthcare system in the United States.
One of the primary contributions of the IOM report is its focus on expanding the role of nurses and promoting their full potential in healthcare delivery. The report emphasizes the importance of nurses’ ability to practice to the full extent of their education and training, as well as their involvement in decision-making processes in healthcare organizations. This recognition of the vital role nurses play in patient care and their potential for leadership positions has had a significant impact on nursing practice.
The report also emphasizes the need for a highly educated nursing workforce. It recommends increasing the proportion of nurses with a BSN degree to 80% by 2020 and doubling the number of nurses with doctoral degrees by the same year. This emphasis on higher education is crucial for keeping up with the evolving complexities of healthcare and ensuring that nurses have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality care.
Furthermore, the report highlights the need for effective workforce planning and policy development to address the challenges and barriers faced by the nursing profession. It emphasizes the role of state-based action coalitions in implementing the recommendations of the IOM report and advancing the goals of the Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action.
State-based action coalitions are partnerships between various stakeholders, including nurses, healthcare organizations, academia, and policymakers, working together to address the specific needs and challenges of the nursing profession within their state. These coalitions play a crucial role in implementing the recommendations of the IOM report and driving change at the state level.
The Campaign for Action webpage serves as a resource for tracking the progress made by state-based action coalitions in achieving the goals set forth in the IOM report. By reviewing the progress report for their state, individuals can gain insights into the initiatives spearheaded by their action coalition and how these initiatives advance the nursing profession.
Within the context of this assignment, let’s consider the state of California as an example. The California Action Coalition has spearheaded two initiatives that have made significant contributions to the nursing profession. One initiative is centered around promoting the use of interprofessional collaboration in healthcare delivery. Through various collaborative projects and initiatives, the coalition has worked towards improving communication and coordination between healthcare providers, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Another initiative, led by the California Action Coalition, focuses on increasing the diversity of the nursing workforce. Recognizing the importance of a diverse workforce in providing culturally competent care, the coalition has implemented various strategies to attract individuals from underrepresented communities into nursing education programs and support their success in the profession.
While there have been notable advancements in the nursing profession through the work of state-based action coalitions, several barriers persist. In California, for example, barriers include an insufficient number of nursing faculty, limited funding for nursing programs, and restrictive scope of practice regulations. Overcoming these barriers requires strong advocacy efforts from nursing advocates in the state.
Nursing advocates can overcome these barriers by actively engaging with policymakers, healthcare leaders, and the public to raise awareness and create a sense of urgency around addressing these issues. They can also collaborate with other healthcare stakeholders to develop evidence-based solutions and leverage their collective influence to advocate for policy changes and funding allocation.
In conclusion, the IOM report on the Future of Nursing has provided a comprehensive framework for transforming the nursing profession. State-based action coalitions play a vital role in driving change at the state level and implementing the recommendations of the IOM report. Initiatives spearheaded by these coalitions, such as promoting interprofessional collaboration and increasing nursing workforce diversity, have advanced the nursing profession. However, barriers such as faculty shortages and restrictive scope of practice regulations still exist. Nursing advocates can overcome these barriers through advocacy, collaboration, and evidence-based solutions.
