Professional nursing organizations have influenced the policy agenda by identifying needs, generating ideas, and bringing them into the policy arena; they have had a positive impact on the profession of nursing as well as nursing practice. This week’s Discussion asks you to consider the policy proposal you examined for the policy brief (Assignment 2, assigned in Week 3) and reflect on the opportunities a professional nursing organization might have to further the issue. in your small group thread a cohesive response that addresses the following: 1) Briefly summarize the policy proposal you selected from the IOM (Application 2). Based on your analysis of the policy proposal, did the IOM get it right? (See Attached File). 2) Identify any professional organizations dealing with the issue/recommendation and provide at in which the professional organizations have supported or could support the policy proposal/recommendation. The AONE revised its guiding principles for the role of the nurse in patient care based on current conditions, technological advances, and educational opportunities. The author reviews how nurses and their professional organizations have developed nurses’ roles in U. S. policy making. This article connects health care disparities to AACN’s values such as human dignity and social justice. The authors maintain that politically active nurses can affect positive social changes that can lead to better health outcomes for all. Access the following websites for an example of how AACN moved the DNP degree from the systematic agenda to the formal agenda to policy. Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 9 minutes. In this media presentation, Dr. Joan Stanley shares how the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) has influenced and developed nursing education policy. Dr. Kathleen White discusses policy efforts of the American Nurses Association that have impacted nursing practice and health care. The American Nurses Association, Inc. (2010). Nursing: scope and standards of practice (2nd ed.). Silver Spring, MD: The American Nurses Association, Inc. The American Nurses Association. (2010). Nursing’s social policy statement: The essence of the profession (3rd ed.). Silver Spring, MD: The American Nurses Association, Inc. Institute of Medicine. (2010). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health: Report recommendations. Retrieved from http://www.nationalacademies.org/hmd/~/media/Files/Report%20Files/2010/The-Future-of-Nursing/Future%20of%20Nursing%202010%20Recommendations.pdf Kaufman, K. A. (2010). Headlines from the NLN. Nursing Education Perspectives, 31(1), 62- 64. Wieck, K. L., Oehler, T., Green, A., & Jordan, C. (2004). Safe nurse staffing: A win-win collaboration model for influencing health policy. Nursing Education Perspectives, 31(3), 160-166.

Professional nursing organizations play a crucial role in shaping the policy agenda and making a positive impact on the nursing profession and practice. These organizations identify needs, generate ideas, and bring them into the policy arena. They can further policy proposals by advocating for them and using their influence to push for change. In this discussion, we will explore a policy proposal from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and examine how professional nursing organizations can support or have supported it.

The policy proposal selected from the IOM is titled “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health.” This report, released in 2010, provides recommendations for transforming the nursing profession to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing healthcare system. The report highlights the need to expand access to care, improve interprofessional collaboration, and increase the number of nurses with advanced degrees. It also emphasizes the importance of leadership and lifelong learning for nurses.

From my analysis of the policy proposal, I believe the IOM got it right. The recommendations put forth in “The Future of Nursing” align with the current needs of the healthcare system and the evolving role of nurses. By focusing on expanding access to care and promoting advanced education for nurses, the proposal recognizes the crucial role that nurses play in delivering high-quality care and meeting the complex needs of patients.

Several professional organizations have supported or could support the policy proposal/recommendation put forth by the IOM. One such organization is the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE). AONE revised its guiding principles for the role of the nurse in patient care based on current conditions, technological advances, and educational opportunities. The organization recognizes the importance of leadership and advanced education for nurses in improving patient outcomes and advancing the nursing profession.

Another professional organization that supports the policy proposal is the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). AACN has played a significant role in influencing and developing nursing education policy. In a media presentation by Dr. Joan Stanley, it is highlighted how AACN has advocated for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree and moved it from the systematic agenda to the formal agenda. This demonstrates the organization’s commitment to advancing nursing education and preparing nurses for leadership roles.

The American Nurses Association (ANA) is another influential professional organization that has impacted nursing practice and health care through its policy efforts. The ANA has published documents such as “Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice” and “Nursing’s Social Policy Statement: The Essence of the Profession,” which provide guidance and set standards for nursing practice. These documents align with the recommendations from the IOM report and support the need for nurses to have a strong foundation in practice and a commitment to promoting health and well-being.

In conclusion, professional nursing organizations have a significant role in advancing the policy agenda and shaping the profession of nursing. The policy proposal from the IOM titled “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health” aligns with the needs of the healthcare system and the evolving role of nurses. Professional organizations such as AONE, AACN, and ANA have supported or could support this proposal by advocating for leadership development, advancing nursing education, and setting standards for practice. Through their advocacy and influence, these organizations can drive positive change and improve health outcomes for all.