The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health, a report issued by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in 2010, has had a significant influence on the nursing profession. The report was a result of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Committee Initiative, which aimed to respond to the need for reform in the healthcare system. The report provided several key messages that have guided the transformation of nursing practice, education, leadership, and workforce development.
One of the key messages of the IOM report was the need to remove barriers to practice and allow nurses to practice to the full extent of their education and training. This message has led to changes in state laws and regulations, allowing advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) to have more autonomy and authority in their delivery of care. This has expanded the scope of practice for APRNs, enabling them to provide primary care and other essential services, particularly in underserved areas.
Nursing education and training have also been transformed as a result of the IOM report. The report emphasized the need for nurses to be educated in an academic setting and to obtain higher levels of education. This has led to an increase in the number of nurses earning a bachelor’s or higher degree. Additionally, the report called for more interprofessional collaboration in education, which has influenced the development of interdisciplinary programs that prepare nurses to work effectively in team-based healthcare settings.
Furthermore, the IOM report highlighted the importance of nursing leadership in driving change and improving healthcare outcomes. It called for nurses to take on leadership roles at all levels, including in healthcare organizations, policy-making bodies, and research institutions. As a result, there has been a greater emphasis on leadership development for nurses, and more opportunities for nurses to participate in decision-making processes.
The report also addressed the need for a diverse and well-prepared nursing workforce. It emphasized the importance of increasing diversity among nurses to better reflect the patient population, as well as the need for ongoing professional development to ensure that nurses have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide high-quality care. This has led to initiatives focused on increasing diversity in nursing education and training programs, as well as ongoing efforts to support nurses in their professional development.
The Campaign for Action: State Action Coalition, a national initiative launched by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, has played a significant role in advancing the goals of the IOM report. The State Action Coalitions, made up of diverse stakeholders from within each state, have worked to implement the recommendations of the report at the state level.
These coalitions have been instrumental in driving changes in nursing practice, education, leadership, and workforce development. They have advocated for changes in state laws and regulations to remove barriers to practice, leading to expanded scopes of practice for APRNs. They have also worked to increase the number of nurses with advanced degrees through scholarship and educational programs, and have promoted interprofessional education and collaboration.
In addition, the state-based action coalitions have facilitated leadership development for nurses by offering opportunities for mentorship, networking, and professional growth. They have supported initiatives to increase diversity in nursing education and training programs, and have worked to improve access to ongoing professional development opportunities for nurses.
Two initiatives spearheaded by state action coalitions that have advanced the nursing profession include the implementation of nurse residency programs and the development of nurse-led clinics. Nurse residency programs provide new graduate nurses with additional support and training during their transition to practice, improving their competence and confidence. Nurse-led clinics, on the other hand, have expanded access to primary care services, particularly for underserved populations, by leveraging the expertise of advanced practice nurses.
Despite the progress made, there are still barriers to advancement in some states. These barriers can include resistance from healthcare professionals and organizations, as well as limitations in state laws and regulations. However, nursing advocates within each state have been successful in overcoming these barriers through strategic partnerships, grassroots efforts, and effective advocacy. They have been able to demonstrate the value and impact of nursing in improving healthcare outcomes, leading to positive changes in policy and practice.
In conclusion, the IOM report and state-based action coalitions have had a significant influence on nursing practice, education, and workforce development. The report’s key messages have guided the transformation of the nursing profession, leading to expanded scopes of practice for APRNs, increased emphasis on higher education and interprofessional collaboration, greater opportunities for nursing leadership, and ongoing efforts to enhance diversity and professional development. The state-based action coalitions have played a crucial role in advancing these goals by implementing initiatives and advocating for changes at the state level. While there are still barriers to overcome, the nursing profession has made significant progress in improving healthcare delivery and outcomes.
