A Summary of the 2010 Institute of Medicine Report on the Future of Nursing
In 2010, The Affordable Care Act became law, and in this same year, The Institute of Medicine (IOM), in collaboration with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RJWF), gave the United States government and it’s medical professionals a firm recommendation to transform it’s health care system (Institute of Medicine, 2010, pg. 1). Many of these recommendations were directed towards the nursing profession. In order for this tremendous change to occur it would require the country's entire medical and educational systems to adopt these recommendations. This essay will discuss the impact of the IOM’s report on nursing education and nursing practice, particularly in primary care and the impact of the IOM report on the nurse’s role as a leader.
The IOM states that “nurses should practice to the full extent of their education and training” (IOM, 2010, pg. 4). The report suggests that the number of bachelor’s prepared nurses must increase to eighty percent by the year 2020, to delivery of safe, patient care, adding that this could be achieved through numerous programs while increasing the number of nursing educators (IOM, 2010). Additionally, the IOM states, “Patient needs have become more complex, and nurses must attain necessary competencies to deliver high-quality care” (IOM, 2010, pg. 6). Once one has obtained their degree, it is encouraged that the nurse should engage in lifelong learning by continuous education (IOM, 2010, pg. 7). Additional recommendations include, “. . .competencies in leadership, health policy, system improvement, research, evidence-based practice, teamwork and collaboration, geriatrics as well as community and public health” (IOM, 2010, pg. 6). As the expectations surrounding quality patient care increase, and the population becomes more diverse, it is imperative for nurses to advance their education.
According to the Affordable Care Act of 2010, “Advanced...