The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Committee Initiative on the Future of Nursing and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, “Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” have played a significant role in shaping the nursing profession. This formal paper will discuss the importance of the IOM report in relation to nursing practice, nursing education, and nursing workforce development. It will also explore the role of state-based action coalitions in advancing the goals of the Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action and examine two initiatives spearheaded by Florida’s action coalition.
The IOM “Future of Nursing” report, published in 2010, highlighted the need for transformative changes in the healthcare system and the nursing profession. It emphasized the crucial role of nurses in providing high-quality, patient-centered care and outlined recommendations to promote their full potential. The report called for increasing the percentage of nurses with a bachelor’s degree to 80% by 2020, promoting lifelong learning and professional development, and expanding nurses’ scope of practice to their full extent. These recommendations have direct implications for nursing practice, as they emphasize the importance of education, competency, and autonomy in delivering safe and effective care.
Nursing education is another crucial aspect addressed by the IOM report. It recognized the need for academic institutions to prepare nurses with the knowledge and skills required for the complex healthcare environment. The report recommended greater collaboration between healthcare organizations and educational institutions to ensure that graduates are adequately prepared for the challenges they will face. It also emphasized the need to expand opportunities for nurses to pursue advanced degrees and develop leadership skills, as their expertise is essential for shaping the future of healthcare.
The IOM report also highlighted the importance of nursing workforce development. It emphasized the need for diverse and culturally competent nursing workforce that reflects the demographics of the patient population. The report called for strategies to enhance diversity in the nursing profession by increasing recruitment and retention of individuals from underrepresented groups. It also underscored the significance of data collection and analysis to inform workforce planning and policymaking.
State-based action coalitions play a vital role in advancing the goals of the Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action. These coalitions bring together diverse stakeholders, including nurses, healthcare organizations, policymakers, and educators, to create a unified voice for change. They work towards implementing the recommendations of the IOM report at the state level and driving policy changes that support nursing practice, education, and workforce development.
In Florida, the action coalition has spearheaded several initiatives to advance the nursing profession. One initiative is the “Take Action Campaign,” aimed at promoting awareness and engagement among nurses on key healthcare issues. This campaign encourages nurses to advocate for policy changes, participate in leadership roles, and act as change agents within their organizations. By empowering nurses to take an active role in shaping healthcare policies and practices, this initiative contributes to the advancement of the nursing profession.
Another initiative led by Florida’s action coalition is the “Nurse Residency Program.” This program provides newly graduated nurses with an opportunity to transition into practice through a structured curriculum and mentorship. By supporting the professional development of new nurses, this initiative improves their competency and confidence, ultimately enhancing the quality of patient care.
While progress has been made in advancing the nursing profession in Florida, several barriers still exist. One barrier is the limited access to affordable and quality nursing education programs, particularly for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Another barrier is the resistance to expanding the scope of practice for advanced practice registered nurses, which hinders their ability to provide primary care services independently. Additionally, the lack of diversity in the nursing workforce remains a challenge, as it affects cultural competence and the ability to effectively meet the needs of diverse patient populations.
To overcome these barriers, nursing advocates in Florida can take several actions. They can collaborate with educational institutions and policymakers to increase funding and support for nursing education programs, particularly those that target underrepresented groups. They can also engage in advocacy efforts to promote legislative changes that grant advanced practice nurses full practice authority, enabling them to practice to their fullest extent. Furthermore, efforts should be made to increase diversity and inclusion in the nursing profession by implementing targeted recruitment strategies and creating supportive environments for underrepresented nurses.
In conclusion, the IOM “Future of Nursing” report has played a significant role in shaping the nursing profession by emphasizing the importance of education, competency, and autonomy in nursing practice. State-based action coalitions, such as Florida’s, have been instrumental in advancing the goals of the Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action. Initiatives like the “Take Action Campaign” and “Nurse Residency Program” have contributed to the progression of the nursing profession in Florida. However, barriers to advancement, such as limited access to education and scope of practice restrictions, still persist. Nursing advocates in Florida can overcome these barriers by collaborating with stakeholders, engaging in advocacy efforts, and promoting diversity and inclusion in the profession.
