The Institute of Medicine (IOM) released a report in 2010 titled “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” which put forward several recommendations to improve the nursing profession and healthcare system in the United States. As a highly knowledgeable student in the field of nursing, I see myself fitting into these recommendations in various ways. One specific recommendation that resonates with me is the emphasis on increasing the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree to 80% by 2020.
As someone pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, I believe I am well positioned to meet this recommendation. The IOM recognizes that nurses with higher levels of education possess the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe, quality care. By obtaining a BSN, I will have a deeper understanding of nursing theory, research, and evidence-based practice, enabling me to provide the best possible care to my patients.
Furthermore, with a BSN, I will have a broader range of job opportunities available to me in the job market. The IOM report highlights the importance of nurses playing an integral role in healthcare leadership and decision-making processes. As a future nurse leader, having a BSN will offer me more opportunities to advance into administrative and managerial positions. These positions allow me to influence and shape healthcare policies and practices, making a positive impact on patient outcomes and the overall healthcare system.
In addition to pursuing a BSN, I also see myself fitting into another IOM recommendation, which is to prepare and enable nurses to lead change to advance health. With my educational background and acquired knowledge, I will have the ability to influence change within the healthcare system. Whether it be advocating for improved patient safety measures, implementing evidence-based practices, or promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, I see myself as an advocate for positive change in healthcare.
One avenue in which I envision myself making an impact is through research. The IOM report highlights the importance of nurses being engaged in research and the generation of new knowledge to improve patient care. With a BSN and potentially further education in the future, I can contribute to the expanding body of nursing knowledge through research projects. This research can inform evidence-based practice and contribute to the improvement of healthcare outcomes.
Moreover, the IOM report emphasizes the need for nurses to be full partners with physicians and other healthcare professionals in redesigning healthcare in the United States. The shift towards interprofessional collaboration is essential to providing comprehensive and patient-centered care. I see myself fitting into this recommendation by actively seeking out opportunities to collaborate with other healthcare professionals. By working in teams, I can contribute my unique nursing perspective while also learning from and collaborating with other professionals, ultimately resulting in better patient outcomes.
In terms of job options based on my educational level, a BSN opens up a wide range of opportunities. Graduates with a BSN are prepared for entry-level positions in various healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health organizations. These positions may include roles as staff nurses, charge nurses, or clinical coordinators, to name a few.
Additionally, with a BSN, I have the option to pursue further education, such as a master’s or doctoral degree, which can further expand my job options. Advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) roles, such as nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and nurse anesthetists, require a higher level of education and offer increased autonomy and responsibility.
In conclusion, as a nursing student, I see myself fitting into the IOM Future of Nursing recommendations by obtaining a BSN, actively engaging in research, promoting interprofessional collaboration, and pursuing further education. These actions will enable me to play a crucial role in advancing the nursing profession and improving healthcare outcomes. With a BSN, I will have a broader range of job opportunities available to me, and potential for future advancement in leadership roles. Through my commitment to lifelong learning and dedication to making a positive impact in healthcare, I strive to contribute to the ongoing transformation of nursing practice as outlined by the IOM.
