The Institute of Medicine (IOM) is a prestigious organization that aims to improve health outcomes for all individuals in the United States. In a report titled “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” the IOM outlined several recommendations to enhance the nursing profession. As a highly knowledgeable student, I see myself fitting into the following IOM Future of Nursing recommendations in the job market based on my educational level.
One of the key recommendations of the IOM report is to increase the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree to 80% by 2020. This is significant as research suggests that a higher educational level among nurses is associated with better patient outcomes (Aiken et al., 2017). As someone pursuing a PhD in nursing, I am well aware of the importance of advanced education in the field. By obtaining a doctoral degree, I am positioning myself to contribute to the transformation of nursing practice, education, and research.
Having a doctoral degree opens up numerous options for me in the job market. One career path I could pursue is that of a nurse educator. As a highly educated individual, I would have the expertise to teach nursing students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. By sharing my knowledge and experiences, I would be contributing to the development of future nurses who can provide high-quality care.
Another option in the job market for someone with a doctoral degree in nursing is that of a nurse researcher. According to the IOM report, research is needed to guide nursing practice and improve patient outcomes (Institute of Medicine [IOM], 2011). As a nurse researcher, I could contribute to advancing knowledge in the profession, conducting studies to identify best practices, and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions. By engaging in research, I would be aligning myself with the IOM’s recommendation of integrating evidence-based practice into all aspects of nursing care.
Additionally, my doctoral degree would enable me to pursue leadership roles in healthcare organizations. The IOM report emphasizes the need for nurses to play a greater leadership role in healthcare delivery (IOM, 2011). By assuming leadership positions, I could influence healthcare policy and advocate for the integration of nursing expertise in decision-making processes. As a nurse leader, I would be able to shape the future of nursing and contribute to the overall improvement of healthcare systems.
Furthermore, the IOM report highlights the importance of interprofessional collaboration in healthcare. It suggests that nurses should be full partners with physicians and other healthcare professionals in redesigning healthcare systems (IOM, 2011). With a doctoral degree, I could actively participate in interdisciplinary teams, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to improve patient care and outcomes. By working collaboratively, I would be addressing the IOM’s recommendation of fostering interprofessional teamwork and communication for better care coordination.
In conclusion, I see myself fitting into the IOM Future of Nursing recommendations by pursuing a doctoral degree in nursing. With this level of education, I would have various options in the job market, including becoming a nurse educator, nurse researcher, nurse leader, and collaborator in interdisciplinary healthcare teams. By aligning myself with these recommendations, I would be contributing to the advancement of nursing practice, education, research, and the overall improvement of healthcare systems. The IOM’s vision for the future of nursing resonates with my own goals of making a positive impact in the field and improving health outcomes for individuals across the United States.
