Angela M. Licata-Schneider
Grand Canyon University: Professional Dynamics NRS-430V
October 15, 2014
Impact of the Institute of Medicine on Nursing Practice, Education and Leadership The Institute of Medicine of the National Academics in Conjunction with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation launched a campaign to provide solutions in response to the need for evaluating and alteration of the nursing profession. Future needs of our growing population from diverse cultures and demographics dictate the need for registered nurses to adapt and transform in response to advances in health care. This is done by promoting health with most favorable, efficient …show more content…
As the population grows, physicians will not be able to perform at a competent level and provide complete patient care without a substantial number of nurses. Reliance on nurses is necessary to reform the health care system. Barriers such as regultatory restrictions regarding scope of practice, professional resistance by physicians, and insurance company reimbursment pactices hinder RN’s and Advanced Practice Nurse’s from practicing to the full extent of their education and compromise patient outcomes (Richard Ridge, 2011). Autonomy is an issue in some states regarding APN’s role. Some states require physician oversight to diagnose, treat, prescribe, or make referrals. Compensation for services is also an concern. Independent insurance providers, Medicaid, and Medicare compensate APN’s at reduced rates or not at all and may not cover prescribed prescriptions unless a physician signs off. Professional resistance is also an problem. The Scope of Practice Partnership lobbies against state expansion of the APN’s role stating they lack medical education, clinical knowledge and cognitive and technical skills which are acquired only in medical school ( IOM, 2011). These restrictions make it difficult to meet the demands of patient care. Outdated insurance practices also pose an obstacle by restricting insurance reimbursement to APN’s. Some …show more content…
The IOM’s report recognizes the integral role nurses play in our healthcare system. The IOM suggests changes in areas such as education, leadership, and scope of practice to safegaurd the future of healthcare. Implementing these suggestions will transform the role of the nurse into a competent leader who is responsible for health policy change, and an educator to patients, family, and community. It is time we take responsibility for change rather than accept it for what it