Nursing profession is an indispensible part of the healthcare system and the opportunities for a nursing career are limitless, one may choose from a number of career paths, including clinical practice, education, research, management, administration and leadership. In the midst of all these career paths, clients are the center of practice and they have wide variety of healthcare needs, experiences, vulnerabilities, and expectations. This is what makes nursing both challenging and rewarding. In other to respond and adapt to changes evolving in the health care system, there must be a transformation in nursing education, practice and leadership. Based on these changes and transformation, the Institute of Medicine (IOM), released the report “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health.” This comprehensive report explores the need of the profession to adapt to changes and prepare to meet challenges that will occur as a result of the health care reform. With the recent passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), millions of Americans who were previously uninsured now find themselves with the opportunity to have access to medical care that was previously denied to them. With large number of individuals who are now able to receive primary care, there is concern as to whether or not there will be enough providers available to handle the massive increase in patient load. The reformed health care system now brings on new challenges and these challenges offer nurses the opportunity to practice with more freedom in order help close the gaps within our health care delivery system. The IOM committee formulated key messages that structure its recommendation for this transformation, focusing on the delicate ground of nursing practice, nursing education, and nursing leadership.
The report has it that nurses should be able to practice their full potential
References: American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2011). Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice. Washington, DC: Author Cresaia, J., & Friberg, E. (2010) Conceptual Foundations: The Bridge to professional Nursing Practice. (5th ed). St Louis, MO: Elsevier. Institute Of Medicine. (2004). In the nation’s compelling interest: Ensuring diversity in the health care workforce. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. Institute Of Medicine. (2010) “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health (2010).” Retrieved November 8, 2012 from http://iom.edu/Reports/2010/The-Future-of-Nursing-Leading-Change-Advancing-Health.aspx National League for Nursing. (2010) Nursing education research: Graduations from RN programs. Accessed November 8, 2012 from http://www.nln.org/research/slides/topic_graduations_rn.htm