Campaign for action. (2018). Progress continues on IOM future of nursing report

The Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) 2010 report, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health, has had a significant impact on the nursing profession, including the Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) role. The report identified several key recommendations, including the need to remove barriers to practice for APNs, expand their scope of practice, and increase their leadership roles in healthcare organizations.

One example of the impact of the IOM report on the APN role is the increased emphasis on leadership and advocacy. The report highlighted the need for APNs to be leaders in healthcare organizations, as well as in the development and implementation of healthcare policy. As a result, many APNs have taken on leadership roles, such as serving as Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs) or in other executive positions within healthcare organizations.

Additionally, the IOM report recommended that APNs be involved in research and the development of evidence-based practice guidelines. This has led to an increased emphasis on research and scholarship within the APN role, with many APNs pursuing advanced degrees and engaging in research to advance the field of nursing.

One specific example of the impact of the IOM report on the APN role is the creation of the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. The report recommended that APNs pursue doctoral-level education to ensure they are prepared to meet the complex healthcare needs of the population. As a result, many nursing schools have developed DNP programs, which focus on leadership, healthcare policy, and evidence-based practice.

The impact of the IOM report on the APN role has been significant, with many APNs taking on leadership roles, pursuing advanced degrees, and engaging in research to advance the field of nursing. By increasing the scope of practice, removing barriers to practice, and expanding leadership roles, APNs have been able to improve patient outcomes and contribute to the development of a more effective and efficient healthcare system.

Reference: Institute of Medicine. (2010). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. National Academies Press.