Professional Development of Nursing Professionals

Impact of the IOM Report on Nursing Education, Leadership and Practice Nursing has become one of the fastest rising professions, not only in the United States but, in the world. Nurses have been regulated in their scope of practice for years. With The Affordable Care Act of 2010coming accessible to the public, nursing will be called in to utilize their skills to be in the forefront of accommodating the healthcare demands of society. For the first time, a medical doctor must work collectively and cooperatively with the nurse practitioner and the remaining team, delivering quality care for patients now and in the coming century. All patients from all walks of life and ethnicity and cultural backgrounds can benefit from this act. As the Affordable Care Act provides affordable healthcare to those without it will see the emergence of the nurse profession fill in the gaps of scarce physicians. To fill this gap, nurses will have to educate at a superior level curriculum that covers all specialties, especially primary care where there is a tremendous need. The primary focus in healthcare is shifting from acute care to preventable and long term care like primary care.

In this shifting environment, nurses can take on leadership roles. Through continued education, nurses can develop skills to primary care patients and take the burden and load off the physician. In 2010, recognizing the major shifts in healthcare delivery made possible by the Affordable Healthcare Act, the institute of medicine (IOM) published a landmark report on the future of nursing. The paper will show that the impact on nursing practice, nursing education and the nurse’s role as a leader. Transforming Practice: Impact on the IOM on Nursing Practice The Institute of Medicine reports “examines how enabling nurses to practice to the full extent of their education and training can be a major step forward in meeting [the] challenges” (IOM, 2010, p.86). To conquer the impact of transformation nurses will need higher degrees of education and training to assume the roles and be accountable for providing patient care without compromising quality care. Nurses should be able to provide quality care without being restricted.

Relieving all restrictions and having nurses freely give top notch care without compromising patient care is the primary concern. Egotistical attitudes that doctors know best are no longer applicable in the 21st century. This is a culture where patients are asking questions and seeking answers. Physicians and legislatures need to set aside all preconceived notions that nurse practitioners are going to take the place of physicians. Nurses will only lift the burden and provide primary care in areas where it is desperately needed now. (IOM, 2010). The point of shifting nursing practice is to: To provide patient-centered care; deliver more primary as opposed to specialty care; deliver more care in the community rather than the acute care setting; provide seamless care; enable all health professionals to practice to the full extent of their education, training, and competencies; and foster interprofessional collaboration. (IOM, 2010, p.87). Impact of Report on Transforming Education

The massive changes occurring in the health care system; will counterbalance the shortage of nurses, especially nurse practitioners. Nurses will be on the forefront to join forces with physicians to execute the Affordable Care Act of 2010 by providing the highest quality care to all patients. The education institute must integrate a more diverse population. It is well known that in the nursing population women have dominated the scene. However, with everyone having access to health care, healthcare is going to need all cultures, backgrounds and ethnicities to stand the test with its increasingly growing and changing market. The process of learning by no means terminates. Continuing education in the healthcare industry is a must.

Transforming education to provide a smooth transition between Associate of degree nursing (RN) to a Bachelor’s of science nursing (BSN) to Nurse Practitioner (NP) has to be uncomplicated to expand the load imposed by this new Affordable Care Act (ACA). Nurses should reach advanced stages of instruction, couching and training to extend all the way to doctoral level which places emphasis on research, which is required at the present moment to meet today’s requirement of the Affordable Care Act. Nurses have the aptitude, skill, and capability to meet this objective by seamlessly merging into one distinctive channel, from an Associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), to a Bachelor’s of science in nursing (BSN) to Nurse Practitioner (NP). (IOM, 2010). Impact of Report on Transforming Leadership

How can the profession transform leadership? Nurses need to take leadership roles and initiative not only at the bedside but within legislation, policy making, stakeholders, insurance and corporate arenas. Nurses’ voice need to be heard and given the importance so that physicians and nurses are all on the same to deliver healthcare that is quality and priority with the patient. Nurses need to redesign and reform the health care system by taking responsibility involved on decision making and to improve the delivery of care. They must speak the language of policy and work unified as a professional. Leadership that involves working with others needs mutual respect and a great deal of collaboration. (IOM, pp. 221, 2010).

Regardless of egotistical attitudes of physicians and preconceived notions of legislators, nurses must take this new responsibility through leadership, new continuing education and opportunities expanded practicing flawlessly and with ease will provide the best quality patient care is the futures. Leadership, education and practice are the most important aspect of the impact of nurses. (IOM, 2010).

References

Institute of Medicine (IOM) (2010, Oct. 5). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press, 2010. Retrieved from the World Wide Web: http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2010/The-Future-of-Nursing-Leading-Change-Advancing-Health.aspx