Running head: EXAMINING THE FUTURE OF NURSING 1
Examining the Future of Nursing
Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V
, EXAMINING THE FUTURE OF NURSING 2
Anticipating many imminent challenges for the United States health care system, in 2010, the
Institute of Medicine released the report, “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing
Health” describing a new vision for health care that would depend heavily on sweeping
reformations of the nursing profession.
Key Messages of the Report
In the endeavor to bridge gaps in the nation’s health care system, the Institute of
Medicine’s 2010 report outlined four main objectives aimed at improving the nursing profession:
to transform nursing practice, education, and leadership, as well as improve the collection and
availability of workforce data. To increase access to quality care, barriers that prevent nurses
from practicing to the “full extent of their education and training” should be eliminated (Institute,
2011, pg. 29). Nursing laws and regulations vary greatly among states, are often outdated, and
hinder the profession’s potential (Institute, 2011). Additionally, promoting a more highly
educated nursing population by improving and increasing accessibility of nursing education
would increase the profession’s ability to influence positive change in health care. (Institute,
2011). Furthermore, fostering nurse leadership and collaboration with other healthcare
disciplines would advance health care though nursing’s knowledge base (Institute, 2011).
Influences on Education and Leadership
The 2010 IOM report has had a strong influence on nursing education and leadership
over the past decade. Most notably, the goal of making a BSN degree an entry-level requirement
for registered nurses is gaining traction. In a survey completed by 447 nurse executives,
researchers found that nearly 80% of surveyed institutions preferred or required their nurses to
hold bachelor’s degrees (Fackelmann, 2015). Achieving higher degrees better prepares nurses to
take on leadership positions (Institute, 2011). Furthermore, in an effort to support nurses in
Examining the Future of Nursing
Grand Canyon University: NRS-430V
, EXAMINING THE FUTURE OF NURSING 2
Anticipating many imminent challenges for the United States health care system, in 2010, the
Institute of Medicine released the report, “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing
Health” describing a new vision for health care that would depend heavily on sweeping
reformations of the nursing profession.
Key Messages of the Report
In the endeavor to bridge gaps in the nation’s health care system, the Institute of
Medicine’s 2010 report outlined four main objectives aimed at improving the nursing profession:
to transform nursing practice, education, and leadership, as well as improve the collection and
availability of workforce data. To increase access to quality care, barriers that prevent nurses
from practicing to the “full extent of their education and training” should be eliminated (Institute,
2011, pg. 29). Nursing laws and regulations vary greatly among states, are often outdated, and
hinder the profession’s potential (Institute, 2011). Additionally, promoting a more highly
educated nursing population by improving and increasing accessibility of nursing education
would increase the profession’s ability to influence positive change in health care. (Institute,
2011). Furthermore, fostering nurse leadership and collaboration with other healthcare
disciplines would advance health care though nursing’s knowledge base (Institute, 2011).
Influences on Education and Leadership
The 2010 IOM report has had a strong influence on nursing education and leadership
over the past decade. Most notably, the goal of making a BSN degree an entry-level requirement
for registered nurses is gaining traction. In a survey completed by 447 nurse executives,
researchers found that nearly 80% of surveyed institutions preferred or required their nurses to
hold bachelor’s degrees (Fackelmann, 2015). Achieving higher degrees better prepares nurses to
take on leadership positions (Institute, 2011). Furthermore, in an effort to support nurses in
