The Institute of Medicine report (IOM) presented a recommendation detailing the analysis on nurse roles, education and responsibilities ought to change (Masters, 2014). Such changes are significant because they will respond to the needs of increasing, aging, diverse and constantly changing needs of the healthcare system. The recommendations are structured in a way that they touch on significant issues such as lifespan, health needs and willingness of the nursing staff (Caputi & National League for Nursing, 2015). The core objectives of these recommendations are to heighten nurses’ involvement in providing high-quality care and providing supportive effort of refining general health care. This paper seeks to expound on how I will fit into the Institute of Medicine recommendation in the nursing practice.
The first recommendation was to ensure that there is an increase in the proportion of nurse who possesses baccalaureate degree to 80% by 2020 (Masters, 2014). The objective of strategy for increasing the percentage of nurses with baccalaureate degree was to encourage freshly hired nurses who have not acquired them to do so by 2020. The role of education in providing high-quality health care cannot be underestimated. The reason is that health issues are becoming more sophisticated with time and hence will require well-educated nurses to respond to this ever increases challenges (Caputi & National League for Nursing, 2015). Accordingly, my enrolment in this baccalaureate degree is very significant because I stand to be counted among the nurses with such qualification in future. This achievement will enable my fellow nurses and me to offer our knowledge that is highly needed to respond to the changes in health care. At the same time, the intensive training on leadership skills while undergoing these studies will enable me to use these skills to take nursing to the next level (Friberg & Creasia, 2016). Correspondingly, acquisition of baccalaureate degree will allow me to acquire additional research skill that is vital for addressing complex challenges in this profession. These skills will enable me to serve the community better.
Besides, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) also emphasized the need to double the number of nurses who possess doctorate by the year 2020 (Caputi & National League for Nursing, 2015). Nurses with doctorate degrees will be very useful to the entire nursing profession because they will be able to instruct, direct and organize other nurses on advanced skills and the most current information in the profession. Currently, there are only one percent of nurses who have been able to acquire doctorate. Primarily, the number may substantially decrease by the year 2020 (Friberg & Creasia, 2016). The shortfall in the number of nurse educators will interfere with the process of training new nurses. My plan is first to finish my bachelor degree, join master’s program immediately such that I will not be late in joining doctorate program. This recommendation is very much in line with my plan to become an instructor and a prominent researcher in the field of nursing (Friberg & Creasia, 2016). It will also give me the opportunity to develop my leadership skills that will enable me to make vital decisions in health care which is my ultimate goal in this profession. Conversely, the program requires the input from university trustees, public and private funders, academic administrators, and other accrediting bodies to fulfill this recommendation by 2020.
The Institute of Medicine also recommended that there is the need to create a proper nursing environment which will facilitate lifelong learning among nurses (Masters, 2014). Lifelong learning is a suitable strategy to enhance knowledge, maintain clinical proficiencies and respond to the demands of the dynamic and transformed health care system. As a nurse, I will immediately seize the opportunity and take action aimed at establishing strategies that will enable me to build my academic progression because it is in line with my lifelong goal. This recommendation will allow other nurses and me to acquire skills and knowledge on the current changes and new research information basis and thus keep us up to date (Friberg & Creasia, 2016). At the same time, it will enable me to engage in practical and realistic academic discussion with fellow nurses.
Increasing my level of education will inevitably affect how I compete in the current job market because progressive health institution is not only looking for nurses but knowledgeable individuals with relevant academic and practical knowledge (Masters, 2014). I am already pursuing my baccalaureate degree and passionately and enthusiastically working hard to attain my dream in this profession. I have higher chances of acquiring not only a job but an opportunity to work for a reputable health institution such that I will be exposed to the toughest challenges to develop the best solutions.
Increasing my level of education affect my role in the future of nursing in that it will enable me to improve my skills in critical care, medical research, case management and pharmaceutical industry among other areas (Caputi & National League for Nursing, 2015). It will also enable me to acquire leadership skills because of encountering and solving numerous challenges in the field of nursing. I also expect to travel a lot and meet other nurses in other parts of the world with diverse approaches to the different situation. These recommendations are all in line with my aspiration as a nurse.
Institute of Medicine report (IOM) recommendations are revolutionary as far as nursing profession is concerned. Such changes are significant because they will respond to the needs of increasing, aging, diverse and constantly evolving needs of the healthcare system. Some of these recommendations include ensuring that there is an increase in the proportion of nurse who possesses baccalaureate degree to 80% by 2020 and doubling the number of nurses who possess doctorate by the year 2020. Moreover, create a proper nursing environment which will facilitate lifelong learning among nurses is also among the recommendation. I have positioned myself to fulfill these recommendations, and thus this is a great opportunity for me. Increasing my education level will also enable me to be marketable and efficient when working as a nurse in a reputable organization. All the recommendations are in line with my aspiration as a nurse.
- Caputi, L., & National League for Nursing, (2015). Innovations in nursing education: Building the future of nursing. Washington, DC: National League for Nursing.
- Friberg, E. E., & In Creasia, J. L. (2016). Conceptual foundations: The bridge to professional nursing practice. Maryland Heights, Missouri: Elsevier/Mosby.
- Masters, K. (2014). Role development in professional nursing practice. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.