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. In the report, several recommendations were made, such as removing barriers for APNs to enter practice, expanding their scope of work, and increasing their roles in leadership within healthcare organizations.
The IOM’s report has had a significant impact on APN roles. One of these is the increasing emphasis placed on advocacy and leadership. In the report, APNs were urged to take on leadership roles in their healthcare organizations as well as the implementation and development of healthcare policy. Many APNs are now in leadership positions, including Chief Nursing Officers or other executive roles within healthcare organizations.
APNs should also be engaged in research to develop guidelines for evidence-based practices, as recommended by the IOM. The APN’s role has been reshaped to include more research and scholarship. Many APNs are pursuing higher degrees or engaging in nursing research.
The creation of the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree (DNP), as an example of how the IOM Report has impacted the role of APNs, is one specific impact. Report recommended APNs to pursue doctoral education in order to be prepared for the complexity of healthcare requirements. Many nursing schools now offer DNP programs that focus on evidence-based practices, leadership and healthcare policy.
Many APNs have taken on leadership positions, pursued advanced degrees and engaged in research for the advancement of nursing. APNs can improve the outcomes of patients by increasing their scope of practices, eliminating barriers, and expanding the leadership role.
Institute of Medicine. (2010). The future of Nursing: Leading Change, Achieving Health. National Academies Press.