Describe the work of the Robert Wood Foundation Committee Initiative that led to the IOM report, “Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health.”

Iom Future of Nursing Report and Nursing

Introduction In 2010, the Robert Wood Foundation Committee Initiative led to the development of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report titled “Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health.” This report contained recommendations that aimed to improve nursing practice, education, leadership, and workforce development in the United States. In order to advance the goals set forth in the report and implement its recommendations, state-based coalitions have been formed. This paper explores the impact that the IOM’s report and state action coalitions have had on nurse practice, nursing education and workforce developments. This paper will examine the Florida action alliance’s initiatives and discuss current barriers to nursing advancement.

Work of the Robert Wood Foundation Committee Initiative Robert Wood Foundation Committee Initiative arose from the need to examine the nursing profession in its entirety and the system of healthcare. This initiative brought together nursing leaders, health care professionals, and others to find solutions for the challenges that the nursing profession faces. The initiative led to the formation of the IOM committee, which was tasked with developing the “Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health” report.

Four main messages from the IOM Report. In the IOM Report, there were four major themes that shaped its recommendations. The first key message was to “ensure that nurses can practice to the full extent of their education and training.” This recommendation aimed to remove barriers that limit the scope of practice of nurses and expand their roles in healthcare delivery. Implementing this recommendation led to advanced nursing roles, such as clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, and nurse anesthetist.

The second key message was to “improve nursing education.” The recommendation was to increase the number of nurses with baccalaureate and higher degrees and to ensure that nursing education programs are preparing nurses to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare system. Implementing this recommendation led to an increased number of nurses who have advanced degrees, and nursing programs which integrate interprofessional training.

The third key message was to “provide opportunities for nurses to assume leadership positions and to serve as full partners in healthcare redesign and improvement efforts.” The recommendation aimed to increase the visibility of nurses in healthcare leadership positions and provide them with opportunities to contribute to healthcare policy and decision-making. This recommendation was implemented and led to the creation of nurse leadership programs and an increase in nurses’ representation on healthcare policy.

The fourth key message was to “improve data collection and the information infrastructure for effective workforce planning and policy making.” The recommendation aimed to improve the collection and use of data to inform workforce planning and policy-making decisions. This recommendation was implemented and led to a development of nurse workforce data sets, as well as the use of these data in nursing workforce planning.

State-based Action Coalitions: Their role State-based Action coalitions have been formed in order to implement recommendations from the IOM Report at state levels. These coalitions gather stakeholders in nursing, healthcare and other fields together to further the goals that are specified in the IOM report. These coalitions aim to eliminate barriers to nurse practice, improve nursing education, training and leadership, as well as improving workforce planning, policy and strategy.

Initiatives spearheaded by Florida Action Coalition Florida Action Coalition is leading several initiatives that will advance the IOM’s goals. The Florida Nurses on Boards Coalition is one of several initiatives that aims to improve the number of nurses on Florida’s healthcare boards. The Coalition provides nurses with training and materials to help them prepare for positions of leadership on healthcare boards.

The Nurse Residency Program is another initiative of the Florida Action Coalition. This program is intended to support newly licensed nurses in their transition to practice. This program provides structured learning opportunities and mentoring to support nurses in their development.