The Impact on the Future of Nursing from the 2010 IOM Report Marianne Green
Grand Canyon University
February 4, 2012
The Impact on the Future of Nursing from the 2010 IOM Report The impact of the 2010 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report on nursing education has outlined the need for nurses with higher degrees due to the changes required in caring for a more diversified population. In the 21st century, health care challenges have shifted dramatically. The population of America is older and by the year 2030 an estimated 20 percent of the population will be 65 and older. The change in cultures and socioeconomic factors has become more diverse and the need for new approaches in care is needed. The complexity of health care environments requires a higher quality of care as most health care professionals are dealing with more chronic illnesses nationwide (Institute of Medicine, October 5, 2010). The competencies required to perform higher levels of care include leadership roles, evidence-based practice and research, health policies and system improvement. These are often obtained through teamwork and collaboration. Higher education needs are required to fill management positions and expanding roles in nursing. The IOM is calling for nurses to obtain higher levels of education and utilize new ways of teaching so they are better prepared to care for the changing needs of the population (Institute of Medicine, October 5, 2010). Education has not taken into account the need for community care settings as much as it has focused on the acute care of nursing. Many schools across the nation have compressed the information into curriculum and added content that requires more instruction. “Greater emphasis must be placed on competencies related to community health, public health, primary care, geriatrics, disease prevention, health promotion, and other topics beyond the provision of nursing care in...