The Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” was released in 2010. The report called for a number of changes in nursing related to education, practice, and leadership.

The report made 10 recommendations, including:

• Increasing the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree to 80% by 2020.
• Doubling the number of nurses with doctorates by 2020.
• Ensuring that all nurses have the opportunity to engage in lifelong learning.
• Removing scope-of-practice barriers to allow nurses to practice to the full extent of their education and training.
• Increasing the number of nurses in leadership positions.
• Fostering interprofessional collaboration.
• Investing in nursing research.
• Developing a national strategy for nursing workforce planning and development.
• Measuring the impact of nursing on health outcomes.
• Advancing the public’s understanding of the value of nursing.

The report has been influential in shaping the future of nursing. Since the report was released, there has been progress in many areas.

For example, the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree has increased from 58% in 2010 to 68% in 2020. The number of nurses with doctorates has also increased, from 9,000 in 2010 to 15,000 in 2020.

In addition, many states have removed scope-of-practice barriers for nurses, allowing them to practice to the full extent of their education and training. For example, in 2016, California passed a law allowing nurse practitioners to practice independently without a physician’s supervision.

There has also been progress in increasing the number of nurses in leadership positions. For example, the American Nurses Association (ANA) now has a Chief Executive Officer who is a nurse.

Overall, there has been significant progress in the nursing profession since the IOM report was released. However, there is still more work to be done. The report called for a number of bold changes, and it will take time to fully implement them.

The video you watched, “Partnering for Better Health,” highlights the importance of nurses in the healthcare system. Nurses play a vital role in providing care to patients, and they are essential partners in improving the health of the population.

As you advance your degree in nursing, you will be contributing to the progress of the profession. You will be learning the skills and knowledge that you need to be a successful nurse, and you will be joining a profession that is making a difference in the world.

I am excited for you to be advancing your degree in nursing. I believe that you will make a positive impact on the lives of your patients and the health of the population.