The IOM insisted on advanced nursing education, including research, leadership skills, and evidence-based practice to balance nurses’ skills and knowledge with their growing role. More than ten years have passed since this landmark report; thus, its influence can be estimated. According to Thew (2019), the number of BSN-prepared nurses has significantly increased and will likely reach the recommended 80% of nurses by 2029. Some states are closer to the goal than others; for instance, Hawaii is at 72% (Thew, 2019). The number of active RNs with doctoral degrees doubled since 2010, following the plan. In terms of leadership, more nurses started to serve on health-related and corporate boards, commissions, and panels with the Nurses on Board Coalition’s help. BSN-prepared nurses enjoy such opportunities as improving the skills and knowledge that lead to broader nursing practice and a higher overall care level.
The percentage of people aged 65 and older continues to increase due to the aging of baby boomers bringing opportunities and challenges for the health care system. Moreover, today people enjoy higher life expectancy than ever before. Also, the aging population becomes more racially and ethnically diverse. This population demands more well-educated nurses than ever before to address their specific health care needs. The demand for nurses is expected to increase by 16% from 2014 to 2024 (BLS, 2019). Therefore, health care settings need more well-trained and educated nurses to assist aging adults in coping with chronic illnesses and diseases.
Get your customized and 100% plagiarism-free paper done in as little as 3 hours
The nursing profession is very dynamic, requires quick decisions and best possible practices. Health care practitioners must be motivated by the essential culture of lifelong learning to address the evolving challenges related to aging (IOM, 2010). Health care delivery continues its advancement in terms of the technology involved; thus, clinicians should update and enrich the knowledge they received with an initial degree. Only continuous intellectual expansion and growth can ensure a high level of nurses’ expertise needed for the entire career. It will help the US healthcare system address health issues of diverse populations within the health-illness continuum.
With the advancement of health care systems, the role of nurses in patients’ care becomes indispensable. Without a doubt, the primary duty associated with nursing is the best possible care for a patient. However, nurses are also expected to improve patient management by supporting initiatives that increase quality and reduce care costs. Nurse-led innovations, their engagement in transformative research, new technology use, and expansion of practice scope lead to an improved healthcare system. An excellent nursing structure is key to advanced health care delivery to all generations. The former is not possible without nurses’ lifelong education and practicing to the full scope.
Institute of Medicine. (2010). The future of nursing: Leadership change, advancing health. Web.
Order this paper