The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recently released “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” a 500+ page report, two years in development. The American Nurses Association (ANA) completed a high-level review of the report to provide immediate information and will continue to focus on additional details in future weeks.
As noted in the Executive Summary, the IOM Committee identified four key messages, and eight recommendations. Many report elements reflect the policy work ANA has been developing for decades, as well as our formal Agenda for the Future in 2002. The IOM report release and anticipated work to implement its recommendations provide ANA and its Constituent Member Associations (including NYSNA) with opportunities to showcase leadership and organization assets. It accelerates our work to achieve a robust future for nursing.
While the report contains commendable recommendations, the ANA believes there should be a greater focus on how registered professional nurses can optimize education and training in their practice. Furthermore, the report does not address workplace issues that impact recruitment and retention, including safe staffing, safe patient handling, violence and numerous other issues.
The Initiative on the Future of Nursing will convene a national conference, Nov. 30 - Dec. 1, to discuss implementation. The ANA will participate, and all internal member input will help prepare the ANA to fully engage in this meeting.
The New York State Nurses Association is the voice for nursing in the Empire State. With more than 36,000 members, it is the state's largest professional association and largest union for registered nurses. It supports nurses and nursing practice through education, research, legislative advocacy, and collective bargaining.