Rwjf and IOM the Robert Wood Johnson

RWJF and IOM

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) decided to partner with the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to discuss the "Future of Nursing" and worked to document ways that the field of Nursing could support health issues of today. They decided to undertake this objective in order to deliberate and study potential answers to address the many complicated health problems facing not only the U.S. But all countries of the world (Robert Wood Johnson, 2011). In addition to documenting solutions, they wanted to address the concerns at the most suitable timing to coincide with governmental policy concerning health reforms. Thirdly they desired to put in place improvements that would actually impact the health of citizens not just create more policy. In the U.S. The new Health Care Reform bill that was passed will significantly change how health care is implemented. RWJF felt that they needed to strengthen the nursing labor force and IOM became involved. Together they believed they could under gird the nursing industry by positioning them to facilitate how health care is administered in the new system. The collaboration of the two organizations brought credibility and support to the effort (Robert Wood Johnson, 2011). Both organizations were on one accord that the level of nursing desired would not be achieved without raising the bar in terms of education, leadership, and licensure.

The importance of the IOM report was to elevate the role and expertise nursing had to offer to health care (Robert Wood Johnson, 2011). Nursing as a whole has the opportunity to become more relevant and instrumental in consolidating the solutions that result in a quality health experience (Robert Wood Johnson, 2011). The report on the "Future of Nursing" is the result of dedicated research and study that fosters agreement and commitment from the medical community as well as nursing workforce. It is designed to promote the highest quality of health care and prevent illness for the lives of all people (Robert Wood Johnson, 2011). The nursing profession needs the support of the entire industry of health professionals in order to carry out their mission. It is important for other health professionals to recognize the value the nursing profession brings to health care and realize how it can be utilized to enhance their own health practices. The aim of IOM is to elevate nursing in the eyes of health professionals as a valuable asset in supporting their efforts.

The Campaign for Action is designed to get States involved in establishing coalitions of nursing professionals to communicate the "Future of Nursing" recommendations.

The purpose of the Campaign is to implement the recommendations and support all Americans in receiving the very best quality of health care that is patient-centered (Robert Wood Johnson, 2011). It calls for all levels of health care professionals to join the effort including sectors of health, business, community, as well as consumer groups. These coalitions have the job of working with state leaders in achieving the "Future of Nursing" initiatives.

Four Key Areas of Focus for "Future of Nursing" (Acteonline.org, 2012)

1. Nurses should practice to the full extent of their education and training.

2. Nurses should achieve higher levels of education and training through an improved education system that promotes seamless academic progression.

3. Nurses should be full partners, with physicians and other health professionals, in redesigning health care in the United States.

4. Effective workforce planning and policy making require better data collection and an improved information infrastructure.

Recommendations of "Future in Nursing" (FutureofNursing.org, 2012)

Recommendation 1: Advanced practice registered nurses should be able to practice to the full extent of their education and training.

Recommendation 2: Expand opportunities for nurses to lead and diffuse collaborative improvement efforts.

Recommendation 3: Implement nurse residency programs.

Recommendation 4: Increase the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree to 80% by 2020.

Recommendation 5: Double the number of nurses with a doctorate by 2020.

Recommendation 6: Ensure that nurses engage in lifelong learning.

Recommendation 7: Prepare and enable nurses to lead change to advance health.

Recommendation 8: Build an infrastructure for the collection and analysis of inter-professional health care workforce data.

The reason states are called on to support "Future of Nursing" is they can provide the necessary authorization, resources, and cooperation from the health, business, community health, and educational leaders within the state implementing recommendations.

With each state having a coalition, it is highly likely that the solutions will be implemented across the country and thereby achieve a joint commitment and recognition at the national level. In addition the network provided by state coalitions to support one another increases the probability of defining best practices, document and measure lessons learned, and reduce redundant programs (O'Connell, 2012).

North Carolina's state based action coalition is focused on Recommendation 3 by promoting ongoing education and life-long learning, with more opportunities to participate in residency programs and develop skills of leadership (O'Connell, 2012).