Let your voice be heard on the future of nursing

The Initiative on the Future of Nursing was launched at the beginning of 2009 by the Institute of Medicine, in collaboration with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). The committee’s aim is to produce a report in 2010 about how nursing can evolve to fit the ever-changing healthcare system, and they are asking nurses from around the country to voice their opinions on the future of nursing.

Over the next few months, the committee will examine, debate, and review evidence submitted from around the country in an effort to develop a blueprint for change. The nursing community is being asked to submit innovations/models and barriers/opportunities for the committee to review.

To submit suggestions and comments to the committee, visit www.iom.edu/nursing or e-mail nursing@nas.edu.

Officially, the committee will review the following areas:

• Reconceptualizing the role of nurses
• Expanding nursing faculty, increasing the capacity of nursing schools, and redesigning nursing education
• Care delivery and health professional education
• Attracting and retaining well-prepared nurses

The first public debate took place on Monday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and concerned acute care nursing. The next public debate is on December 3 in Philadelphia, where primary care, long-term care, community health, and public health are the main topics. Nursing education is the final topic to be discussed on February 22, 2010 in Houston.

Two committee members will discuss their work and the future of nursing on Thursday during the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s latest WIHI “talk show,” which is a free 60-minute Webinar beginning at 2 p.m. eastern time.

What are your thoughts on the future of nursing? How do you think nursing needs to change? Are you planning on submitting suggestions to the committee for review?

Source: HealthLeaders Media and The Institute of Medicine