Introduction
The IOM Future of Nursing recommendations can play a positive role in improving the quality of patient care. Such recommendations focus on “the best practices and initiatives that can ensure more nurses practice to the extent of their training and education” (Blegen, Goode, Park, Vaughn, & Spetz, 2013, p. 90). This personal reflection explains how I will fit into some of the IOM Future of Nursing recommendations.
Recommendation
- This recommendation is aimed at “increasing the number of nurses with baccalaureate degrees to over eighty percent before 2020” (Blegen et al., 2013, p. 89). In order to be part of this goal, I will begin by pursuing a baccalaureate degree. This degree will equip me with evidence-based ideas and competencies that can support my career goals (Blegen et al., 2013). By so doing, I will be in a position to deliver quality medical care to my clients.
- One of the targeted healthcare goals is to have more practitioners with doctorate degrees. In order to be part of this IOM Future of Nursing goal, I will enroll for a doctorate degree after finishing my baccalaureate program. I strongly believe that the new program will widen my competencies and make me a skilled healthcare administrator (Blegen et al., 2013).
- I have always undertaken numerous studies and researches in order to improve my competencies. It has always been my duty to consult different publications, theories, and models in nursing practice. McFadden and Thiemann (2009) argue that “lifelong learning is a powerful practice that presents powerful concepts that can be used to deliver evidence-based care” (p. 424). I have been interacting with different researchers and professionals in healthcare. Such practices explain why I fit into this IOM Future of Nursing recommendation.
My Options in the Job Market
Competitiveness in the Job Market
The decision to increase my level of education will make me competitive in the job market. Nursing shortage remains a major challenge in our country’s healthcare sector. Individuals who have quality education have higher chances of getting better jobs. As well, the newly-acquired skills will make me a competent provider of health support (Blegen et al., 2013). These skills will make it easier for me to provide evidence-based and quality care to my patients. The ability to deliver quality to more patients will increase my bargaining power in the job market. A doctorate degree will also prepare me for a leadership role in nursing. I will use this new role to transform the health experiences and outcomes of my clients. Basically, the newly-acquired education will support my career objectives.
My Future Role in Nursing
Caregivers with advanced education tend to deliver quality support to their patients. My new level of education will transform my role as a practitioner. Nurses are “no longer practicing in the clinic environment only” (McFadden & Thiemann, 2009, p. 425). The increased level of education will equip me with appropriate competencies that can make me an independent provider of evidence-based care. I will embrace modern informatics, cultural-competencies, and theoretical models that can improve my nursing practice (Blegen et al., 2013). My new leadership skills will make it easier for me to empower every follower and patient. The ultimate goal will be to deliver quality support to patients from diverse backgrounds. This fact explains why the above recommendations are essential towards improving the quality of nursing.
Reference List
Blegen, M., Goode, C., Park, S., Vaughn, T., & Spetz, J. (2013). Baccalaureate Education in Nursing and Patient Outcomes. JONA, 43(2), 89-94.
McFadden, J., & Thiemann, L. (2009). Evidence-Based Practice for Lifelong Learning. AANA Journal, 77(6), 423-426.