Grand Canyon University Effective Services in The Healthcare System Discussion

***Comment this**

We must embrace the positive changes that need to take place within our healthcare system in order to continue to advance the health and wellness of the population of our country. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) provided us with recommendations for the future of nursing that when followed will help transform our health care needs and the future of nursing . (IOM, 2011)

I believe ensuring that nurses engage in lifelong learning is one of the most effective recommendations given by the IOM to create change. (IOM, 2011) This also lines up with the American Nurses Association and our Code of Ethics which also encourages lifelong learning. I saw this when I was working at the hospital and at my current employer when they have monthly classes offering continuing educational credits, they encourage us to obtain our certification, and they also offered tuition reimbursement when continuing on in our nursing education. When nurses are constantly learning, this helps expand their knowledge base which then helps them provide better care to the patients.

I believe the other recommendation that would be most effective is the ability to prepare and enable nurses to lead change to advance health. (IOM, 2011) This really helps nurses take ownership of their education and leadership abilities, and when you take ownership of them then you are more accountable. We have wonderful online learning at work that encourages us to take classes in leadership that we can earn continuing educational credits toward our license renewal. They also offer a mentoring program that they will pair you with another nurse who is usually in a leadership position. While we do have a clinical section at work, we do have nurses dispersed all through our organization which helps bring the unique perspective that only a nurse can bring.

I think both of these recommendations by the IOM help to evolve the advanced practice registered nurse role because they encourage the nurse to always grow and expand their knowledge. The more education, diverse knowledge that one brings to the patients results in more favorable outcomes for the everyone.