ONS Applauds IOM Report on the Future of Nursing

Thursday, October 07, 2010

The Institute of Medicine’s latest consensus report on the “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health” provides support for the crucial role of nursing in addressing the increased demand for services expected from healthcare reform legislation. The report advocates for an expanded advanced practice nursing scope of practice, calling for the removal of state and federal barriers that limit this role. The report also calls for nurses to be full partners with physicians in redesigning our country’s healthcare system.

The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) participated in development of the IOM report, which was prepared in conjunction with the Robert Wood Foundation, by providing written testimony. The report’s recommendations are consistent with ONS’s Health Policy Agenda and statements in relation to the nursing shortage and healthcare reform.

“We applaud the vision of the IOM report and the support of patient-centered, safe, and affordable care provided by advanced practice nurses,” said ONS President Carlton Brown, PhD, RN, AOCN®. “We also recognize the important role that organizations like ONS have in continuing to promote and communicate about the unique contributions and expertise of advanced practice nurses in providing safe, patient-centered care. For those who work with patients with cancer, this is a critical role in supporting patients, quality of life, and positive survivorship experiences.”

Listen to the IOM’s Public Briefing.