Princeton, N.J. — The National Academy of Medicine (formerly the Institute of Medicine) today released a report on the progress achieved to date on the recommendations set forth by the Institute’s 2010 report, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. The Campaign for Action, a nursing initiative developed by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and AARP, has worked with nurses nationwide since 2010 to advance the committee’s recommendations. 

“While nurses are a known and integral player in meeting America’s primary and acute care needs, there’s growing recognition that nurses are a critical linchpin in building bridges among health care, the community, and the social supports needed to create a Culture of Health—so that everyone in America lives the healthiest life possible.

Today’s report underscores the importance of a diverse workforce of nurses who work to their full potential. While we are making progress toward that goal, there is more to do, and we look forward to collaborating with the business, education, nonprofit, and other sectors to position nurses to maximize their impact. There are more than 3 million registered nurses in the United States—the largest group of health care providers—but the health challenges America faces simply cannot be met without a nursing workforce that is bolstered by stakeholders within and outside the larger health care community.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has unwaveringly supported nursing initiatives for more than four decades. Now, more than ever, the role that nurses play in improving the health of everyone in America—and the health care system we all rely upon—is clear.”

Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, MD
President and CEO,
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

“Today’s report from the National Academy of Medicine provides an important analysis of a very bold vision for the future of nursing in keeping with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s vision of making America healthier. We are proud of the solid progress made in increasing the number of nurses with advanced degrees, expanding the number of states with broader scopes of practice, bringing more nurses into leadership positions, and increasing workforce diversity. We have built the infrastructure needed to make continued progress in all of these areas through an active, engaged network of nurses and other key stakeholders participating in Campaign for Action coalitions in all 50 states. Yet we have a great deal of work left to do. We must increase the number of nurses serving in leadership positions, and further expand the number of states in which nurses can practice to the full extent of their education and training. This impact study will help us hone our efforts and continue galvanizing our profession, but we must also look beyond the nursing community and begin collaborating across other professions and sectors. We will not realize a Culture of Health in our country without nurses and we must equip them to take up their role in making our schools, our communities, our corporations, and our nation healthy.”

Susan Hassmiller, PhD, RN, FAAN
Senior Adviser for Nursing and Campaign for Action Director,
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

“We are gratified the committee has noted our progress and believe, as the report says, we should build on our successes to improve health care practice in the interest of consumers. A strong nursing workforce is critical to helping people achieve health security and live their best lives, and at AARP, we agree with the committee that consumers need and deserve access to the high-quality care that nurses provide.

From AARP’s earliest days, we have been focused on the pursuit of health and health security for the 50-plus. Eight years ago, AARP established the Center to Champion Nursing in America with the goal of strengthening the nursing workforce so consumers have access to high-quality, affordable health care. Everything we know about the future of health and health care tells us that nurses must play a leading role in building a healthier nation. As the Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action looks to the future, the report’s recommendations will serve as an invaluable road map to help us refine our focus and accelerate our progress as we continue our work to build a healthier America through nursing. ”

Susan Reinhard, PhD, RN, FAAN
Senior Vice President and Director, AARP Public Policy Institute
Chief Strategist, Center to Champion Nursing in America,
AARP

ABOUT THE FUTURE OF NURSING: CAMPAIGN FOR ACTION

The Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action works to implement the Institute of Medicine’s recommendations on the future of nursing, and is coordinated by The Center to Champion Nursing in America (CCNA). The Campaign and CCNA are initiatives of AARP, the AARP Foundation, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.