Topic: The Future of Nursing 2020-2030
Language Style: English (U.S.)
Order Instructions:
Review the National Academy of Medicine’s 2021 report, “The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity,” located in the topic Resources.
Write a 550-750 word paper discussing the influence of the report on nursing practice. Include the following:
Review the recommendations of The National Academy of Medicine 2021 report and explain why health equity is significant in this report.
Define social determinants of health. Discuss one of the determinants and how this impacts health equity.
Describe the role nurses have in improving health equity and impacting social needs.
Discuss the significance of self-care to decrease nursing burnout. What self-care and evidence-based strategies are available for nurses to maintain personal and spiritual health?
You are required to cite a minimum of three sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be appropriate for the assignment and relevant to nursing practice.
The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: A Path to Health Equity
In 2021, the National Academy of Medicine released a seminal report titled “The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity.” This report holds immense significance in shaping the landscape of nursing practice in the coming decade. It not only outlines recommendations for the future but also underscores the critical importance of health equity, elucidating the role of nurses, and addressing the burnout crisis. In this article, we delve into the impact of this report on nursing practice and its implications.
The Significance of Health Equity
The National Academy of Medicine’s 2021 report places a profound emphasis on health equity as a central theme. Health equity refers to the absence of disparities in health outcomes and access to healthcare among different population groups. The report recognizes that achieving health equity is a moral imperative and essential for a just and equitable society. It underlines the fact that health disparities persist, affecting vulnerable and underserved communities disproportionately. To rectify this, the report calls for a commitment to dismantling systemic barriers and ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to attain their highest level of health.
Social Determinants of Health
Central to the pursuit of health equity are the social determinants of health. These are non-medical factors that influence an individual’s health and well-being. One such determinant highlighted in the report is socioeconomic status. Socioeconomic status encompasses elements such as income, education, and occupation. Disparities in socioeconomic status directly impact health equity as individuals with lower socioeconomic status often face barriers to accessing quality healthcare, healthy living conditions, and education.
The Role of Nurses in Improving Health Equity
Nurses play a pivotal role in improving health equity and addressing social determinants of health. They are often on the front lines of patient care, making them uniquely positioned to identify and mitigate health disparities. Nurses can advocate for their patients, ensuring that they receive appropriate care regardless of their background. Additionally, nurses can engage in community outreach and education, working to bridge gaps in healthcare access and knowledge.
The report emphasizes the importance of cultural competence among nurses. Being culturally competent enables nurses to understand and respect the diverse backgrounds and needs of their patients. It ensures that care is tailored to individual circumstances, contributing to better health outcomes and increased health equity.
The Significance of Self-Care in Nursing
Nursing burnout is a pressing issue that can hinder the ability of nurses to provide high-quality care and contribute to health disparities. Recognizing this, the report highlights the significance of self-care as a means to combat burnout. Self-care encompasses various activities and strategies that nurses can employ to maintain their personal and spiritual health.
Evidence-based self-care strategies include mindfulness meditation, regular exercise, and seeking social support. These practices not only improve mental and emotional well-being but also enhance resilience in the face of stress and burnout. Moreover, organizations should prioritize creating a work environment that supports nurses in their self-care efforts.
Conclusion
The National Academy of Medicine’s 2021 report, “The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity,” serves as a guiding light for nursing practice in the coming decade. It underscores the critical importance of health equity, recognizes the impact of social determinants of health, and highlights the central role of nurses in addressing these issues. Moreover, it emphasizes the significance of self-care in combating nursing burnout, ensuring that nurses are well-equipped to deliver high-quality care to all individuals, regardless of their background.
This report paves the way for a future in which nursing practice is not only focused on treating illness but also on promoting health equity and social justice. As nurses embrace these principles and integrate them into their daily practice, they become powerful agents of change, contributing to a healthier, more equitable society.
Works Cited:
National Academy of Medicine. (2021). The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity. Retrieved from [insert link]
Braveman, P., & Gottlieb, L. (2014). The social determinants of health: It’s time to consider the causes of the causes. Public Health Reports, 129(Suppl 2), 19-31.
Halter, M. J., Rolin-Kenny, S. S., & Dzurec, L. C. (2010). A decade of studying and caring for ourselves: The state of the science of self-care. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 28(1), 9-14.
Smiley, R. A., Lauer, P., Bienemy, C., Berg, J. G., Shireman, E., Reneau, K. A., & Alexander, M. (2018). The 2017 national nursing workforce survey. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 9(3), S1-S88.
