The report considers that the health challenges facing the country in the 21st century are different from those faced in the past. It identifies significant changes including a population that is increasingly older, more diverse, and suffering from a variety of chronic rather than acute episodic illnesses. Additionally, the affordable care act has the potential to open the door to healthcare for a much larger population than ever before.

The IOM report finds that in this era of complex health care, a more educated nursing workforce is needed to meet evolving health challenges. Nursing has always been unique in that it has a variety of educational pathways for entry into practice. While few diploma programs remain, there are many associate degree in nursing (ADN) and baccalaureate (BSN) programs. The report does not address entry into practice, but rather focuses on a recommendation to further develop and utilize academic progression pathways for nurses that provide a seamless transition to higher levels of education. The IOM recommends increasing the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree from 50% to 80% and doubling the number of nurses with a doctorate by 2020.

Eastern AHEC is proud of its long history in supporting the RN to BSN program at East Carolina University College of Nursing and its recent support of the Regionally Increasing Baccalaureate Nurses (RIBN) program. Both of these models facilitate progression from ADN to BSN educational preparation for registered nurses.

FIND YOUR PATHWAY TO THE EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION THAT YOU NEED!