IOM Future of Nursing Report: implications for gerontological nursing science.

In the past several years, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) has provided a clear blueprint for improving the health of older adults through two signifi cant reports—Retooling for an Aging America (2008) and Th e Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health (2010). Together, these reports have implications for research in gerontological nursing, and with the implementation of the Patient Protection and Aff ordable Care Act (2010), the need for action related to the recommendations of these reports is even more pressing. Both reports address preparing a strong workforce in practice, research, and education, equipped with the skills to advance health and improve our systems of care. Retooling for an Aging America addressed the aging population in particular, whereas Th e Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health focused on how nursing can advance the health of our nation. As the health of our nation largely refl ects the health of our older adult population, enactment of these reports’ collective recommendations could signifi cantly improve the ability of our systems of care to address the complex health care needs of older adults. Th e Robert Wood Johnson Foundation partnered with AARP’s Center to Champion Nursing in America and has funded a national campaign to enact the recommendations of the Future of Nursing (IOM, 2010) report. Th e Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action poses an opportunity for gerontological nurse scientists to capitalize on the national campaign to advance the synergistic recommendations from both previous IOM reports (visit http:// campaignforaction.org for more information). In our opinion, there are three major priorities for gerontological nurse scientists: