IntroductionNursing is one of the most popular professions in healthcare. To become a professional nurse, one must acquire a certain level of education, whether it is an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree. Once you become a nurse, there are a number of professional standards that must be met to stay current in the profession. In this regard, the Institute of Medicine (IOM), in its 2010 report, had suggested many recommendations focused on the future of nursing. The purpose of the report is to make recommendations that enable nurses to "(1) ensure that they can practice to the full extent of their education and training (2) improve nursing education, (3) provide nurses with the possibility of assuming leadership positions. and serve as a full partner in efforts to redesign and improve health care, and (4) improve data collection for workforce planning and policy development” (Institute of Medicine Report, 2010). The purpose of this article is to examine the IOM report and its impact on nursing, particularly nursing education, nursing practice, and nursing leadership. Impact of the IOM Report on Nursing Education The future of nursing education is one of the key recommendations made in the IOM report. report. The report emphasizes the need for highly qualified nurses and an improved education system. According to the IOM report, the nursing education system of the last century does not meet current health care needs. Due to the complexity of patient care, nurses must be highly competent in order to provide exceptional quality care. Thus, changes in nursing education must be part of the overall changes to our nation's health care. The IOM also addresses the need for nurses to be properly trained to care for a... middle of paper...... rather than an associate's degree. The IOM report also provides guidance for charge nurses in setting goals as front-line leaders. Additionally, the IOM recommends that nurses broaden their horizons by working in full partnership with physicians and other healthcare professionals. References Folan, P et al, (2012). Leadership Initiatives to Spread the Future of Nursing from the Institute of Medicine. Nursing Policy, Policy, and Practice, 13(1):38-44.Institute of Medicine of the National Academies. (2010). The future of nursing: leading change, advancing health. Retrieved from http://www.iom.edu/reports/2010/the-future-of-nursing-leading-change-advancing-health.aspxSherman, RO, Schwarzkopf, R and Kiger, AJ, (2011). Charges nurses' perspectives on frontline leadership in acute care environments. International Scientific Research Network,2011:164052