Nurse IOM members’ contributions to the Institute of Medicine

BackgroundNursing is the largest health care profession, and Institute of Medicine (IOM) nurse members have the potential to contribute to health policy through IOM activities. We studied reported activities of IOM nurse members.PurposeTo describe activities of IOM nurse members within the IOM.MethodAn e-mail survey was conducted that asked nurse IOM members to assess self-reported IOM activities. Of 57 members, 47 had functioning e-mail addresses, and 33 usable responses were received. The survey consisted of 9 questions dealing with roles and responsibilities undertaken in the previous 5 years. Data analyses were descriptive.DiscussionThe data suggest that nurses have made considerable contributions to the IOM and their participation seems to be as high, or higher, than other disciplines.ConclusionsIn an era of health care reform, there is additional opportunity for nurse IOM members to enhance their work in the IOM.