Description/Overview: Registered Nurses (RNs) are recognized as the linchpin of all healthcare systems in the world, numbering over three million in the United States. Historically, nurses were rarely recognized for their contributions to healthcare, and seldom participated in policy developments that impacted healthcare delivery. However, stakeholders in the healthcare community are beginning to recognize nurses' contribution and potential to positively impact healthcare delivery. The passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) in 2010 provides nurses a unique opportunity to play a vital role in shaping the U.S. healthcare system. To successfully engage in healthcare policy development and decision-making, nursing must first rise to the challenge of developing a critical mass of nurse leaders for the profession. In addition, each nurse must take ownership of their own professional development and career advancement within nursing and among the multidisciplinary healthcare team. Issues that require attention include effective integration of internationally educated nurses into the U.S. workforce, standardizing the entry level education for nursing, and development of a uniform professional development and career advancement trajectory with corresponding incentives for nurses to participate in career advancement and professional development opportunities. To realize these goals, nurse leaders must engage frontline nurses in leadership development through a positive work environment and mentorship. Research shows mentorship and self-efficacy as key elements in professionals’ participation in career advancement and professional development opportunities. This research explored the relationship of mentorship and self-efficacy on professional development and career advancement of nurses. In addition, factors that facilitate or serve as barriers to nurses’ professional development and career advancement were identified.

Learner Objective #1: Discuss opportunities and challenges for nursing to play a vital role in shaping the future of the 21st century U.S. healthcare system

Learner Objective #2: Discuss research related to how nursing can play a vital role in shaping the future of the 21st century U.S. healthcare system