
The Institute of Medicine’s The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health, published in 2010, offers the nursing workforce a map to follow to keep up with the changing needs of the diverse patient population. One of the four main goals included in this report is that nurses should strive to achieve higher levels of education. Two ways that can be achieved is through advanced practice status, such as Certified Nurse Practitioner, or through specialty nursing certifications, such as CEN (Certified Emergency Nurse). According to a 2020 survey of nursing professionals, about 56% of men and 49% of women are considering pursuing higher education, certification or training.