Nursing workforce: a perspective for now and the future

The vital links between nursing workforce research and policy are clear. Documented findings on current and projected continued shortages of nurses have lead to new legislation and policies targeted to increase the numbers of qualified nurses and to improve the image of nurses. These initiatives will be effective only if there is concurrent leadership in the practice arena. Research and policy must be linked to practice through initiatives to strengthen leadership, develop new practice models that improve utilization of nurses and patient satisfaction, and strengthen nursing's participation in decision making in healthcare delivery.