Bringing the Institute of Medicine's report to life: developing a Doctor of Nursing Practice orthopedic residency.

The increasing number of Americans needing orthopedic health care is a growing concern given the aging population and the diminishing pool of primary and specialty care physicians. In a call to action, the Institute of Medicine's report, The Future of Nursing, advocates for innovative solutions, including the transformation of nursing education and practice, to meet the health care needs of our nation. Preparing nurse practitioners to fill this gap through the development of an orthopedic residency option within the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree can fulfill this need.