Incorporating genetics into nursing practice

Integrating Genetics into Advanced Practice Nursing Curriculum: Strategies for Success

Keeping up with the volume of new genetic information emerging from the human genome project is a challenge for almost all healthcare providers, but nurses who received little or no formal genetic training often find it particularly intimidating. Nursing faculty may be reluctant to add genetic content to existing courses, much less tackle the work of teaching an entire course in genetics. This article provides nursing faculty with some strategies and straightforward curriculum modifications to assist them in integrating genetic content into graduate-level nursing curriculum. Advanced Practice Nurses in particular should understand genetics well enough to be aware of and appreciate the wide variety of genetic conditions that might be encountered in a clinical setting. The authors offer practical suggestions for incorporating genetics into Advanced Practice Nursing curricula.

Faculty Members Perceptions of Medical Genetics and Its Integration into Nurse Practitioner Curricula

This study assessed faculty members' perceived knowledge of medical genetics concepts and conditions, the importance of integrating this content into NP curricula and how this was being done. During a national NP conference, 40 NP faculty voluntarily completed surveys. Participants' perceived knowledge of genetics varied; 35% noted low or very low knowledge, and only 5% reported high or very high knowledge. Most participants (95%) believed genetics is important, but only 10% reported having separate genetics courses in their NP programs. Approximately half of the participants reported personal involvement in genetics NP education, and 50% reported barriers to implementing it into their curricula. Most faculty indicated they did not feel comfortable teaching genetics, nor did they have formal training in the area. Advancing medical genetics into NP curricula will require ongoing faculty development and training to sustain and build genetics skills and competencies for advanced practice nurses.

Knowledge, Perceptions, and Attitudes of Advanced Practice Nursing Students Regarding Medical Genetics

PURPOSE

To describe the current medical genetic knowledge and perceptions of graduate advanced practice nursing (advanced practice nurse [APN]/nurse practitioner and nurse anesthetist) students using survey data for future integration of genetic topics, principles, and healthcare issues into curriculum.

DATA SOURCES

Survey data of APNs' perceived knowledge of genetics and a review of the literature from past research studies of students and current articles from professional journals and organizations. Web sites were those of the National Coalition of Health Professions for Education in Genetics and National Institutes of Health, Human Genome Research Institute; professional organizations; and the authors' professional, clinical, and educational experiences.

CONCLUSIONS

Most APN students perceived they had minimum knowledge and prior training regarding medical genetics. There is a need to integrate genetic concepts, principles, and medical conditions into advanced practice nursing curriculum and to provide clinical experiences in genetic conditions across the life span and throughout the health and illness spectrum. APN students have positive attitudes toward integrating genetics into graduate curricula. Potential methods for program integration include readings, small group discussion, standardized patients, and role-play as measures to increase information.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The National Coalition for Health Profession Education in Genetics, the American Nursing Association, and the American College of Nursing Education have recommended integration of genetics knowledge and skills into routine health care to provide effective interventions for individuals and families. However, previous research and data from this study have revealed that many nurses have minimal training in genetics. Advanced practice nurses must be knowledgeable on genetic principles, topics, and the ethical, legal, and social implications related to medical genetics to increase the ability to diagnose, prevent, and treat diseases and to provide effective care for individuals and families.

International Collaboration on Genomics Education for Nurses

The International Society of Nurses in Genetics began in 1988 as a venue for nurses around the world to advance their knowledge and practice related to genomics. This article discusses how the organization has conducted an annual international nursing conference, promoted the incorporation of genomics topics into continuing education programs and professional nursing journals, assisted with the incorporation of genomics content into undergraduate and graduate nursing curricula, and defined genetics as a clinical nursing specialty. Genomics education is relevant to nursing practice in all specialty areas and significant to the future of health care.

Genomics Education for Nurses in Practice

Genomics information will make it possible to identify individuals who have, or are at risk to develop, health problems and to diagnose and treat them in ways that until recently were not possible. The majority of nurses in practice today do not have adequate knowledge about genomics. This article describes a diverse and extensive education program initiated to provide information to nurses. Important aspects to consider for all nursing genomics education programs are that they need to be relevant to practice, multifaceted, and ongoing as information continues to unfold about the human genome and application to healthcare.