Integrating Genetics into Advanced Practice Nursing Curriculum: Strategies for Success

Abstract

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.

Understanding undergraduate nursing students’ knowledge of, and attitudes to, prenatal genetic screening in Malaysia: A preliminary study

“…Similarly, Sobhy et al found that nursing students who are well informed about genetic counselling services are better informed about genetic education and can provide genomics education to their patients [13]. The research findings emphasize the importance and urgency of education that focuses on both prenatal genetics and screening [12].…”

Genetics and genomics integration into undergraduate nursing education

“…This is the future of the nursing profession and these are the essential elements for a 21st century nurse. The goal to increase genetic and genomic understanding, awareness and appreciation [24] is the requirement of all nurse educators, nurses and healthcare providers. As such, the nursing profession, as a whole, must be prepared to be active participants with effective roles in genetic and genomic healthcare.…”

Nursing Students’ Self-Reported Knowledge of Genetics and Genetic Education

“…Education which focuses on increasing nursing awareness of the significance of genomics and enables students to acquire a basic understanding of the impact of genetics and genomics on clinical practice can provide an important foundation for further genomics education [43]. However, nursing faculties may be reluctant to add genetics to existing courses, let alone tackle the work of teaching an entire course in genetics [44].…”