Genetic practice, education, and research: an overview for advanced practice nurses

Area of Science:

• Genetics and Genomics in Nursing
• Genomic Medicine

Background:

• Genetic information is rapidly expanding, with significant implications for public health.
• Nine of the top ten leading causes of mortality have genetic components, underscoring the need for genetic literacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the impact of the genomic era on advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).
• To highlight the importance of genetics and genomics in APRN patient care, education, and research.

Main Methods:

• Recognizing the deficit in formal genetics education for APRNs.
• Identifying the need for state-of-the-science genetic information for clinical and educational application.

Main Results:

• APRNs require continuing education in genetics to effectively manage patient care.
• Essential knowledge includes risk classification, individualized prevention, pharmacogenetics, and genetic testing referrals.

Conclusions:

• Genetics and genomics are timely and relevant to APRN practice, education, and research.
• APRNs must actively participate in genomic healthcare, leveraging family history, risk assessment, and pharmacogenetics to advance nursing.
• The uniqueness of each patient is increasingly evident in the future of genomic nursing.