Genomics in nursing education

To review international efforts to incorporate genetics content into nursing education curricula.

A discussion of the progress in nursing education programs in selected countries to educate students for genomics-based health care. Information is based on review of the literature and curriculum change efforts by the authors.

The lack of agreed-upon minimum competencies impedes efforts to educate nurses for genomics-based health care. Nationally and internationally recognized documents are useful for collaborative efforts to establish minimal competencies in knowledge, skills, and attitudes for nurses with basic and advanced education. Curriculum change that incorporates minimum competencies will require nursing faculty to improve their knowledge base in genomics-based health care. Partnerships among nurses in different countries are needed for successful genomics education programs for faculty.