Nurses collaborating with cross disciplinary networks: starting to integrate genomics into practice

Area of Science:

• Genomic Medicine
• Nursing Practice
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Healthcare providers are increasingly expected to integrate genetic discoveries into practice.
• Translating genomic knowledge for consumer benefit requires culturally appropriate approaches.
• Collaboration is essential for nurses to gain national and international recognition and funding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To encourage and inspire nurses to seek collaborative, multi-disciplinary networks.
• To facilitate the integration of genomics into health-care practice and education.
• To discuss strategies for implementing genomic integration in practice settings.

Main Methods:

• The concept of "scholarly tailgating" is introduced as a networking strategy.
• Leveraging relationships with seasoned researchers, educators, and practitioners.
• Focus on utilizing expert knowledge from diverse international groups.

Main Results:

• Nurses can become agents of change within multi-disciplinary networks.
• Scholarly tailgating can lead to professional growth, exposure, and funding opportunities.
• This approach can contribute to decreasing health disparities.

Conclusions:

• Nurses should actively pursue collaborative, multi-disciplinary networks.
• Genomic integration into healthcare requires strategic networking and knowledge sharing.
• Scholarly tailgating offers a framework for nurses to advance genomic healthcare and reduce disparities.