Genetics and genomics in nursing: evaluating Essentials implementation

The goal of the present study was to determine how well selected essential knowledge elements and practice indicators from the Essential Nursing Competencies and Curricula Guidelines in Genetics and Genomics (Essentials) were being achieved. A cross-sectional survey design was used. Eligible participants were recruited from a convenience sample of attendees at a national nursing conference in October 2008. Of the 200 surveys distributed, 47 usable surveys (24%) were returned. The majority of respondents were current nursing faculty (45.7%). Only 36% of all respondents had read the Essentials document. Less than 30% of respondents had attended any recent genetic/genomic content continuing education. There were significant associations between having read the Essentials document and obtaining both recent genomic continuing education and conducting genetic research (p<0.01). The results from this survey indicate that the Essentials have not been well disseminated outside of those primarily interested in the subject matter. They further indicate that respondents were not well prepared to respond to patient queries about genetic testing. Nurse educators must be adequately educated to address genomics as it will eventually become commonplace, with global applications in health promotion, disease prevention, and diagnostic and treatment strategies.