Genomics education in nursing in the United States

Discovery of the genetics/genomics underpinnings of health, risk for disease, sickness, and treatment response have the prospects of improving recognition and management of at risk individuals; improving screening, prognostics, and therapeutic decision-making; expanding targeted therapies; and improving the accuracy of medication dosing and selection based on drug metabolism genetic variation. Thus, genetics/genomics science, information, and technologies influence the entire health care continuum and are fundamental to the nursing profession. Translating the benefits of genetics and genomics into health care requires that nurses are knowledgeable about and able to integrate this information and technology into their practice. This chapter explores the development of essential nursing competences in genetics and genomics and outcome indicators. Included is an overview of projects aimed at measuring and/or supporting adoption and integration of such competencies. Included as well is an update reviewing current evidence of the state of genomics nursing education in the United States and recommendations for next steps.