Development of the essential genetic and genomic competencies for nurses with graduate degrees

Scientific advances in genetics and genomics are rapidly redefining our understanding of health and illness and creating a significant shift in practice for all health care disciplines. Nurses educated at the graduate level are well-prepared to assume clinical and leadership roles in health care systems and must also be prepared to assume similar roles related to genetic/genomic health care. This chapter describes the processes used to create a consensus document identifying the genetic/genomic competencies essential for nurses prepared at the graduate level. Three groups were involved in the competency development; a steering committee provided leadership and used qualitative methods to review and analyze pertinent source documents and create an initial competency draft; an advisory board evaluated and revised the draft, and a consensus panel refined and validated the final set of competencies. The concensus process resulted in 38 competencies organized under the following categories: risk assessment and interpretation; genetic education, counseling, testing and results interpretation; clinical management; ethical, legal, and social implications; professional role; leadership, and research. These competencies apply to all individuals functioning at the graduate level in nursing, including but not limited to advanced practice registered nurses, clinical nurse leaders, nurse educators, nurse administrators, and nurse scientists and are intended to inform and guide their practice.